School-based health clinics and the role of mental health services: a review of the literature.

A review of school-based health clinics is provided with special attention to the role of mental health services. An historical account of the development of school-based health clinics is delineated as well as a description of school-based health clinics' purpose and unique role in providing health care for children and adolescents. Critical policy issues are reviewed, such as managed care's role in the school-based health clinics, research issues, and funding concerns.