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Expanded School Mental Health: Challenges and Opportunities in an Emerging Field

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Abstract

Reviews the need for and development of expanded school mental health (ESMH) programs, which provide a continuum of mental health promotion and intervention through school–community partnerships. Since ESMH is a relatively new, but increasingly prominent field, countless issues are being addressed in practice and research and in efforts to bridge practice and research. We review particular content and context dimensions of ESMH in need of development including quality assessment and improvement, empirically supported practice, improving assessment and outcome evaluation, involving educators in the work, understanding school environments, and tailoring programs through qualitative research. Summaries of articles that amplify these themes are provided.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland

    Mark D. Weist

  2. Center for School Mental Health Assistance, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 737 West Lombard Street, 4th Floor, Baltimore, MD, 21201

    Mark D. Weist

  3. James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia

    Steven W. Evans

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  1. Mark D. Weist
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  2. Steven W. Evans
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Correspondence to Mark D. Weist.

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Weist, M.D., Evans, S.W. Expanded School Mental Health: Challenges and Opportunities in an Emerging Field. J Youth Adolescence 34, 3–6 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-005-1330-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-005-1330-2

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