Improving Mental Health Outcomes for Young Children Through the Implementation of the Primary Project

Authors

Mary Anne Peabody, University of Southern MaineFollow
Kristi L. Perryman, University of ArkansasFollow
Margaret Hannah, William James CollegeFollow
Lynn Smith, Children’s InstituteFollow
Shelley M. Sanyshyn, Children's InstituteFollow

DOI

10.25774/zq7f-0t68

First Page

40

Last Page

50

Abstract

Primary Project (formerly known as Primary Mental Health Project) is one of the longest standing and wellestablished school-based preventative mental health interventions for addressing the social, emotional, behavioral, and learning needs of preschool through primary grade children. Existing now for over 60 years and building on its historical antecedents, this article describes the history, current state, and future implications of Primary Project. We discuss children’s mental health needs and the role of the school in addressing these needs. We present Primary Project’s current research efforts with a specific focus on University-community studies in Arkansas and Massachusetts. Implications for future research and school based counseling and policy and evaluation are addressed.

Recommended Citation

Peabody, M., Perryman, K. L., Hannah, M., Smith, L., & Sanyshyn, S. M. (2018). Improving Mental Health Outcomes for Young Children Through the Implementation of the Primary Project. Journal of School-Based Counseling Policy and Evaluation, 1(1), 40-50. https://doi.org/10.25774/zq7f-0t68