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Dissertation
Preventative Mental Health Screening in High School: Improving Screening and Access of Mental Heath Resources
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2024
Abstract
Background: Despite an increase in prevalence and worsening mental health among adolescents, access to mental health resources remains inadequate. The use of school-based mental health services offers the potential to improve the identification and treatment of adolescents with mental health concerns.
Purpose: To address the lack of school-based mental health services in a rural high school by implementing a mental health screening program with mental health education.
Methods: In August 2023, 318 students were invited to take the Pediatric Symptom Checklist-Youth Report (Y-PSC) to screen for mental health concerns. If mental health concerns were identified, students were referred to school-based counseling. School record audits measured the improvement in identification of mental health concerns and utilization of counseling services before and after implementation. All teachers at the high school were invited to participate in an educational presentation on general information regarding mental health, how to identify signs of mental illness, and knowing available resources. A pre- and post-survey measured knowledge and confidence when working with students with mental health concerns before and after education. Qualitative interviews were conducted to assess the impact on the implementation of the screening program and education in the high school.
Findings: 26 high school students were screened by the Y-PSC, 11 (42.3%) of which screened positive for mental health concerns. Of those 11 students, 4 were newly identified as having mental health concerns. Utilization of counseling services in the high school increased from 5 to 10 students after screening. After education, teachers showed increased knowledge (5%) and confidence (17%) regarding working with students with mental health concerns.
Discussion: These findings support that implementing a mental health screening program in school can improve early identification and utilization of services. Additionally, educating teachers on mental health can equip them with necessary skills to support students.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Preventative Mental Health Screening in High School: Improving Screening and Access of Mental Heath Resources
- Creators
- Weston Bietz - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Barbara St. Marie (Chair) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Poster
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Date degree season
- Spring 2024
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 1 page
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2024 Weston Bietz
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects
- Record Identifier
- 9984627257402771
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