Advancing equity in adolescent mental health: A literature review and telehealth program design for school-based access

Author

Renatta Lindsey, Mississippi State UniversityFollow

Advisor

Moore, Jenifer

Committee Member

Smith, Kaleb

Committee Member

McCleon, Tawny

Committee Member

Brown, Larry, Jr.

Date of Degree

12-12-2025

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Doctoral Capstone - Open Access

Major

Education (Educational Policy and Organizational Design)

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

College

College of Education

Department

Division of Education

Abstract

Adolescents in the United States (U.S.) are experiencing a mental health crisis, with disproportionately high prevalence rates among marginalized youth. Approximately 1 in 5 adolescents are diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or behavioral condition (Panchal, 2024; Sappenfield et al., 2024). Yet, an estimated 40% (1.8 million) of adolescents aged 12-17 who experience a major depressive episode did not receive treatment (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration, 2024). This project examines existing barriers that hinder access to care for this population. While schools are the most common settings for adolescent mental health supports, more than half report difficulties with meeting the needs of students (Brown & Carrington, 2025). Addressing these obstacles are critical to improving outcomes and reducing the long-term impact of unaddressed mental health conditions. Using desk-based research, this comprehensive literature review explores the benefits, challenges, and effectiveness of school-based telehealth services. By drawing on existing studies and applying Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory and the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) framework, this review outlines core components and considerations involved in establishing school-based telehealth services for adolescents with evidence-based approaches to expand and improve access to care. In response to the identified problem, this project’s deliverable consists of a researched-based program manual and implementation guide to support the design of school-based telehealth services.

Recommended Citation

Lindsey, Renatta, "Advancing equity in adolescent mental health: A literature review and telehealth program design for school-based access" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 6824.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/6824