How Backpack Healthcare Partners with Local Schools to Enhance Mental Health Support
Clinical Review by Jacqueline Mitchell, LMSW
As the new school year kicks off, Backpack Healthcare is proud to deepen our commitment to mental health by partnering with local schools to make quality care more accessible and inclusive for all students. Our innovative approach integrates seamlessly with school environments, ensuring that every child and teen receives the support they need, right when they need it.
Telehealth: Bridging the Gap Between School and Home
One of the key ways we’re enhancing mental health care is through telehealth services provided during school hours. Here’s how it works:
Seamless Integration with Schools
Backpack Healthcare collaborates closely with school counselors and administrators to facilitate virtual therapy sessions. Depending on the school system, this might involve a few key steps:
- Safe Space for Sessions: Some schools have designated safe spaces where students can participate in telehealth sessions privately and comfortably. If a safe space isn’t readily available, we work with schools to find suitable arrangements that ensure confidentiality and a conducive environment for therapy.
- Mandatory Agreements: In some cases, schools may require a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Backpack Healthcare to outline the terms and procedures for providing telehealth services. This agreement helps ensure a smooth integration and clear expectations for both parties.
- Background Checks: Even though our clinicians don’t physically enter the school, many school systems mandate that our team undergo background checks and fingerprinting. This is part of their standard protocol to ensure the safety and security of students.
Convenience for Students and Parents
By offering virtual sessions, we enable students to receive professional support without leaving the school’s premises. This minimizes disruption to their learning while ensuring they get the help they need. For parents, this means fewer interruptions to their workday, as they can participate in family counseling sessions virtually if needed. Our goal is to make mental health care as accessible and seamless as possible for both students and their families.
A Model for Inclusive and Effective Care
Our behavioral and mental healthcare model is designed with accessibility and inclusivity at its core. Here’s how we’re making a difference:
- Faster Intervention: We prioritize quick access to mental health resources, ensuring that students get an appointment within less than 5 days.
- Easy Scheduling: With telehealth, attending appointments is simpler and more flexible, reducing barriers to care.
- Technology-Driven: Leveraging telehealth technology allows us to reach more students efficiently, regardless of their location.(Currently in MD, VA and GA)
- Advocacy within Schools: We work actively to promote mental and behavioral health within school settings, working with school administrators, parents and students, helping to create a supportive environment for everyone.
The Backpack Healthcare Promise
When you partner with Backpack Healthcare, you’re choosing a provider that stands by several key commitments:
- Immediate Access: Life-changing mental health resources available when needed.
- World-Class Expertise: Personalized care from a team of highly skilled clinicians.
- Culturally Sensitive Care: A model that respects and embraces diverse backgrounds.
- Compassionate Team: A dedicated team of experts who are as caring as they are knowledgeable.
- Transformative Solutions: Therapeutic interventions that promote healing and growth.
The Benefits for Schools and Students
By incorporating Backpack Healthcare’s services, schools can expect a range of positive outcomes:
- Healthier and Happier Students: Improved mental health leads to better overall well-being and balance with their educational and emotional needs.
- Reduced Absenteeism: Students are more likely to stay engaged and present.
- Enhanced Communication: With mental health providers working with the student at the schools this can allow for an increase of communication with students’ support systems helping drive treatment.
- Inclusive Environment: A safer, more supportive atmosphere for all students.
Get Involved
If you’re a parent or caregiver looking for comprehensive mental health services for your child, visit our intake page to learn more and schedule an appointment. School administrators and counselors interested in collaborating with Backpack Healthcare to bring these vital resources to your students can find more information here.
Together, we can ensure that every student has the support they need to thrive, both
academically and emotionally.