Overview

Senior, African American male sitting next to a young, female counselor during a therapy session

Emotional health and wellness is an important part of a person’s quality of life. Mental health can change how we think, feel and act in life. It also helps us deal with stress, build friendships with people, and make good choices. People who have problems with mental health may experience changes in mood, behavior, and physical wellness. Mental health professionals help people to improve emotional health and wellness by using positive supports. Some positive supports are used to help people who are having problems with mental health. Other positive supports prevent mental health problems. These supports teach new skills to increase emotional and social health in all people within a community setting. Families, schools, and organizations can work together with mental health professionals to make sure that everyone can access positive supports that improve quality of life and mental health.

In Depth

Resources

Minnesota Resources

Minnesota Assertive Community Treatment Dartmouth Assertive Community Treatment Scale

Assertive Community Treatment Summary

Assertive Community Treatment Implementation Manual

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Evidence-Based Practices Kit

Cost Effectiveness of Assertive Community Treatment
Clark, R. E., Teague, G. B., Ricketts, S. K., Bush, P. W., Xie, H., McGuire, T. G., … Zubkoff, M. (1998). Cost-effectiveness of assertive community treatment versus standard case management for persons with co-occurring severe mental illness and substance use disorders. Health Services Research, 33(5 Pt. 1), 1285–1308.

Minnesota Resources

Department of Human Services School-linked Mental Health Services

2015 Minnesota Statutes- 256.995School-linked Services for At-risk Children and Youth

Minnesota Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports

National Resources

School-Based Mental Health
Kutash, K., Duchnowski, A. J., & Lynn, N. (2006). School-based mental health: An empirical guide for decision-makers. Tampa, FL: University of South Florida, The Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, Department of Child & Family Studies., Research and Training Center for Children’s Mental Health.

A Framework for Successful Schools

Advancing Education Effectiveness: Interconnecting School Mental Health and School-wide Positive Behavior Support

Fact Sheet: Interconnected Systems Framework for School Mental Health

Center for School Mental Health

Article: Evidence-Based Mental Health Programs in Schools: Barriers and Facilitators of Successful Implementation
Langley, A. K., Nadeem, E., Kataoka, S. H., Stein, B. D., & Jaycox, L. H. (2010). Evidence-Based Mental Health Programs in Schools: Barriers and Facilitators of Successful Implementation. School Mental Health, 2(3), 105–113.

Article: Integration of Education and Mental Health
Integration of Education and Mental Health in Schools. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 37,(1), 40-47.