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![]() National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion ![]() ![]() |
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Even though most American children and youth experience normal, health development, approximately 6 to 9 million have serious emotional disturbances.1 Research shows that one of five children and adolescents aged 9 to 17 years experience symptoms of mental health problems that cause some level of impairment in a given year.2 However, fewer than 20 percent who need mental health service receive them.3 Estimates of spending for behavioral health services for children and youth conservatively range from $11.7 Billion to $14.07 billion.4,5 Left untreated, mental health disorders in children and adolescents lead to higher rates of suicide, violence, school dropout, family dysfunction, juvenile incarcerations, alcohol and other drug use, and unintentional injuries. Schools can play a vital role in creating safe, nurturing school environments and providing care to students with emotional or behavioral problems. According to the School Health Policy and Programs Study of 2006, 77.9% of schools have a part-time or full-time guidance counselor, 61.4% have a part-time or full-time psychologist, and 41.7% have a part-time or full-time social worker.6
Data & StatisticsSchool Health Policies and Programs Study
Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System
Science-based StrategiesHealth Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (HECAT). The Health Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (HECAT) can help school districts, schools, and others conduct a clear, complete, and consistent analysis of health education curricula based on the National Health Education Standards and CDC’s Characteristics of Effective Health Education Curricula. The HECAT results can help schools select or develop appropriate and effective health education curricula and improve the delivery of health education to address mental health and other health education topics. The HECAT can be customized to meet local community needs and conform to the curriculum requirements of the state or school district. Registries of Programs Effective in Reducing Youth Risk Behaviors. Various federal agencies have identified youth-related programs that they consider worthy of recommendation based on expert opinion or a review of design and research evidence. These programs focus on different health topics, risk behaviors, and settings including issues related to mental health. References
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Page last reviewed: February 20, 2009
Division of Adolescent
and School Health
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