Mental Health Literacy and School Behavioral Health: Introduction to the Special Issue

Background: Mental health literacy is a promising approach to meeting the growing behavioral health needs of youth, and schools offer an ideal setting for this work. Purpose: In the introduction to this special issue, we provide an overview of mental health literacy and discuss the connection between mental health literacy and school behavioral health. Methods: Literature on mental health literacy and research on school mental health literacy programs are synthesized, followed by an overview of the six papers included in this issue. Results: The key components of mental health literacy are defined and contextualized alongside the importance of mental health literacy for promoting well-being. A brief history of research on mental health literacy programs is provided, noting the growth in application to school settings. Discussion: Connections between mental health literacy and school behavioral health are discussed, highlighting opportunities for integration with schools' multi-tiered systems of support. Translation to Health Education Practice: This introduction concludes with a discussion of implications for aligning mental health literacy with Health Education.