The mental-health component of the student Health Partnership operating in the Calgary Health Region since 2002, provides early intervention and psychotherapeutic services for students in Kindergarten to Grade 12, identified as having mild to moderate mental health disorders. The purpose of this paper is to review the capacity and treatment outcomes of the children served placing the results within the context of all children served by the regional Child and Adolescent Mental Health Program.

Annual data collected in the regional mental health information system from 2002-2007 (n = 24,869 referrals) was used to compare clinical characteristics and function outcome of those in SHP compared to those served in other services. Analyses included descriptive statistics, (e.g. population-based rates and frequencies), regression, logistic regression and Chi Square analysis, with graphical representation.

The admission profile of those served in SHP (n = 1,693) had distinct characteristics in terms of admission function (higher) and urgency (lower), indicating that the program was serving the appropriate population. Discharge function was comparable to other services.

School-based delivery of mental health services to children and adolescents appears to be a functional model. The salient characteristics of the SHP mental health program are discussed.