School mental health services: a study of current practices in central New Jersey public schools

This study investigated current practices of school mental health services in central New Jersey public schools. Seven Directors of Special Education were interviewed to obtain information about mental health service providers, types of mental health services available, prevalence of school-based mental health centers, staff development on mental health issues, and the most effective services and programs. Participants also provided information about the gaps that still need to be filled to meet the mental health needs of students and how they would fill these gaps. All participants indicated that mental health services are provided within their school district. The most common service providers of mental health services were school counselors (100% of participants indicated mental health services are provided by school counselors), school social workers (100% of participants indicated mental health services are provided by school social workers), and school psychologists (85.7% of participants indicated mental health services are provided by school psychologists). Only two of the seven participants indicated there is a school-based mental health center within their district to provide expanded mental health services. Results suggested that school-based mental health centers, prevention programming, and specific individuals including school psychologists were the most effective at meeting students’ mental health needs. Results also indicated that more prevention programming and staff training is needed to fully meet students’ mental health needs. Additional findings as well as recommendations, limitations, and implications for school psychologists are discussed.Psy. D.Includes bibliographical referencesby Allison Lynn Gallegl