Mental and Behavioral Health Services Provided by Schools in the United States: A National Survey of School Nurses

Authors

Paige C. Chardavoyne, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.
Neha Gupta, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.
Marcus Erdman, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.
Susan J. Boehmer, Department of Public Health Services, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.
Robert P. Olympia, Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

8-15-2025

Journal

The Journal of school health

DOI

10.1111/josh.70067

Keywords

crisis intervention; emergency care; mental health; school nurse education; screening/risk identification

Abstract

BACKGROUND: School nurses are often tasked with identifying and managing mental and behavioral health concerns. The objective of this study was to better understand school nurse and school preparedness to identify and manage mental health conditions and psychological stressors. METHODS: The authors developed a questionnaire, which was electronically distributed to several National Association of School Nurses members during the 2021-2022 school year. RESULTS: A total of 994 questionnaires were completed and analyzed, a 50% response rate. Of school nurse respondents, 76% felt responsible for identifying depression; 40% reported that their school has naloxone; 22% reported that their school has an emergency preparedness and response plan for opioid overdose; and 18% screened for bullying in the past year. IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY: School policies and guidelines for the critical areas identified in the present study should be considered. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our national sample of school nurses, we have identified strengths and areas for improvement in school nurse and school preparedness to identify and manage mental health conditions and psychological stressors.

APA Citation

Chardavoyne, Paige C.; Gupta, Neha; Erdman, Marcus; Boehmer, Susan J.; and Olympia, Robert P., "Mental and Behavioral Health Services Provided by Schools in the United States: A National Survey of School Nurses" (2025). GW Authored Works. Paper 7757.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/7757

Department

School of Medicine and Health Sciences Resident Works