ERIC Number: EJ761786
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004-Nov
Pages: 10
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0033-3085
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Shifting from Categories to Services: Comprehensive School-Based Mental Health for Children with Emotional Disturbance and Social Maladjustment
Heathfield, Lora Tuesday; Clark, Elaine
Psychology in the Schools, v41 n8 p911-920 Nov 2004
To meet the present and future educational and mental health needs of our nation's youth, current models of mental health service delivery need to be reformed. Any more time spent arguing the differences between categories such as Emotional Disturbance (ED) and Social Maladjustment (SM) will only delay much needed services and deplete our already limited resources. Children's mental health needs are not being met in the current model of service delivery. It is proposed that school psychology facilitate the move toward a comprehensive school-based mental health service model. This type of model is consistent with many of the 2002 Futures of School Psychology Conference goals. This model also recognizes the importance of children's social-emotional functioning in that positive mental health directly impacts the learning potential of children. Additionally, the comprehensive school-based mental health service model emphasizes the importance of prevention and early intervention. These proactive strategies are desperately needed to more effectively meet the rising numbers of youth with mental health needs. By focusing on preventing emotional and behavioral disorders and intervening early at the onset of symptoms, students will no longer have to wait until they are classified as ED or SM to receive much needed services. School psychology can play a pivotal role in the reform efforts toward a comprehensive school-based mental health service model that promotes positive mental health in all children.
Descriptors: Adjustment (to Environment), Early Intervention, Health Services, School Psychology, Health Needs, Emotional Disturbances, Behavior Disorders, Mental Health, Mental Health Programs, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), School Role
John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Subscription Department, 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774. Tel: 800-825-7550; Tel: 201-748-6645; Fax: 201-748-6021; e-mail: subinfo@wiley.com; Web site: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/browse/?type=JOURNAL
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A