School-Linked Mental Health Services
School-Linked Mental Health Services Fact sheet (PDF)
School-Linked Mental Health programs embed mental health services in schools.
They work to:
- Increase access for children and youth who are uninsured or underinsured
- Improve outcomes for children and youth with diagnosed mental health issues
- Improve identification of mental health issues for children and youth
Schools reduce barriers such as:
- Financial/insurance
- Childcare
- Transportation
- Employment concerns
- Mistrust/stigma
- Past experiences
- Waiting List/intake process
- Stress
School-Linked Mental Health services have proven particularly effective in reaching children who have never accessed mental health services. Many children with serious mental health needs are first identified through this program. In addition, students of color served were significantly more likely to be accessing mental health services for the first time compared to white students.
Results include:
- Coordination of care, with services delivered to where the kids are at.
- Increased access and sustained engagement in treatment
- Evidence-based mental health services from highly-trained mental health professionals regardless of their insurance status.
