MENTAL HEALTH IN SCHOOL HEALTH CENTERS IN NORTH CAROLINA

1. MENTAL HEALTH IN SCHOOL HEALTH CENTERSIN NORTH CAROLINA

2. Brief Overview of State-Funded School Health Centers in North Carolina • Managed by School Health Unit of NC Division of Public Health • Centers are partially supported by state funds • 28 School Health Centers in 15 counties are included in NC Division of Public Health’s school health center program • 25 centers are school-based (most in middle and high schools) and 3 are school-linked • All have community-based advisory councils and strong collaborative support from community partners • Consultation/TA provided by state multi-disciplinary team

3. Types of School Health Centers • Comprehensive model • Preventive • Medical • Nutrition • Mental/behavioral health • Health education

4. Types of School Health Centers • Alternate Model • Offers Basic Health Services* and at least one of the following services: • Preventive • Medical • Nutrition • Mental Health *Includes health risk screening and referral for medical and mental/behavioral risks

5. School Health Center Sponsors • Local Health Departments • Hospitals • Federally funded Community Health Centers • 501 c 3 organizations

6. Benefits of Integrating Health and Mental Health Care in School Setting • Holistic approach to adolescent health—screening, assessment, treatment and /or referral for health and mental health issues • Non-threatening setting for addressing mental health concerns • On-site multi-disciplinary consultation available

7. Framework for Mental/Behavioral Health in School Health Centers • NC Quality Assurance Standards • Scope of Services • Provider Qualifications • Documentation Requirements • Content areas for policies/procedures

8. Framework for Mental/Behavioral Health Services • Mental/Behavioral Health Performance Measures • ADD/ADHD • Inappropriate, violent or aggressive behavior • Social skills/relationships • Depression and/or anxiety • Tobacco • Alcohol/drugs

9. Mental/Behavioral Health Scope of Services • Prevention • Psychosocial Screening • Anticipatory Guidance • Intervention/Treatment (Basic) • Case Management • Problem Solving/Supportive Counseling • Situational Crisis Intervention • Consultation to school and school based personnel • Referral/follow-up

10. Behavioral / Mental Health Scope of Services • Intervention / Treatment (Advanced) • Crisis Intervention Involving Serious Mental/Emotional Issues • Short-Term Individual Psychotherapy • Short-Term Group Psychotherapy • Optional Services • Psycho-educational Groups • Psychological Testing • Substance Abuse Treatment

11. Mental Health Providers in School Health Centers • Provider qualifications for each level of service are specified in Standards • Must meet Medicaid and Health Choice requirements in order to bill • Amount of mental health provider time varies across centers from 4 hours per week to 72 hours per week

12. Mental Health Providers in School Health Centers May Be • Employed by center’s sponsor • Contractual (individual provider or private mental health agency) • In-kind contribution (school, LME)

13. Continuous Quality Improvement in School Health Centers • NC Quality Assurance Standards • Mental Health Performance Measures • Chart Review • Center Multi-disciplinary Team Meetings • Bi-Annual Reports to State • Consultation/Technical Assistance from State • Credentialing/Re-credentialing

14. Technical Assistance for School Health Center Behavioral/Mental Health Providers • Clinical Issues • CQI Process • Credentialing • Coding / Billing • Policies/Procedures • Orientation of New Staff • Information about Resources • Facilitation of Mental Health Work Group

15. Questions/Information • Contact: Beverly Hester Beverly.hester@ncmail.net or 919-707-5604 Or Dan Garson-Angert Daniel.garson.angert@ncmail.net or 919-707-5666