Children, Adolescents and Families

D17D - Innovations in School-based Mental Health

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

2:15 PM – 3:15 PM

Location: Gaylord National, Woodrow Wilson Ballroom BCD

Workshop Presenter(s)

Melinda Baldwin, PhD

Division Director
Department of Health and Human Services/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Hyattsville, Maryland
Stephanie L. Ellis, EdD, NCSP

Project AWARE/ACTIVATE Director and Executive Director of Behavioral Health, Crisis Intervention, and Student Safety
Rockingham County Schools
Eden, North Carolina
Ryan S. Etheridge, MSA

Director
Cleveland County Schools
Shelby, North Carolina
Victoria L. Gurske, MSW, ACSW

Associate Clinical Social Worker
Interface Children & Family Services
Oak View, California

School-based mental health services are essential to ensure students are learning in a safe and supportive environment. SAMHSA moderates this presentation highlighting the importance of a three-tiered approach to behavioral health wellness. Using a multi-tiered system of support, we will discuss why the role of specialized instructional support personnel in the team is essential and focus on complexities of mental health needs following natural disasters, including traumas related to wildfires compounded with COVID-19.

Learning Objectives:

Discuss the importance of the role that school-based mental health services have in ensuring the well-being of children, youth and families.
Identify the importance of a three-tiered model in delivering behavioral health services in schools.
Recognize the importance and need for a robust referral system and community partners to ensure children have access to behavioral health services.
Identify the impact of school-based mental health services on children, youth and families.