Provision of Mental Health Services to Students With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

an article by Robbie J. Marsh, Joseph John Morgan, Kyle Higgins, Allison Lark and Jack Thomas Watts (University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA)published in Journal of Disability Policy Studies Volume 28 Issue 2 (September 2017)

Abstract

Mental health is quickly becoming a major topic of concern in education, particularly as it relates to the provision of services for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. In this study, state policies related to the provision of mental health services were reviewed, with specific attention paid to the capacity of services and relationships between state policies and the educational environment.

Open coding was used to determine the variables and services provided within each state’s policies. Axial coding was used to determine relationships between codes and ensure alignment and accuracy of findings.

Interrater reliability, using a 7-point rubric, was conducted to ensure accuracy of coding. Findings indicate that the majority of states have policies related to the provision of mental health services, but the structure and implementation of these services differ vastly by state.

Similarities were found in the provision of mental health services within the educational environment, which typically occurred as a collaboration between schools and community agency partnerships.

Implications for practice and the preparation of educational professionals will be discussed.

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