School Programs to Enhance Urban Adolescent Mental Health

Urban adolescents face unique stressors such as high population density, noise pollution, and exposure to violence, which contribute to elevated rates of anxiety, depression, and academic struggles. This paper proposes a comprehensive, school-based mental health intervention to address these challenges through targeted programs, including mental health education, on-site counseling, peer support, parental involvement, and community partnerships. By leveraging evidence-based practices and QSEN competencies, this initiative aims to foster resilience, improve mental well-being, and enhance academic performance in underserved urban settings. A Christian worldview further enriches the program by promoting compassion, holistic care, and a nurturing environment. Through sustainable implementation, evaluation, and collaboration, this model can be scaled to other urban schools, ensuring long-term well-being and success for adolescents.

Keywords: Urban adolescents, mental health, school-based intervention, anxiety, depression, academic performance, peer support, on-site counseling, parental involvement, community partnerships, QSEN competencies, holistic care, resilience, evidence-based practices, underserved populations, Christian worldview, mental health education, youth well-being, continuous improvement, collaborative care, sustainable model.