Violence Prevention after Columbine: A Survey of High School Mental Health Professionals

The authors examined changes in mental health services and violence prevention strategies in public high schools since the shootings at Columbine High School. Surveys were mailed to school mental health professionals at public high schools in Colorado. Respondents included school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, principals, and other personnel. Significant increases were observed in the percentage of schools that had a crisis plan or crisis team and offered group counseling. Most schools also made changes in security procedures. Larger schools in urban and suburban areas demonstrated the most changes. Significant differences were also observed for services and changes desired by the respondents and for perceived obstacles to services provision. Future directions and implications for school mental health professionals are discussed.