School-Based Health Centers: Providers' Perceptions around Mental Health and Eating Disorders and Potential Areas of Improvement
Saved in:
| Title: | School-Based Health Centers: Providers' Perceptions around Mental Health and Eating Disorders and Potential Areas of Improvement |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Alvin Tran (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of School Nursing. 2026 42(3):284-292. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 9 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | School Health Services, Mental Health, Eating Disorders, Access to Health Care, Mental Disorders, Screening Tests, School Personnel, Allied Health Personnel, Knowledge Level, Self Efficacy, Attitudes, Barriers |
| DOI: | 10.1177/10598405241307849 |
| ISSN: | 1059-8405 1546-8364 |
| Abstract: | School-based health centers (SBHCs) play a key role in connecting youth to health services, including primary care. Despite some literature exploring their mental health services, little is known about the role SBHCs play in screening for and treating eating disorders. In this study, we surveyed 56 SBHC providers, assessing their familiarity with providing care and screening for mental health concerns, including eating disorders. We also qualitatively explored areas to improve efforts around mental health care and screening. Results suggest that while the majority of participants indicated that they were familiar with mental health disorders, they were less familiar with eating disorders. Furthermore, despite rating screenings for eating disorders of great importance, the frequency of such screenings was comparably lower. Qualitative findings highlight two emerging themes focused on addressing gaps in mental health care: (a) training, continuing education, and addressing misconceptions around eating disorders; and (b) SBHC staffing and resource constraints. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1505785 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | School-based health centers (SBHCs) play a key role in connecting youth to health services, including primary care. Despite some literature exploring their mental health services, little is known about the role SBHCs play in screening for and treating eating disorders. In this study, we surveyed 56 SBHC providers, assessing their familiarity with providing care and screening for mental health concerns, including eating disorders. We also qualitatively explored areas to improve efforts around mental health care and screening. Results suggest that while the majority of participants indicated that they were familiar with mental health disorders, they were less familiar with eating disorders. Furthermore, despite rating screenings for eating disorders of great importance, the frequency of such screenings was comparably lower. Qualitative findings highlight two emerging themes focused on addressing gaps in mental health care: (a) training, continuing education, and addressing misconceptions around eating disorders; and (b) SBHC staffing and resource constraints. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1059-8405 1546-8364 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/10598405241307849 |
