A preliminary investigation of universal mental health screening practices in schools

Many school-aged children possessing or displaying characteristics of a mental health disorder go unidentified and untreated (Flisher et al., 1997; Merikangas et al., 2010; Ringel & Sturm, 2001). One supported approach, within an educational setting, to improve identification of children presenting mental health concerns is universal mental health screening (UMHS; Glover & Albers, 2007). Using survey methodology, the current study sought to build upon previous research by investigating the proportion of schools currently conducing UMHS and exploring barriers and other factors influencing the conducing of UMHS within schools. Despite its widespread support, nearly every Indiana school principal in the current study (n = 245) reported that their school does not conduct UMHS. A lack of access to and funding for mental health screeners were the two most commonly reported reasons why principals sampled suggested that their school does not conduct UMHS. Without the increased adoption and implementation of preventative, proactive practices, such as the conducing of UMHS in schools, significant improvements in the identification and subsequent intervention or treatment of children and adolescents demonstrating mental health concerns may remain unrealized.