Expanding Mental Health Access in Rural Schools Through School-University Partnerships

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 9:45 am - Gold 4
  In Roundtable Session: Bridging Campuses, Communities, and Classrooms: Collaborative Pathways to Lasting Change

Abstract

This study examined how social work interns participating in a university-assisted community school initiative, Mental Health Partnership, reflected on their roles supporting rural students’ during their internship experience. Using directed qualitative content analysis, researchers analyzed interviews with 12 social work interns placed in six rural schools during the 2024–2025 academic year. Findings demonstrate that interns contributed meaningfully to student support and school-based services while also identifying barriers to sustainability, such as varying integration and staffing. Interns reported their experiences were formative and necessary for better understanding the importance of partnerships between schools and universities. Authors highlight how innovative field-based training programs like MHP can build a responsive mental health workforce and address service disparities in high-need, under-resourced rural communities.

Authors

• Kathleen Provinzano, Binghamton University - SUNY

• Connor J. Sondergeld, MetriKs

• Eleanor Churchland, MetriKs

• Casey E Hanna, Binghamton University - SUNY

• Toni A. May, Binghamton University - SUNY

• Naorah Rimkunas, Binghamton University - SUNY

• Kelley Cook, Binghamton University - SUNY