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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.

Keywords

mental health adolescent suicide school counselors socioemotional well-being

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

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