Adolescent satisfaction with school-based mental health services

Abstract

Examining adolescents ' satisfaction with mental health services is an important program evaluation activity. Their perceptions of whether services were beneficial and resulted in improved functioning are indices of treatment quality. Assessment of adolescent satisfaction with school-based mental health programs has been limited. In our study, adolescents receiving services from a School Mental Health Program (SMHP) completed satisfaction surveys. Participants were predominantly minority youth residing in an urban area. Results indicated that students were highly satisfied with their mental health services. Students valued the therapeutic relationship, "catharsis" associated with therapy, and skills they learned during therapy. Several factors influenced satisfaction ratings including clinician training and availability. © 1999 Human Sciences Press, Inc.