Reviewers play a vital role in ensuring the quality, relevance, and academic rigor of the Journal of Mental Health in Rural Schools. As a peer-reviewed journal, we rely on the expertise and insights of our reviewers to provide constructive feedback that enhances the work of authors and helps shape the field of rural school mental health. Below are the primary responsibilities of our reviewers:

 

Responsibilities

 

1. Evaluate Manuscript Quality:
 

• Assess the originality, relevance, clarity, and significance of the manuscript to the

      field of mental health in rural K-12 schools, colleges, or universities.
 

•  Ensure the manuscript aligns with the journal’s scope and addresses topics

       relevant to rural education and mental health.

 

2. Provide Constructive Feedback:
 

• Offer specific, detailed, and constructive feedback to authors to improve the quality of the manuscript.
   

• Highlight both strengths and areas for improvement, focusing on content, methodology, and clarity.

3. Maintain Confidentiality:
 

• Treat all submitted manuscripts as confidential documents and refrain from sharing or discussing them with others outside the review process.

 

4. Ensure Timely Review:

o Complete manuscript reviews within the agreed-upon timeframe to maintain the
journal’s publication schedule.
o Communicate promptly with the editorial team if circumstances prevent meeting
the deadline.


5. Identify Ethical Issues:

o Notify the editorial team of any ethical concerns, such as plagiarism, conflicts of
interest, or inappropriate use of data.


6. Recommend Publication Status:

o Provide a recommendation on whether the manuscript should be accepted,
revised, or rejected based on the quality of research and relevance to the journal’s
mission.

 

7. Adhere to Editorial Guidelines:


Follow the journal’s review process and guidelines provided by the editorial team
to ensure consistency in feedback and evaluation.

 

 

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Benefits of Serving as a Reviewer

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• Contribute to advancing research and practice in the field of rural school mental health.

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• Stay informed on the latest developments and innovations in mental health services for rural education.

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• Gain recognition for your expertise and receive acknowledgment in the journal and on the website.

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• Develop and enhance your academic and professional network through collaboration with other experts in the field.

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We value the time, expertise, and dedication of our reviewers in maintaining the high standards
of the Journal of Mental Health in Rural Schools. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer,
please contact us at Delarious.Stewart@tamuc.edu.