Treating children with serious emotional disturbances in schools and community: The intensive mental health program.

Abstract

Children with serious emotional disturbances pose challenges to psychologists and school personnel to find optimal ways to improve functioning. An intensive mental health program (IMHP) is described for providing comprehensive psychological services in a school-based therapeutic environment. Case vignettes illustrate the type and severity of the children's problems served in the IMHP with both successful and less successful outcomes. The article describes the principles and organization of services, including individual and group psychotherapy and behavioral management systems, and service coordination with caregivers, agencies, and the children's neighborhood schools. Challenges facing psychologists working with children, such as resolving turf issues and working collaboratively with other involved providers, are also addressed.