Analysis of a School-Based Behavioral Health Program: Exploring the Value of Mental Health Services for Vulnerable Students

This paper explores the effectiveness of public school-based mental health treatment for K-12 students. Extant clinical data from 2017- 2018 for behavioral health service recipients (n = 874) was used in this analysis. Relationships among clinical diagnosis at discharge, duration in treatment, student participation, and status of mental health improvement were examined. Logistic regression explored associations among variables of interest. Results indicate 74.3% (n = 649) of students were identified by clinicians with improvement in mental health status at discharge. The most prominent mental health diagnoses being treated in the schools were depression, anxiety, and trauma. Students involved in treatment were over 15 times more likely to be categorized as having an improved mental health status; students who lacked participation were 63% less likely to improve. Our results highlight the necessity for school administrators to prioritize and support school-based mental health services. The findings provide school administrators guidance, evidence, and impetus for implementing effective school-based mental health programs.

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Mental Health Status, Need, and Unmet Need for Mental Health Services Among U.S. Pacific Islanders

Psychiatric Services ◽

10.1176/appi.ps.201800455 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 70 (7) ◽

pp. 578-585 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Andrew M. Subica ◽

Nia Aitaoto ◽

Bruce G. Link ◽

Ann Marie Yamada ◽

Benjamin F. Henwood ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Status ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Unmet Need ◽

Mental Health Status ◽

Pacific Islanders

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COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health Status of Saudi Citizens Living Abroad

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18157857 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (15) ◽

pp. 7857

Author(s):

Marwah Ahmed Behisi ◽

Hussain M. Altaweel ◽

Reham F. Gassas ◽

Mansour Aldehaiman ◽

Abdulmajeed A. Alkhamees

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Status ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Psychiatric Symptoms ◽

Global Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Status ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Health Crisis

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health crisis associated with unprecedented levels of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has been suggested to contribute to a great burden on global mental health. We assumed that individuals in quarantine outside their home country would be more vulnerable to developing mental health disorders during the current pandemic and might face difficulties in accessing mental health services. Aim: To explore the degree of association between the COVID-19 pandemic and mental health status of Saudi citizens living abroad. Objectives: (1) To measure the prevalence and risk factors of mental health problems among Saudi citizens studying and living abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) to assess the correlation between the COVID-19 pandemic and mental health status of Saudi citizens living abroad; and (3) to explore the level of anxiety/depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from August 2020 to September 2020 using a self-administrated questionnaire composed of sociodemographic, (GAD-7) and (PHQ-9) scales. Results: A total of 64% of participants experienced psychiatric symptoms during the pandemic, and 34% and 30% met the diagnostic criteria for symptoms of depression and anxiety, respectively. The risk of psychological symptoms was more likely experienced by females, young, single, or divorced, or those who were living alone. In addition, those who lived in the UK and Ireland were more likely to develop depressive and anxiety symptoms. More than 80% appreciated the response of the Saudi government and embassy to meet the MH needs of students undergoing quarantine abroad and in Saudi Arabia. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic represents an unprecedented threat to global mental health. Two-thirds of study participants who were in foreign countries during the COVID-19 pandemic reported anxiety or depressive symptoms. Living away from family and friends was significantly associated with increased loneliness and psychological distress. These and other findings highlight the need to remove barriers preventing easily accessible online mental health services, social and family support, and timely provision of resources.

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Potentialities and challenges of digital health in psychiatry in Kashmir, India

Digital Health ◽

10.1177/20552076211019908 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

pp. 205520762110199

Author(s):

Sheikh Shoib ◽

SM Yasir Arafat

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Status ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Digital Health ◽

Unmet Need ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Mental Health Status ◽

Effective Strategy ◽

Kashmiri Population

Telepsychiatry has been recommended as a cost-effective strategy to meet the high unmet need for mental health services to the remote and areas with conflict. The current COVID-19 pandemic along with lockdown measures to prevent the spread of the disease has worsened the mental health status of the Kashmiri population.

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