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Cameron Massey, J.P. Jameson, Rafaella Sale, Kurt D. Michael Appalachian State University. Unique Challenges in Implementing School-based Mental Health in a “ RuraL Rural” Environment. To describe the “rural rural ” environment we are working in
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Cameron Massey, J.P. Jameson, Rafaella Sale, Kurt D. Michael Appalachian State University Unique Challenges in Implementing School-based Mental Health in a “RuraL Rural” Environment
To describe the “rural rural” environment we are working in Talk about the ASC Center model and how it’s being implemented Discuss some of the challenges we are facing Solicit feedback and experience from others who have faced similar challenges Purpose
Demographics of the “High Country” * *Not really, college town. Actually probably closer to 10%.
Assessment, Support, and Counseling (ASC) Center • Previously implemented – • Watauga High School in 2006 • Ashe County High School in 2011 • Staff: licensed clinicians, ASU faculty members, graduate students, local CMHC therapists • Provide individual outpatient, crisis intervention, behavioral consultation, group therapy, etc. • Adapt services to the school needs & culture • Meet on a weekly basis with school counselors, admin, SRO, etc. to discuss student needs School-based Mental HealtH MODEL
Federal Title V Grant • Ashe and Alleghany counties • Spring of 2011: Started talking about SMH program • Logistics meetings in summer of 2013 • Funding: • Title V • School-system contract • Creative admin – billing through alternative Medicaid avenues • Established presence in fall of 2013 • Designated space at the high school History of ASU – Alleghany Partnership
Individual modality: • n = 7 • 24 total service hours/sessions • 5th – 12th grades • 10-17 years old • 3f / 4m Group modality: • n = 4 • 3 sessions/12 service hours • 7th and 8th grade students • 4 males Alleghany ASC data (Fall 2013)
Multi-tiered pregnancy prevention program Consultation on bullying prevention Crisis response Website tracking Other Plans
www.highcountryhelp.com High country Help
Buy-in: • Board Of Education level -- both director of student services and Superintendent have shown support • Principals at various schools have provided space and access to students • Didn’t have to reinvent the wheel • Used ASC Center model that has been established in two other schools • Learn from experiences • Room for innovation Success thus far
Community buy in • Difficulty of trying to establish a single ASC center that serves all schools (4 total) • Cultural issues • Counselor’s not recognizing the problem • Counselor’s don’t see us as helping • See us as “after their jobs” Challenges thus far • Limitations: • Fewer of us • Fewer days out of the week • Less visible • Transportation issues • Ethical issues: • Kids with suicidal ideation • Outlying schools: • Effectively serving them?
Counselor buy-in • Stack of referrals on desk • “We’ve got good kids here…” • “They’re after our jobs…” • Ethical issues Things We’d Like To Change