Evidence-based behavioral health practices in school settings
Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Date
2024
Department/School
Psychology
Publication Title
Evidence-Based Behavioral Health Practices in Pediatric Specialty Settings
Abstract
Behavioral health problems in children interact bidirectionally with academic and social functioning, which uniquely positions schools to provide wide-reaching behavioral health services. Within the Multi-Tier Systems of Support (MTSS) Model, schools provide services to children at various levels, including preventative interventions for all students to enhance socio-emotional well-being, targeted interventions for students with emerging mental health concerns or vulnerabilities, and intensive treatments for students with severe problems. Many models of school behavioral health interventions currently exist, such as Positive Behavior Interventions Support, Behavioral Health Team, Community and School-Based Behavioral Health Service, and the Mokihana program, which focus on reducing externalizing behavior, increasing positive behavior, and enhancing community collaborations. While there are many benefits to school-based behavioral health interventions, including multidisciplinary treatment, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness, there are special challenges associated with school-based interventions including limitations on intervention targets and logistical constraints. Interventions in school settings also need to be implemented with sensitivity to prevent stigmatization of students receiving care, improve parental buy-in, and increase teachers’ understanding of mental health. More resources are required to train professionals specifically in the school-based setting, enhance supervision, and rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of school-based interventions. Moreover, there is a need for more interventions targeted at preschool-aged children and internalizing issues such as anxiety and depression, and more attention and sensitivity to issues of diversity, inclusion, and equity. Recommendations and future directions are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Lawler, J. M., Jain, M., Freeman, S. E., Freehling, E., Schmitt, A. P., & Hawkins, C. (2024). Evidence-based behavioral health practices in school settings. In A. Maragakis & M. Janikian (Eds.), Evidence-based behavioral health practices in pediatric specialty settings (pp. 101–123). Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-71004-9_6
Comments
J. M. Lawler is a faculty member in EMU's Department of Psychology.
C. Hawkins is a faculty member in EMU's School of Social Work.
*M. Jain, S. E. Freeman, and E. Freehling are doctoral students in EMU's Department of Psychology.