The Primary Mental Health Project: Seven consecutive years of program outcome research.

Abstract

The Primary Mental Health Project (PMHP) is a school-based mental health program for the early detection and prevention of school-adjustment problems. This study assessed the PMHP's effectiveness by evaluating seven consecutive annual cohorts of children (range of sample sizes: 206-464) seen through the program from 1974-75 through 1980-81. Pre-and postprogram evaluations were based on teacher ratings of problem behaviors and competencies and child-aide ratings of problem behaviors. At post only, school mental health professionals rated educational and behavioral changes of PMHP children during the year. The results, from all three perspectives, strongly and consistently showed that children seen through the PMHP were judged to have improved in adjustment, thus supporting the conclusion that the model is effective and socially useful.

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