Connecting Students in Distress with Behavioral Health Resources

Connecting Students in Distress with Behavioral Health Resources: An Educator’s Overview of Roles, Referrals and Resources For P-12 Teachers & School Personnel in the District of Columbia Public Schools and Public Charter Schools

Page 1 Introduction

As a teacher or school staff member, you are in one of the best positions to notice when a student is showing signs of psychological distress and may be in need of help. In this training, you will learn about some of the behavioral health resources in your school and the steps for referring students to behavioral health resources. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, nearly 21%, or 1 in five 9- to 17-year-olds have a mental health problem such as anxiety, depression, disruptive disorders, or substance abuse that causes at least mild impairment in their ability to function at home, at school, in the community, or with peers. Five to 9% are estimated to have severe impairment. The earlier these students are referred to behavioral health resources, the better the odds are in delaying or even preventing a child from experiencing more serious mental health problems that result in academic failure, substance abuse, involvement with juvenile justice or even suicide. No matter what age children you work with, you can play an important role in getting them off to the best possible start by ensuring that children in need of behavioral health services get them as early as possible. Your role is to know and follow your school’s protocol.

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