Title
Receive an oral report from Amie Miller, Psy.D. MFT, Behavioral Health Director, on the Behavioral Health Bureau's implementation of school-based mental health services.
Presenter: Amie Miller, Psy.D. MFT, Behavioral Health Director
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Health and Human Services Committee of the Board of Supervisors:
Receive an oral report from Amie Miller, Psy.D. MFT, Behavioral Health Director, on the Behavioral Health Bureau's implementation of school-based mental health services.
Presenter: Amie Miller, Psy.D. MFT, Behavioral Health Director
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Monterey County Health Department, Behavioral Health Bureau (MCHDBH) has worked with all our local school districts to provide school-based mental health services to those students with an Individual Education Plan (IEP). In recent years, MCHDBH has developed new partnerships to expand these school-based services to several local school districts who are using their Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) dollars to draw down Medi-Cal federal financial participation. This model has gained national and statewide attention as an innovative practice to increase access to care for students before they are struggling and eventually enrolled in the IEP process. This approach provides services to children and their families/caregivers in the setting that is safe and free of the stigma that often presents a barrier to students who need therapy. It is also more cost-effective as staff are providing services for students early on, before their behavior issues become severe and potentially disabling. Local schools have asked MCHDBH to expand this program. Accordingly, MCHDBH will seek the Board's support to expand its workforce to meet this growing need in our communities.
This work supports the Monterey County Health Department 2018-2022 strategic plan initiatives: 2) Enhance community health and safety by emphasizing prevention, and 3) Ensure access to cult...
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