Evaluating a Mental Health Promotional Program for Children: Lessons Learned on Creating an Evidenced-Based Program

Description: Many mental health conditions start during the childhood and teenage years. Mental health problems have been associated with difficulties in learning, poor academic performance, high-risk behaviors like substance use, child welfare and justice system involvement, and relationship problems. The negative outcomes of mental health problems worsen during recent years due to the coronavirus pandemic. Promoting mental well-being has been shown to reduce these negative outcomes and is crucial in supporting recovery and help-seeking behaviors. This background underscores the need for mental health promotional programs that are effective and evidence-based. This session will focus on a mental health promotion program implemented and evaluated during the pandemic in community-based and school-based settings. We will discuss the program's components, the evaluation process as well as lessons learned.

CE Broker Tracking #: 20-973260

This event is sponsored by FMHCA, an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider. FMHCA NBCC Provider# 2058. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.  FMHCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

Learning Objectives:

1. To discuss the importance and components of an evidenced-based mental health promotion program for school-aged children in community-based and school settings.
2. To demonstrate the process of developing an evidenced-based mental health promotion program for school-aged children in community-based and school settings. 
3.  To describe the lessons learned in developing an evidenced-based mental health promotion program for school-aged children in community-based and school settings.

Michelle-Ann Rhoden Neita, PhD, LCSW is an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago. She is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida and Illinois, Registered Play Therapist, Certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapist, and Certified Grief Counselor. Dr. Rhoden Neita has over 14 years of experience working with children and families within child welfare, community ­based organizations, and in academic research settings. She has presented at numerous conferences, invited presentations, and published on psychological trauma interventions, childhood adversity, program evaluation, grief and loss, and mental health of children. She is passionate about helping community mental health organizations with tools to develop evidenced-based and evidenced-informed interventions.