Specialist in Education, Miami University, 2021, Educational Psychology

Over the last decade, mental health recognition and diagnoses for children, adolescents, and adults has increased. The need for mental health related services in schools is high, however there are many identified barriers to students receiving these services. Common barriers identified in literature included both structural (e.g. insurance, communication) and perceptual (e.g. stigma, discrimination) barriers. The current study was a local mixed methods evaluation of secondary school professionals' perceptions of barriers to mental health related services in schools. School referral process and pre-collected barrier data was also examined. Both structural (e.g., insurance, caregivers) and perceptual (e.g., stigma, language/culture) barriers were indicated in the results in addition to suggestions to overcome barriers. Study limitations and implications for practice will be discussed.

Committee: Kristy Brann Dr. (Advisor); Anthony James Dr. (Committee Member); Sharon Custer Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Educational Psychology