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Effects of School-Based Mental Health Services on Youth Outcomes

Author

Listed:
  • Ezra Golberstein
  • Irina Zainullina
  • Aaron Sojourner
  • Mark A. Sander

Abstract

School-based mental health services (SBMH) may increase students’ access to care, which could yield benefits for mental health status and human capital-related outcomes. We use a difference-in-differences design with 19 years of survey and administrative data to estimate the impacts of SBMH on a range of K–12 student outcomes. SBMH increases average outpatient mental health service use and reduces self-reported suicide attempts. There is weaker evidence that SBMH reduces suspensions and juvenile justice involvement and no evidence that SBMH affects average attendance, standardized test scores, or self-reported substance use.

Suggested Citation

  • Ezra Golberstein & Irina Zainullina & Aaron Sojourner & Mark A. Sander, 2024. "Effects of School-Based Mental Health Services on Youth Outcomes," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 59(S), pages 256-281.
    • Handle: RePEc:uwp:jhriss:v:59:y:2024:i:s:p:s256-s281
    Note: DOI: https://doi.org/10.3368/jhr.1222-12703R2
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    File URL: http://jhr.uwpress.org/cgi/reprint/59/S/S256
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education

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