Mental Health Assessment of the Frequent Visitor-Part 2: Assessment and Interventions

Abstract

This article is the second part of a two-part series on mental health in school-age children. The focus of this article is on mental health assessment in the school setting, including the use of screening tools, with a review of common medications prescribed for youth with anxiety and depression. Students with mental health conditions frequently seek refuge in the school health office, many times for psychosomatic complaints such as stomach ache, headache, nausea, and fatigue. School nurses need to be adept to assess mental health and intervene as necessary.

Keywords: absenteeism; behavioral health; depression; evidence-based practice; mental health; nursing assessment; role of the school nurse; screening tools.