Enhancing School-Based Mental Health Services With a Preventive and Promotive Approach to Universal Screening for Complete Mental Health

Abstract

Universal screening for complete mental health is proposed as a key step in service delivery reform to move school-based psychological services from the back of the service delivery system to the front, which will increase emphasis on prevention, early intervention, and promotion. A sample of 2,240 high school students participated in a schoolwide universal screening to identify behavioral and emotional distress as well as personal strengths. School psychologists, as part of a multidisciplinary team, coordinated the use of these screening data to engage in preventive consultation with administration to make decisions regarding the refinement and expansion of mental health service delivery options. Schoolwide and individual student prevention and intervention activities were tailored according to screening results. The roles of the school psychologist and multidisciplinary team members are discussed as critical components of this approach to service delivery change. Implications for future consultation research, practice, and training are provided.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank the coordination of services team members and staff of East Valley High School and Sylmar High School for their dedication and collaboration throughout all aspects of this project.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Erin Dowdy

Erin Dowdy, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology at the University of California Santa Barbara.

Michael Furlong

Michael Furlong, PhD, is a Professor and Director of the Center for School-Based Youth Development at the University of California Santa Barbara.

Tara C. Raines

Tara C. Raines, PhD, is a Lincy Assistant Professor of School Psychology in the Department of Educational Psychology and Higher Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Bibliana Bovery

Bibliana Bovery, PhD, is a School Psychologist with the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Beth Kauffman

Beth Kauffman, PhD, is the Director of the Division of Special Education with the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Randy W. Kamphaus

Randy W. Kamphaus, PhD, is the Dean of the University of Oregon College of Education.

Bridget V. Dever

Bridget V. Dever, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the College of Education at Lehigh University.

Martin Price

Martin Price, PhD, is an educator and administrator with the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Jan Murdock

Jan Murdock, PhD, is a School Psychologist with the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Note: The authors report that to the best of their knowledge neither they nor their affiliated institutions have financial or personal relationships or affiliations that could influence or bias the opinions, decisions, or work presented in this article.