Using a Culturally Responsive, Antiracist, and Equitable Approach to School Mental Health

Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2024 Oct;33(4):541-556. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2024.04.001. Epub 2024 May 22.

Abstract

Amidst a national youth mental health crisis, comprehensive school mental health systems offer an opportunity to promote positive mental health for all students. To advance health equity, schools benefit from a culturally responsive, antiracist, and equitable (CARE) framework to address the youth mental health crisis. This article describes how to integrate CARE practices within a multi-tiered system of support for mental health in schools. The strategies align with a trauma-informed approach and aim to enhance the capacity of comprehensive school mental health systems to promote positive mental health and well-being for all students.

Keywords: Antiracism; Cultural responsiveness; Equity; Multi-tiered system of support; School mental health.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Cultural Competency
  • Culturally Competent Care
  • Health Equity
  • Humans
  • Mental Health
  • Racism / prevention & control
  • School Health Services / organization & administration
  • School Mental Health Services*