Examining how school-based health centers can improve children's mental health and education.
Official title: A Multidisciplinary, Mixed Methods Analysis of the Implementation and Efficacy of School-Based Health Centers and Mechanisms through which SBHCs Improve Child Mental Health and Education Outcomes
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11000332 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how school-based health centers can help kids with their mental health, especially after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, to see how they can better support children who need it most in Tennessee.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $689,980 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH132686-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000332 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years, particularly those from underserved communities who may benefit from enhanced access to mental health services.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are outside the age range of 0-11 years or those who do not have access to school-based health centers may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of school-based health centers (SBHCs) in addressing the mental health needs of children, particularly in the wake of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. By analyzing a comprehensive dataset of children in Tennessee, the study aims to understand how SBHCs can serve as a vital resource for vulnerable populations and improve access to mental health services. The research will explore the mechanisms through which these centers can enhance both mental health and educational outcomes, focusing on underserved groups. The approach includes a mixed-methods analysis to gather both quantitative and qualitative insights into the functioning of SBHCs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health services for children, enhancing their overall well-being and educational performance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that school-based health centers can effectively improve access to care and health outcomes for children, suggesting a promising avenue for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heinrich, Carolyn — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Heinrich, Carolyn
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.