29.037 - The Decompartmentalization of Student Mental Health: Improving Access and Utilization

Session Type: Working Group Roundtable

Abstract

Schools are often an important entry point for engaging students in interconnected mental health and academic services (President’s New Freedom Commission, 2003). Despite the well documented role the school can play in meeting the mental health needs of students, school mental health (SMH) programs across the country continue to be marginalized for a number of reasons (Wiest & Paternite, 2006). In light of Obama’s new Excellence in Mental Health Care Act and Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Program (ESSCP) funding, an important opportunity presents itself to engage in dialog about building alliances and working collaboratively to de-compartmentalize student development and wellness; moving instead toward a holistic, ecologically grounded approach to helping students, their families and communities.

Sub Unit

• Division E - Counseling and Human Development / Division E - Section 1: Counseling

Chair

• Janee Brooke Both Gragg, University of Redlands

Papers

• Addressing the Barriers to Mental Health Services in Immigrant Communities: The Unique and Necessary Role of the School - Janee Brooke Both Gragg, University of Redlands

• Barriers to Implementing School Mental Health Programs: A Historical Perspective - Jose Worrell Lalas, University of Redlands

• Enhancing Stakeholder Collaboration: A Prerequisite for Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Students - Michael G. Cobarrubias; Jim Koeppel, Corona-Norco Unified School District