An estimated 20 percent of students have an emotional, behavioral, or mental disorder. Teachers are often the first to notice these problems--and this guide, provides the information they need to help create effective learning environments for children and adolescents and collaborate effectively with mental health providers. Along with a detailed overview of the mental health system and the different types of mental health professionals, education professionals will get separate chapters on 11 specific mental health issues, each describing characteristics of the disorder, ways the disorder might be manifested, the process for diagnosing the disorder, types of intervention and treatment, practical guidelines on working with students who have the disorder. Educators will also find specific strategies for building collaborative partnerships with mental health professionals and families; case studies illustrating successful collaboration; and appendices of definitions, DSM-IV-TR criteria for various disorders discussed in the book, common medications used to treat mental health disorders, and support organizations. It is equally useful for preservice and in-service general and special educators--and for the mental health providers who partner with them--this important book will prepare readers to understand students with mental health disorders and help improve their chances for social and academic success. The book is divided into 5 parts. Part I, Mental Health Issues in Schools, begins with the first 3 chapters: (1) Introduction; (2) Brain-Mind Emotional Interactions in the Classroom; and (3) Structure of the Mental Health Profession. Part II, Biologically Based Disorders, continues with the next 4 chapters: (4) Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; (5) Autism and Other Severe Pervasive Developmental Disorders; (6) Asperger Syndrome; and (7) Psychotic Disorders. Part III, Biologically and/or Psychologically-Based Disorders, contains these 4 chapters: (8) Substance Use and Abuse; (9) Eating Disorders; (10) Anxiety Disorders; and (11) Mood Disorders. Part IV, The Behavioral Disorders, contains: (12) Peer Problems; (13) Adjustment Disorders; and (14) Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder. Part V, Tools and Techniques for Collaboration, contains the final 3 chapters: (15) Collaborating with Mental Health Professionals; (16) Families of Children with Mental Health Issues; and (17) Examples of Collaboration. Appended are: (1) Diagnostic Categories and Criteria; (2) Medications; and (3) Resources. An index is also included.