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

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.