Qualitative evaluation of a high school mental health program

Expanded school mental health (ESMH) programs offer a comprehensive range o f mental health services (evaluation, therapy case management) to youth in special and regular education. Research is needed to document that these pr ograms are in fact providing quality care to youth and leading to enhanced outcomes. In this exploratory study, focus groups were conducted with high school students receiving mental health services and students not receiving services, therapists, parents, administrators, and health care staff to ga uge the quality and effectiveness of an ESMH program. It was difficult to s chedule parents for group sessions; thus, interviews also were conducted wi th this group. Focus groups and interviews were effective methods for under standing strengths, areas for improvement, and outcomes for our ESMH progra m. Participants reported that therapy sewed as a protective factor; enhanci ng physical and mental health and reducing risk for teenagers. Ideas for im proving clinical practice were developed from study results.