A primer on school‐based mental health practice: Lessons from the literature

This comprehensive review identifies school‐based mental health as a growing area of clinical social work practice. The empirical literature relevant to school‐based mental health practice is critically evaluated, including the clinical social worker role, practice scope and foci, and intervention modalities both direct and indirect. Theoretical literature on culturally sensitive practices, practice paradigm changes, policy trends, reform initiatives impacted by research on school based clinic utilization patterns, school‐based clinics, and treatment outcomes are also considered. Specific knowledge development needs as well as promising directions and initiatives in school‐based clinical practice are described. Several methodological issues inherent in school‐based research and reports are identified.