Beacon Light Behavioral Health System is partnering with another school district in the region to increase students’ access to Community and School Based Behavioral Health services.
This month, Otto-Eldred Elementary School joined Beacon Light’s list of 12 schools, in response to the growing need for 24/7 children’s mental health care.
“Otto-Eldred Elementary is excited to be able to provide this single point of contact for behavioral health services to the students and families in need within our school which will provide better collaboration and communication with the family, school and outside agency,” said Lindsay Burns, Otto-Eldred’s principal of elementary and special education. “We believe in supporting the whole child and meeting all needs for children, not just academic, and feel the addition of this program will assist us with this belief.”
Researchers have estimated that up to one in five children living in the U.S. experience a mental health disorder in a given year and half of all mental health illnesses start by age 14, according to the World Health Organization.
Since Beacon Light began this program in 2007, the team has served nearly 2,400 students with severe emotional or behavioral problems across six different counties. The teams aid students within the school, home, and community settings whom display struggles within these domains.
Beacon Light’s clinical model includes clinical interventions, case management, crisis services and consultation and referrals.
The behavioral health team usually includes a director to oversee the program both administratively and clinically. This team specifically includes a mental health professional who holds a master’s degree and a professional license, a behavioral health worker who is the bachelor’s level professional, and a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist.
“We look forward to working with the Otto-Eldred Elementary School team, students and community,” said Deb Kohler, Beacon Light’s director of CSBBH services. “This program allows the opportunity for linkage between home and school. It’s a team approach. It will teach children new ways to manage their feelings and behaviors so the child is ready to learn and become more successful academically, socially and behaviorally. ”
Services are private and confidential. The CSBBH team works with the child, family and school officials. Regular progress reports are provided and parents/guardians are involved in every part of the treatment. There is no charge to parents or students for this service, as it is funded by Community Care.
