The author argues for a humanistic approach to the mental health education of the general public. He suggests that a "demythologizing" approach has advantages over the medical model in helping the public to deal with their psychological problems. Supporting research evidence is reviewed. (Author/SJL)

Describes the Croft Community, a prototype of preventive health care which endeavors to provide a renewing and learning experience for persons already employed in health care. (Author)

The self-selection problem in program evaluation is explored, and two ways of addressing it, covariate control approaches and two-stage sample selection models, are described. A longitudinal study of the effects of participation in Alcoholics Anonymous illustrates both approaches and shows the advantages of the two-step procedure. (SLD)

Describes a comprehensive, day treatment program conducted in public school classrooms for children with serious emotional disorders (SED) and presents data evaluating program efficacy. At the 9-month follow-up, 50.7% of the sample showed overall symptom reduction, and 27.5% scored below clinical cutoff levels, indicating remission of symptoms to…

As part of a federal training initiative to facilitate interagency collaboration between mental health (MH) and vocational health (VH) agencies, pretraining surveys were conducted with VR, MH, and provider agency staff (N=640). Found insufficient resources, understaffing, and financial constraints were listed as reasons for intra-agency problems.…

Discusses inconsistencies in societal responses to criminal behavior. Maintains that some offenders who are both guilty of criminal behavior and psychiatrically (or biochemically) disordered are being diverted from the criminal justice system into the mental health system. Suggests that clinical neuropsychology and psychopharmacology can…

Examined efficacy of experimental program in which older adult workers (N=84) in senior companions or foster grandparent programs viewed a video program describing how mental health professionals can help people with various problems. Found members who had viewed program were more disposed to utilize mental health services than were control group…

Summarizes findings of December 1987 hearings in Des Moines and Nashville on the dimensions of mental health problems in rural America. Outlines 18 Commission recommendations to Congress and state legislatures covering mental health service delivery, funding, public education, professional education, and research. (SV)

Special education for students with emotional and behavioral disorders has a substantial history. The most effective programs feature systematic, databased interventions, continuous assessment and monitoring of progress, specifically matched and multicomponent treatment, provision for guided practice of academic and social skills, programming for…

This article presents challenges facing child mental health services research and the contributions made by the series of papers in this journal issue. The series illustrates two major categories of services research: systems level research and clinical services level research. Methodological issues, particularly for randomized clinical trials in…

For expanded school mental health programs to feature improved access, increased productivity, and improved behavioral outcomes, researchers, school-based mental health service providers, and educators must collaborate to move them beyond limiting constructs and approaches. The paper reviews these issues and offers an example of an ideal approach…

To successfully address mental health and psychosocial concerns in schools, practices must not be marginalized and must be implemented cohesively. Mechanisms and processes are needed to minimize marginalized and fragmented practice, link school and community resources, and develop comprehensive, multifaceted approaches. These include a…

Investigates the health status of 310 homeless and marginally housed people to determine the usefulness of mental health self-help agencies (SHAs) in addressing their physical health needs. Findings indicated that frequencies of health problems among respondents were similar to those of other homeless or marginally housed groups and that the study…

Describes a multifaceted program established in response to the complex psychological and social needs of immigrant children. The program is based in an elementary public school in a joint partnership with a graduate school of social work. Program focuses on Latino immigrant children, although the principles of the program are sufficiently generic…

Interview discusses the formation of a school-based, interagency, mental health team in the Anne Arundel County Public School System in Maryland. Highlights the work of the school counselor within the group, who has assumed a leadership role within the school building for forming collaborative relationships with families and community agencies.…