Mental Health & Wellness Sacramento Safari February 25, 2019 Shereen Walter swalter@capta.org

Mental Health and Wellness Why This Topic Is Important: Emotional health is an integral part of overall health, as physical and mental health are intricately linked. Sound youth mental health includes more than the absence of disorders. It includes: Effective coping skills Ability to form positive relationships Adapt in the face of challenges Function well at home, in school, and in life Positive emotional health is critical to equipping young people for the challenges of growing up and living as healthy adults.

Statistics An estimated 21% of California youth ages 12-17 need help for emotional or mental health problems. Only about one-third of those who need help received counseling. Kidsdata.org

When not adequately addressed, mental illness is linked to: Reduced academic achievement Increased school suspensions Chronic school absences Credit deficiency

Early intervention is key Early intervention can Limit the progression of emotional distress and/or mental illness Improve students social, behavioral and academic functioning at school

Why provide mental health services at school? Schools are typically the primary place where students interact. Families are much more likely to utilize mental and physical health services if those services are located on the school campus.

What can schools do? Improve School Climate Schools with a positive school climate reduce the need for mental health services Increase School Based Services Look for Community Collaborations A Guide to Increase Mental Health Services for Students Project Cal-Well

Atascadero HS Wellness Center

Martin Luther King Middle School

Available Funding: Education funding through the Local Control Funding Formula Categorical funding IDEA Private foundations Partnerships with county offices of education and county behavioral health Medi-Cal reimbursement for services

Advocating for Mental Health Local Control & Accountability Plan - LCAP AB 2246 – Board Policy on Pupil Suicide – is law! Requires the governing board of a LEA 7-12 to adopt a policy on pupil suicide prevention, intervention and post-vention Must specifically address the needs of high-risk groups Must include suicide awareness and prevention training for teachers AB 8 Chu Would require a school or county office of education and a charter school to have at least one mental health professional for every 600 pupils generally accessible to pupils on campus during school hours. 

Other things you can do: Youth Mental Health First Aid training Contact Monica Nepomuceno mnepomuceno@cde.ca.gov) NAMI on Campus Parent Education Nights Provide Resources Talk about mental health

Shereen Walter swalter@capta.org