Adolescents' Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors, Mental Health, and Access to School Counselors: Evidence from Georgia

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Adolescents' Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors, Mental Health, and Access to School Counselors: Evidence from Georgia
Language: English
Authors: Jerome Graham (ORCID 0000-0002-8034-5994), Yi-Chih Chiang (ORCID 0000-0003-1311-1845)
Source: Educational Policy. 2026 40(2):151-185.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 35
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Junior High Schools
Middle Schools
Secondary Education
High Schools
Descriptors: Adolescents, Mental Disorders, Mental Health, Access to Health Care, Suicide, School Counselors, Counselor Role, Psychological Patterns, Well Being, Prevention, Educational Environment, Victims, Bullying, Peer Relationship, Middle School Students, High School Students
Geographic Terms: Georgia
DOI: 10.1177/08959048251337436
ISSN: 0895-9048
1552-3896
Abstract: When adolescents experiencing mental health difficulties lack access to mental health services, it can lead to negative consequences, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). School counselors play critical roles in providing care to youth who might otherwise lack access, but extant literature on counselors rarely accentuates their effects on mental health outcomes. This study examines whether access to school counselors moderates the association between adolescents' mental health difficulties and STBs. We find that, while adolescents' mental health difficulties are highly associated with STBs, this relationship is weakened when students attend schools with more counselors. Our findings contribute to the growing body of research on the roles of school counselors, underscoring the importance of investing in support personnel who promote students' socioemotional well-being and mental health.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1496464
Database: ERIC
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