Mental Health Service Use Among Adolescents Experiencing Emotional/Behavioral Problems and School Impairment

Abstract

Mental health service utilization research is needed for students who are likely to receive school mental health services, yet little research exists for adolescents experiencing emotional/behavioral problems and school impairment. This study addressed this gap using secondary data analyses conducted on baseline data from a large trial testing school-based interventions for high school students ( n = 647) experiencing emotional/behavioral problems and school impairment. Analyses examined the number and type (community-based or school-based psychosocial, inpatient, pharmacological treatment) of services used, and sociodemographics associated with services. Sixty-nine percent had received at least one service for their emotional/behavioral problems prior to the study, with nearly half of those having only received a single service. Community-based psychosocial and pharmacological treatments were most common. White adolescents and those in special education were more likely to have received services, particularly community-based and pharmacological treatment. On average, adolescents had not received any services until early adolescence. Findings add to increasing literature on the current status of service use among adolescents with emotional/behavioral problems and the potential for schools to increase access for those in need.

Comparison of Educationally Labeled and Nonlabeled Adolescents With Emotional and Behavioral Needs

“…In summary, although numerous conceptual papers and epidemiological studies have examined the gap between the estimated prevalence and identification rates of students with emotional and behavioral problems (e.g., Forness et al, 2012aForness et al, , 2012b, none has explored the differences between students with and without an EBD label (George et al, 2018). Information of this nature could expand our understanding of variables associated with identification and other related consequences, such as disciplinary procedures.…”

Asian American adolescents' mental health literacy and beliefs about helpful strategies to address mental health challenges at school

“…School‐based mental health services serve an essential role in addressing youth mental health needs. Schools can provide easy access to mental health services, and about half the students diagnosed with mental health disorders nationwide receive services at school (George et al, 2018). These services are instrumental in identifying mental health difficulties sooner through early screening, reaching lower‐income youth, and providing preventive programming.…”

Adolescent Enrollment in Psychosocial Care: Do Parents Make a Difference?

“…Care for adolescents with EBP is often unequally distributed, with some adolescents not receiving any care. The percentage of adolescents with EBP who never received care for their EBP varies across studies from about 30% [ 13 , 14 ] up to more than a half [ 15 ]. Parental perceptions of their adolescent’s need for care may play a role in adolescent enrollment in care.…”