Experiences of Caregivers and Students in an Elementary School–Based Mental Health Counseling Practicum Program

The Factor Structure of Child Behavior Checklist Scores With Elementary School Students Referred to Counseling Within Low-Income Communities

“…Due to the rapid emotional and physiological development of children, exposure to trauma and childhood maltreatment at an early age may have serious psychological, behavioral, and academic consequences (Osofsky et al, 2015). Due to the abovementioned risk factors, children living in low-income communities and of ethnic minority backgrounds may experience high rates of mental health issues, which go often untreated due to barriers in receiving appropriate psychological services (e.g., limited transportation, lack of funds, stigma; Lambie et al, 2019; Solomon et al, 2016), and these mental health disorders often persist into adulthood.…”

The Influence of School-Based Family Counseling on Elementary Students and Their Families

“…Implications for schools include seeking a partnership with a local university and their counselors-in-training programs to provide school-based family therapy at the school (Gerrard & Soriano, 2013; Soriano et al, 2013). Providing a program for youth in schools can reach students who may not otherwise access mental health services (Gamble & Lambros, 2014) and reduce social stigmatization (Solomon et al, 2016). District and school administrators can further support school-based, family counseling interventions by providing resources such as time and space for counseling sessions and supporting the inclusion of family-based counseling.…”

“…SBMHCS have been shown to be effective in benefiting children, families, and the school community in a variety of ways including engagement and attendance (Anakwenze & Zuberi, 2013). In school settings, children and their families are more engaged in counseling services and exhibit increased cooperation with treatment interventions made by school-based mental health professionals compared with counseling settings in outside agencies (Mince, 2000; Perfect & Morris, 2011; Solomon et al, 2016). A research synthesis of 23 studies investigating the effectiveness of mental health services delivered in school-based settings found that adolescents were 21 times more likely to utilize school-based mental health services compared to community health centers (Bains & Diallo, 2016).…”

“…Elementary school students from low SES families experience higher rates of mental health concerns, which left untreated may persist into adulthood (Solomon et al, 2016; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2001).…”