Stakeholders' perspectives on the recommendations of the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to understand stakeholder perspectives on school mental health and the mental health system as they relate to the goals identified by the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health. METHODS: A total of 11 focus groups were held in Maryland, Ohio, and New Mexico with groups of parents, youths, school- and community-based providers and staff, and child and school mental health advocates and leaders. Across the three sites, 105 individuals participated in the focus groups. RESULTS: The stakeholders provided several important recommendations to advance the field of mental health. They included addressing stigma, implementing culturally competent care, providing mental health training to school staff, and increasing collaboration between community providers. CONCLUSIONS: Obtaining the views of key stakeholders is critical to transforming the mental health system and expanding the focus on mental health in schools.