Mental health care in a high school based health service

Adolescence, Spring, 1998 by Lisa Jepson, Linda Juszczak, Martin Fisher

The availability of quality health care in schools can increase the likelihood that students will become future consumers of medical and mental health services, while the exposure to such care can decrease existing stigmas attached to utilizing these services. In addition, the goals of school-based health centers can be achieved without restricting the contributions of other school personnel who are also committed to promoting the well-being of students. Finally, although the findings presented here describe the health services at one inner-city high school, we believe these data provide a relevant depiction of student needs and an optimal approach to meeting those needs.

Table 1

Services Provided at the School-based Health Center

I. Dental Services

On-Site Dental Services (6 Months Each Year)

II. Health Education

Classroom Health Education

Group and Individual Patient Education

III. Medical Services

Comprehensive Medical and Psychosocial History (Intake)

Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute and Minor Medical Problems

Dispensing of Selected Medications

Family Planning

Gynecologic Care

Immunizations

Laboratory Testing

Management of Chronic Medical Problems

Physical Exams

Prescriptions

Referrals to Specialty Services

STD Treatment

Well Child Care for Students' Children

IV. Mental Health Services

Comprehensive Developmental, Medical, and Psychosocial History

Crisis Intervention and Follow-Up

Family Counseling

Group Therapy

Individual Mental Health Assessment and Treatment

Mental Health Referrals Social

Services

The authors thank Glenda Combs, C.S.W., for her assistance with data collection, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for its support.

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