Ohio’s School-Based Behavioral Health Partnerships Jump 200% Since 2017
Source: https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/
The Ohio Council of Behavioral Health & Family Services Providers reported concerning trends in youth mental health but noted positive developments in school-community partnerships. Their study, tracking data since 2017, reveals a 223% increase in school-based behavioral health services provided by community behavioral health centers (CBHCs) in Ohio.
Key Highlight:
- The Ohio Council of Behavioral Health & Family Services Providers reported that 3,610 schools offer essential services like screening, prevention, treatment, and crisis intervention through community behavioral health centers (CBHCs). Over the past year, partnerships between schools and CBHCs grew by 21.8%, a significant increase. Among these schools, 87.5% provide clinical or treatment services, 88.5% offer prevention services, and 60% are involved in crisis intervention.
- Nearly all (97.5%) community behavioral health centers (CBHCs) work with schools on initiatives like school planning and curriculum development. The study highlights that integrating mental health services into schools through these partnerships helps remove barriers to accessing behavioral health care. This approach leads to significant improvements in students’ mental health outcomes, including reduced absenteeism, better academic performance, and enhanced social-emotional skills.
- Despite significant progress in expanding school-based behavioral health services, the study revealed ongoing challenges. Staffing issues are a major concern, with one in three schools or community behavioral health centers (CBHCs) reporting worsening difficulties, including a more than 11% increase in vacancies for full-time school-based behavioral health staff compared to the previous year. High student needs and long waitlists are major barriers.
- The findings align with a Health Policy Institute of Ohio report that ranked the state 44th in population health and spending. The report highlighted severe youth mental health issues, especially among LGBTQ+ youth, who face notably higher rates of suicide and suicide attempts compared to their heterosexual peers.
- The state of Ohio is investigating the root causes of mental illness, substance use disorders, and suicide. Governor Mike DeWine announced a $20 million grant from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for a study led by Ohio State University, along with other universities and hospitals. This study aims to uncover unknown factors related to mental illness, including its causes, risks, and preventive measures, according to Dr. Luan Phan from OSU’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health.
The latest study by the Council of Behavioral Health & Family Service Providers urged Ohio policymakers to address several key areas:
1. Expand Funding: Increase funding for school-based prevention, consultation, and treatment services.
2. Strengthen Partnerships: Guide schools on strategies to enhance community partnerships.
3. Address Workforce Shortages: Find solutions for the behavioral health workforce shortages.
4. Improve Access: Enhance access to screening and early intervention for mental health issues, especially for at-risk populations.
Image Source: https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/
