Abstract Summary/Description
This grounded theory study aims to construct a theoretical framework that explains how community-based mental health providers (CMHPs) engage in consultations with school-based counselors to support shared clients. Recognizing the increasing mental health needs of youth and the gaps in coordinated care, this study seeks to examine the challenges, strengths, and areas for improvement in these intradisciplinary collaborations. Initial recruitment will occur in private practice settings in the southeastern United States, with efforts to expand to other regions to ensure diverse participant perspectives. Data collection will be guided by theoretical saturation, using semi-structured interviews to explore participants’ experiences in depth. The findings are expected to provide actionable insights into how CMHPs and school-based counselors can better collaborate to ensure continuity of care and improve mental health outcomes for youth. This study addresses the research question: What are the experiences of community-based mental health providers when consulting with school-based counselors?
