<![CDATA[Adolescence is a vulnerable period marked by rapid changes and increasing mental health challenges, which can significantly affect academic performance. In Jakarta, this issue is exacerbated by academic pressure and urban stressors. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between mental health and academic performance among adolescents in Jakarta. A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted involving 14 purposively selected 8th and 9th-grade students from MTs Umdatur Rasikien, East Jakarta. Mental health was assessed using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) before and after counseling interventions, while academic performance was measured by the number of subjects graded “C” or below. Individual and group counseling sessions were provided over two weeks. Data were analyzed using paired-sample t-tests and Pearson correlation in SPSS 25. Post-intervention SRQ-20 scores significantly decreased (p = 0.000), indicating improved mental health. Eight out of 14 students showed better academic performance, while five worsened. Correlation analysis revealed a weak, non-significant negative association between post-test mental health scores and academic performance (r = -0.168, p = 0.565), suggesting complex and indirect effects. Counseling interventions effectively improved mental health, though their direct impact on academic performance was limited, emphasizing the need for integrative, multi-faceted school-based support.]]>
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