
Evidence Tools
Mental Health Treatment
Introduction
This toolkit summarizes content from the Mental Health Treatment Evidence Accelerator and the MCHbest database. The peer-reviewed literature supporting this work can be found in the Established Evidence database. Use the resources below as you develop effective evidence-based/informed programs and measures.
From the MCH Block Grant Guidance. Mental disorders among children are described as serious changes in the way children typically learn, behave, or handle their emotions, which cause distress and problems getting through the day.1 The prevalence of mental/behavioral health conditions has been increasing among children and has been found to vary by geographic and sociodemographic factors.2 However, a significant portion of children diagnosed with a mental health condition do not receive treatment.2 Further, the receipt of treatment is generally dependent on sociodemographic and health-related factors.2 Adequate insurance and access to a patient-centered medical home may improve mental health treatment.
Goal. To increase the percent of adolescents who receive needed mental health treatment or counseling.
Note. Access other related measures in this Population Domain through the Toolkits page.
Detail Sheet: Start with the MCH Block Grant Guidance
DEFINITION
Numerator:
Number of adolescents, ages 12 through 17, who are reported by a parent to have received treatment or counseling from a mental health professional during the past 12 months
Denominator:
Number of adolescents, ages 12 through 17, who are reported by a parent to have either 1) received treatment or counseling from a mental health professional during the past 12 months or 2) did not receive treatment or counseling but needed to see a mental health professional
Units: 100
Text: Percent
HEALTHY PEOPLE 2030 OBJECTIVE
Related to Mental Health and Mental Disorders (MHMD) Objective 03: Increase the proportion of children with mental health problems who get treatment.
DATA SOURCES
National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH)
MCH POPULATION DOMAIN
Adolescent Health
MEASURE DOMAIN
Clinical Health Systems
1. Accelerate with Evidence—Start with the Science
The first step to accelerate effective, evidence-based/informed programs is ensuring that the strategies we implement are meaningful and have high potential to affect desired change. Read more about using evidence-based/informed programs and then use this section to find strategies that you can adopt or adapt for your needs.
Evidence-based/Informed Strategies: MCHbest Database
The following strategies have emerged from studies in the scientific literature as being effective in advancing the measure. Use the links below to read more about each strategy or access the MCHbest database to find additional strategies.
Evidence-Informed |
Evidence-Based |
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Mixed Evidence |
Emerging Evidence |
Expert Opinion |
Moderate Evidence |
Scientifically Rigorous |
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Field-Based Strategies: Find promising programs from AMCHP’s Innovation Hub
Cutting Edge:
Emerging:
- Mental Health and Wellness Knowledge and Skills Guide (CT; 2022)
- Online Resource Directory and Training (FL; 2022)
Promising:
Best:
2. Think Upstream with Planning Tools—Lead with the Need
The second step in developing effective, evidence-based/informed programs challenges us to plan upstream to ensure that our work addresses issues early and is measurable in “turning the curve” on big issues that face MCH populations. Read more about moving from root causes to responsive programs and then use this section to align your work with the data and needs of your populations.
Move from Need to Strategy
Use Root-Cause Analysis (RCA) and Results-Based Accountability (RBA) tools to build upon the science to determine how to address needs.
Planning Tools: Use these tools to move from data to action
3. Work Together with Implementation Tools—Move from Planning to Practice
The third step in developing effective, evidence-based/informed programs calls us to work together to ensure that programs are implementable and moveable within the realities of Title V programs and lead to improved health outcomes for all people. Read more about implementation tools designed for MCH population change and then use this section to develop responsive strategies to bring about change that is responsive to the needs of your populations.
Additional MCH Evidence Center Resources: Access supplemental materials from the literature
- Find field-based resources focused on addressing youth mental health treatment needs relevant to Title V programs in the MCH Digital Library.
- Access the Established Evidence Database for peer-reviewed research articles related to mental health treatment for adolescents.
- Request Technical Assistance from the MCH Evidence Center
- MCH Evidence Center Frameworks and Toolkits:
Implementation Resources: Use these field-generated resources to affect change
Practice. The following tools can be used to advance this NPM by translating evidence to action:
- The School Health Assessment and Performance Evaluation System (SHAPE). This resource provides tools for schools, districts, and states to assess and enhance the quality of their mental health systems, including resources for trauma responsiveness, quality assessment, and mental health screening.
- The Child Mind Institute's School & Community Programs Training Portal. This tool offers evidence-based mental health training and curriculum specifically designed for educators, and mental health professionals.
Partnership. The following organizations focus efforts on advancing adolescent mental health treatment:
- AIM Youth Mental Health. Provides training, resources, and practice-oriented solutions.
- On Our Sleeves. Offers free educational resources, including guides, conversation starters, videos, and school curriculum to advance youth mental health.
References
Introductory References: From the MCH Block Grant Guidance
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children’s Mental Health. 2020 February 10. https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/index.html
2 Ghandour RM, Sherman LJ, Vladutiu CJ, et al. Prevalence and Treatment of Depression, Anxiety, and Conduct Problems in US Children. J Pediatr. 2019;206:256-267.e3. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2018.09.021. https://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(18)31292-7/fulltext