Initiative Description: School Therapeutic Services (STS). Services occur within the regular school day and include individual and group therapy and behavioral consultation on an as-needed basis.

Services focus on issues such as problem-solving, conflict resolution, social skills, and anger management. The goals of services include reducing mental health symptoms and improving academic outcomes.

Study Results:Children’s mean monthly school absence did not significantly improve over time. Children’s in- or out-of-school suspension significantly improved after receiving STS. Children were 40% less likely to be suspended in- or out-of-school.

Reference: Kang-Yi, C. c., Wolk, C. c., Locke, J. j., Beidas, R. r., Lareef, I. I., Pisciella, A. A., & … Mandell, D. m. (2018). Impact of school-based and out-of-school mental health services on reducing school absence and school suspension among children with psychiatric disorders. Evaluation & Program Planning, 67105-112. doi:10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2017.12.006

Level of Evidence:   Good