Date of Award
Summer 2026
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
College
College of Science and Health
First Advisor
Michelle Neuman
Abstract
Background: Adolescents face increasing mental health challenges, yet many lack the knowledge, preparedness, and support to manage these issues effectively. School-based mental health education may promote awareness, reduce stigma, and enhance students’ ability to recognize and address mental health concerns. Purpose: This project implemented and evaluated a school-based mental health education program at Alcott College Prep High School in Chicago, Illinois. The program aimed to increase mental health awareness, improve early identification of anxiety and depression symptoms, and enhance overall adolescent well-being. Methodology: A quantitative quasi-experimental design with a pre–post intervention was used to evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based mental health education program. Eleven high school students were recruited, with Department of Children and Family Services wards excluded. Parental consent and student assent were obtained. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention questionnaires including the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment, the Patient Health Questionnaire, and a mental health awareness questionnaire. Data were anonymized using unique student-generated codes. Results: Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests showed a significant reduction in anxiety and significant increases in mental health awareness, while changes in depression were not statistically significant. Conclusions: School-based mental health education may be an effective and feasible strategy to improve adolescent mental health awareness and reduce anxiety although its impact on depression may be limited. Implications for Practice: Findings support integrating mental health education into school curricula to promote early identification, enhance mental health awareness, and improve access to resources for adolescents. Keywords: adolescent mental health; anxiety; depression; school-based education; mental health awareness
Copyright
Copyright © 2026 Maricela Rodriguez
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Rodriguez, Maricela, "Real Talk: Mental Health Education with DePaul" (2026). Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University. 111.
https://via.library.depaul.edu/theses-dissertations/111