Metropolitan Omaha Educational Consortium (MOEC) Mental Health Services Initiative
Advisor Information
Keenan Krick
Location
MBSC Ballroom - Poster #203 - G
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
4-3-2022 12:30 PM
End Date
4-3-2022 1:45 PM
Abstract
Abstract. Objective: This study identifies the variations of mental health services offered by school districts who serve K-12 in urban settings. Participants: A sample of school districts (n=12) in a major Midwestern metropolitan area participated in this study from August 2021 through October 2022. Methods: A qualitative approach was used to determine the variation in school-based mental health service provision. Results: The following themes emerged: there is increased anxiety and mental health need this year; current student need is greater than school service capacity; community partners provide various services (including training, on-site and off-site support) and formal partnerships are key to improve communication between systems; barriers to mental health services utilization include stigma, finances/insurance, and the school demand for quality providers is greater than the current supply; ongoing trauma-informed trainings are desired, and a streamlined process is needed when students enter various levels of care (including the initial wait-time to service);
many districts track attendance and behavioral data, number of referrals to various mental health services; more mental health providers (including social workers) need to be hired/integrated into school systems, including the sustained integration of social emotional learning curriculum. Conclusion: Some school districts are succeeding to provide a variety of mental health services, although all districts still experience barriers, limited resources, and a variety of formal and informal community partnerships that determine the clinical landscape within which schools provide comprehensive mental health services to students in need.
Scheduling Link
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Metropolitan Omaha Educational Consortium (MOEC) Mental Health Services Initiative
MBSC Ballroom - Poster #203 - G
Abstract. Objective: This study identifies the variations of mental health services offered by school districts who serve K-12 in urban settings. Participants: A sample of school districts (n=12) in a major Midwestern metropolitan area participated in this study from August 2021 through October 2022. Methods: A qualitative approach was used to determine the variation in school-based mental health service provision. Results: The following themes emerged: there is increased anxiety and mental health need this year; current student need is greater than school service capacity; community partners provide various services (including training, on-site and off-site support) and formal partnerships are key to improve communication between systems; barriers to mental health services utilization include stigma, finances/insurance, and the school demand for quality providers is greater than the current supply; ongoing trauma-informed trainings are desired, and a streamlined process is needed when students enter various levels of care (including the initial wait-time to service);
many districts track attendance and behavioral data, number of referrals to various mental health services; more mental health providers (including social workers) need to be hired/integrated into school systems, including the sustained integration of social emotional learning curriculum. Conclusion: Some school districts are succeeding to provide a variety of mental health services, although all districts still experience barriers, limited resources, and a variety of formal and informal community partnerships that determine the clinical landscape within which schools provide comprehensive mental health services to students in need.