8 VITALITY Fall 2023 One in five children and adolescents experiences a mental health problem during their school years, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Poor mental health can cause students to struggle with school, grades, decision-making and health. This is why Citizens Memorial works with local school districts to increase student access to behavioral health care. Licensed clinical social workers and licensed professional counselors provide services at partner schools. “Students receive counseling during regular school hours,” says Rachael Swopes, PhD, a licensed psychologist and clinical director of Behavioral Health Services at Citizens Memorial Hospital. “This makes it easier for students to receive help, because parents don’t have to provide transportation or leave work for appointments.” HOW WE HELP CMH providers can help students with depression, anxiety, recent loss and grief, and these behavioral issues: » Aggression. » Defiance. » Hyperactivity. » Suicidal ideations/cutting. » Anger outbursts. » Substance use. » Bullying. Teachers, school counselors, primary care physicians and parents may refer students to a CMH counselor. Their first visit will be at a CMH clinic. MAKING AN IMPACT CMH behavioral health providers conduct 760 schoolbased counseling sessions per month. “These numbers show how common it is for students to need help,” Dr. Swopes says. “Students and parents should know it is OK to ask for help.” Services are strictly confidential and adhere to state licensing and HIPAA regulations. CMH accepts most major insurance plans, and financial assistance is available. CMH currently provides school-based counseling in the Bolivar, Dallas County, El Dorado, Osceola and Stockton school districts. FOR MORE INFORMATION » Parents: If you want to find out more about enrolling your child in school-based counseling, contact your local CMH primary care clinic. » Schools or agencies wanting to find out more about offering school-based counseling in their district should contact Angela Long, Director of Behavioral Health Operations, at 417-328-6708. CHILDREN’S HEALTH CMH provides in-school counseling at partner locations MENTAL HEALTH
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODQ1MTY=