Abstract
Youth in urban areas have been effected by a reduced availability of mental health services and increased contact with serious risk factors. School mental health (SMH) programs may be an optimal avenue for providing services to these youth who otherwise might not receive treatment. In this pilot study, we examined change in adolescent reports of behavioral and emotional functioning for youth receiving SMH services in inner-city schools. Results indicate minor improvements, but not clinically significant changes in functioning at 12- and 18-month follow-ups. Youth identified as having a greater number of resilience factors were more likely to remain in and complete therapy. Adolescents reported feeling satisfied with their treatment; high satisfaction was positively related to perceptions of clinicians as being warm, caring, and exhibiting positive regard for them.