Strategies for Implementing a Public Health Model for Adolescent Mental Health

Implementation science has provided the clinical world valuable theories, lessons, and determinants for increasing the effectiveness and sustainability of large-scale interventions. By taking a public health approach to mental illness prevention, the “marriage” of community mental health to community schools to utilize evidence-based practices at a population level is now a realistic possibility. When implemented, these heuristic models hold significant promise for improving mental health outcomes, particularly for adolescents. The collective impact approach utilizing theory of change, logic models, and rapid cycle improvement helps to ensure a successful implementation of a multisectoral and multi-stakeholder approach to prevention and care of adolescent well-being and mental health challenges.