Building an International Network for Mental Health in Schools

Abstract

World-wide, there is increasing recognition of gaps and limitations in mental health systems for children and adolescents. With this increased recognition has come increased momentum to develop a comprehensive range of mental health promotion and intervention programs in schools, a setting offering unmatched opportunities to reach students, families and others. A national technical assistance center focusing on advancing school mental health programs in the United States, with national and international collaborators, has been developing a network of people from diverse countries who share an interest in school mental health. In this article, we review factors behind the increasing world-wide interest in school mental health, and describe the development of the International Network for Mental Health in Schools. Opportunities to become involved in this network at upcoming international meetings are discussed.