PlanoUp!: A pilot program for the identification and treatment of depression for youth in low-income secondary schools

Sch Psychol. 2024 Jul;39(4):377-386. doi: 10.1037/spq0000622.

Abstract

Rates of depression in youth are continuing to increase at a steady rate, yet these youth often do not receive mental health services (Bertha & Balázs, 2013; Thomas et al., 2011). Schools are an ideal setting to connect youth to mental health services; however, many barriers exist with respect to schools having adequate resources and access to the appropriate levels of services (Duong et al., 2021; Owens & Peltier, 2002). Schools may collaborate with local community providers with available resources to address these gaps. The current article describes the pilot of a school-based mental health promotion program intended to reduce depression in youth by promoting access to care through referrals to community providers. Data were collected, via self-report measures, every 3 months for 12 months from students from three middle and high schools in North Texas. The students (N = 88) enrolled in this program experienced significant reductions in their depression symptoms at the end of 12 months. This program highlights the importance of school-community partnerships to promote access to care to address mental health concerns. The results from our pilot study demonstrate the feasibility and the potential of school-based programs in improving the mental health of youth in schools through community partnership. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Depression* / therapy
  • Female
  • Health Promotion / methods
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pilot Projects
  • Poverty*
  • School Health Services
  • School Mental Health Services*
  • Schools
  • Students* / psychology
  • Texas