A Framework for Mental Health Prevention and Early Intervention: A Primary Prevention Approach

Mental and behavioral health are a critical component of an individual's physical health, as well as the community's health. Sound mental health contributes to quality of life, enables people to care for themselves and others, and reduces the risk of other problems such as substance abuse, failing in school, and suicide. Emerging evidence suggests that certain mental health problems can be prevented, or the onset may be delayed and severity of symptoms decreased, through effective prevention and early intervention.

This session will describe Prevention Institute's efforts in San Mateo County to develop a Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Framework for Mental and Behavioral Health that emphasizes primary prevention and promotes mental well-being among all community residents. Primary prevention—taking action before the onset of illness— can support the care and treatment of those in need while also reducing the stigma associated with behavioral health problems.

The presentation will provide an overview of San Mateo County's PEI Framework. The framework recognizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to prevention and early intervention, incorporating multi-faceted solutions that address not only individuals, but also their environments, including home, work, and school. The framework promotes social and environmental solutions to improve mental well-being, exploring factors such as community design, social connectedness, self-esteem/locus of control, suicide and violence prevention, positive early childhood development, and stigma reduction.