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 culturally and linguistically appropriate, customer-friendly, quality health services. It also supports one of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 7) Link people to needed personal health services and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
All 28 Monterey County school districts.
FINANCING:
Receiving this report will have no impact on the Health Department Behavioral Health Bureau’s FY 2018-19 Adopted Budget nor the General Fund.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☐Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
☒Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☐Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Amie Miller, Behavioral Health Bureau Chief, 4580
Approved by: Elsa M. Jimenez, Director of Health, 4526