Integrating trained child behavioral health specialists into schools

Project 3: Organizational implementation strategies to integrate a new mental health workforce in schools

NIH-funded research University of Oregon · NIH-11332810

This project helps school leaders set up supports so newly trained undergraduates can provide proven mental health care to children and teens at school.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Oregon NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Eugene, United States)
Project IDNIH-11332810 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Youths, school staff, and researchers are partnering through the University of Oregon and Portland Public Schools to design and test ways to bring a new undergraduate mental health workforce into everyday school services. The team trains child behavioral health specialists (CBHS) to deliver evidence-based prevention, promotion, and intervention for common youth mental health concerns and works with mid-level managers to build a positive implementation climate. Using a Discover, Design, Build, and Test framework, they will co-design practical strategies with school managers and pilot them in real school settings. The focus is on making it easier and faster for students to get quality, school-based mental health support.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Children and adolescents enrolled in participating schools who could benefit from school-based mental health prevention or intervention services are the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People who do not attend the participating schools, adults, or youth who need specialty or inpatient psychiatric care are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, more students could get faster access to effective mental health support delivered right in school.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work improving school staff training and implementation climate has helped expand access, but using an undergraduate CBHS workforce and targeting mid-level managers is a newer approach.

Where this research is happening

Eugene, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.