Background: One of the most common reasons students utilize school-based clinics is to access mental health services. Almost nothing is known, however, about whether or not school-based mental health programs are cost-effective. The objective of this paper is to inform future economic evaluations of school-based mental health programs by outlining economic cost analysis methods, and by describing their application in the context of an ongoing evaluation of a school-based mental health program.
Methods: Cost analysis methods are used to calculate the opportunity cost of a program, which is the value of all of the resources invested in a program. Main steps in conducting a cost analysis include: (1) framing the objective of the study, including defining the study's perspective and identifying alternatives to the program; (2) collecting cost data, including developing a cost inventory and data collection instrument; and (3) analyzing cost data, including adjusting data according to cost analysis principles. Cost estimates usually are combined with program effectiveness data to generate information on the cost of the program per unit effect
Results: These steps were undertaken in evaluating the costs of a school-based mental health screening and treatment program based in an intermediate school in New York City. We modified an existing data collection instrument and used it to collect cost data from the school-based mental health program and its sponsoring organizations. These data will be presented in conjunction with information on the number of students identified as needing treatment, and the number of students treated, by the program.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to outline the main components of an economic cost analysis and describe how cost analysis methods can be applied to school-based mental health programs.
Keywords: School-Based Health Care, Mental Health Services
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.