School-Based Mental Health Services for At-Risk Students

The current mental health system is currently not working, and this is particularly true for our youth. Mental health needs are similar in urban and rural areas; however, each area most often lacks adequate resources. As such, schools have become one of the primary ways that youth receive mental health services. Some better known school-based approaches would be the 3-tier system that includes Response to Intervention and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports that is focused on altering the entire school by enhancing existing systems and procedures. A newer trauma-based approach is known as Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools. There is growing need for monitoring existing School Based Mental Health Services (SBMH), providing better quality assurance, and more networking among schools, districts; and beyond to include the US and other countries that are actively involved with SBMH.