# A Comprehensive School-Based Mental Health Model: A Decade in the Making

## TL;DR

This paper presents a decade-long development of a school-based mental health model that helps identify and support students at risk of mental health issues.

## Contribution

The paper introduces the Early Identification System (EIS), a validated universal screening tool for school mental health.

## Key findings

- The EIS system helps identify students needing prevention or intervention based on risk factors.
- The model was adapted for rural schools with support from the US Department of Education.
- Long-term research and practice implications are discussed based on a decade of use.

## Abstract

Over the past decade, researchers in partnership with school practitioners developed a comprehensive school mental health model. The model includes a universal screening system that incorporates teacher and student reports on areas of risk known to be linked to mental health issues in youth. The Early Identification System (EIS) was developed as a feasible and socially valid universal screener that allows schools to use data to identify universal prevention interventions, areas for professional development for staff, and students who would benefit from selective or indicated interventions. The EIS can also be used to monitor change over time. Originally developed as part of a Coalition of six school districts, the US Department of Education invested in this comprehensive school mental health model to be adapted for rural schools. This article describes the partnership between school practitioners, the use of the model over time, and research conducted over the past decade. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.