Adolescence marks a transitional phase between childhood and adulthood, in which engagement to the maladaptive behaviors is more likely to occur. Alcohol and substance use among adolescents is of particular concern because it may lead to multiple forms of injuries, hospitalizations, and premature mortality. With the wider availability of the…

This document, from the Council for Exceptional Children, Division of Emotional and Behavioral Health (DEBH), provides clear and compelling support for the abolishment of solitary confinement with incarcerated youth and young adults in juvenile and adult correctional facilities. This is the first position statement from DEBH on the topic, and the…

The estimated number of forcibly displaced persons around the globe is at a record high--nearly 70.8 million (UNHCR 2019)--75 percent of whom are women and children. This includes 34 million adolescent girls and young women, who are among the groups with the highest risk for health concerns. Indeed, many of the countries with the worst maternal…

Seligman responds to the comments made about the January 2011 "American Psychologist" "Special Issue on Comprehensive Soldier Fitness" (CSF). Seligman proposed an entire issue of on the topic of CSF to encourage psychologists to come to the aid of our government, and he urges psychologists not to be discouraged by this tactic.…

Mental health counselors may lack essential information for competent assessment and treatment of suicidal clients. This article will increase mental health counselors' awareness of suicidal risk factors, outcome research on cognitive-behavioral counseling for suicidal clients individually or in the family context, and practical techniques for the…

Argues for paradigm shift in how mental health professionals approach their work with psychiatric patients in midst of suicidal crisis and suggests that time has come to discuss standard of care based on integration of detected risk factors, effective education and training in suicidology, and routine use of consultation and teamwork. (Author/NB)

This article offers the opinion that school mental health services should be built around the question: "What useful roles can schools play as part of a concerted social effort targeted to the enhancement of children's wellness?" The article suggests that there are many important roles: practical, repair-oriented roles, and new roles…

Describes a theoretically and empirically based groupwork approach designed to meet the unique needs of high-risk, inner- city parents and thereby provide effective mental health services. Provides a summary of the clinical issues and needs identified by group members, and recommendations for the development of innovative approaches to serve urban…

Discusses the development of public schools as centers for social and health services. Identifies the at-risk population and describes a variety of intervention programs. Envisions a comprehensive, centralized scheme at the city or county level to serve the needs of disadvantaged students and their families. (DM)

This article argues that a child welfare system has a significant responsibility to detect and treat emotional and behavioral problems and disorders as a routine part of involvement with child protective services and out-of-home care. Given the very high risk of mental health needs in this population, preventing the development of these…

When suicidal behavior is reported, student affairs officers on many campuses notify parents as one component of a multifaceted campus suicide prevention plan. In response to proposals to mandate parental notification, the author argues that practical considerations warrant against expanding state laws to require notification following campus…

Stephenson, Belesis, and Balliet (2005) urge that future research on college student suicide should not continue its historical emphasis on completed suicide nor on the contrast between students and non-students. But their paper does not provide an adequately complete and accurate summary of our present knowledge of completed student suicide. This…

Noting that most individuals working with young children and their families lack the knowledge and skills to identify early warning signs of significant child distress and that most communities lack resources and expertise to address early social and emotional concerns, this report discusses the importance of healthy social and emotional…

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered youth are largely unsupported by health service providers, educators, and parents. Problems facing these youth, especially feelings of being isolated and invisible, are far greater than expected. Discrimination and prejudice stemming from a lack of accurate information is the norm, although small pockets…

This journal issue brings together research on perceptions of control of several vulnerable populations, specifically children, lower level employees, the ill, and the aged. This introduction discusses positive outcomes associated with sense of control and identifies common themes found in work in this area. (SLD)