ABSTRACT
Recent examinations of the status of children and families in the United States concluded that our nation is in the midst of a “health crisis” (Satcher, 2000). Social indicators point to the fact that youth are at significant risk with regard to such areas as substance abuse, violence, and school dropout rates, and that access to quality services is limited (Weissberg, Walberg, O’Brien, & Kuster, 2003). For instance, 30% of 14- to 17-year-olds report involvement in multiple high-risk behaviors that jeopardize their potential for successful development (Dryfoos, 1997). In addition, about 20% of youth experience mental health problems annually, yet 75% to 80% of those do not receive appropriate interventions (Ringel & Sturm, 2001; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1999). This gap in services is even larger among youth of color, who may view mental health treatment as stigmatizing (U.S. Surgeon General, 2001).
