As mental health among young people in King County faces a growing crisis, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, expanding access to mental health services in schools has become a priority. In light of the U.S. Surgeon General’s declaration of youth mental health as a public health crisis, Seattle is making significant strides in addressing this issue by expanding mental health services at school-based health centers. These efforts are crucial as the demand for mental health care has outpaced the availability of resources.
A Growing Need for Mental Health Support
Young people in King County have faced increasing mental health challenges, especially since the pandemic. A 2023 survey revealed that more than half of 8th and 10th-grade students in King County reported feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge for several days out of the previous two weeks. While this percentage has decreased from the peak of the pandemic, it still reflects significant anxiety among a large proportion of students.
“Noir Goldberg, a 2024 graduate of Ballard High School and former executive board member of the Seattle Student Union, noted, “So many students were suffering but were having a hard time finding a therapist in their community because of steep demand.” This sentiment underscores the urgent need for accessible mental health services, especially in the school environment.
Expansion of Mental Health Services
To address the growing demand for mental health care, Seattle is working in partnership with the City of Seattle, community providers, and school districts to significantly expand mental health services at school-based health centers. School-based health centers are health clinics located within elementary, middle, and high schools across King County. These centers already provide primary care and now, with new funding, will significantly expand mental and behavioral health services for students.
An annual $5.6 million investment from the City of Seattle will begin in the 2024-2025 school year to help achieve this expansion. The funds will enable the hiring of 21 new mental health therapists, effectively doubling the current staffing capacity for mental health services at Seattle middle and high schools. Additionally, the investment will fund the hiring of 21 new behavioral health care coordinators to help students navigate the mental health care system and connect them to appropriate services both within the school and the broader community.
The Role of Behavioral Health Care Coordinators
The addition of behavioral health care coordinators represents a key element of the expansion. These coordinators will assist students in accessing the appropriate mental health services and ensure they receive the care they need in a timely manner. Rather than being confined to the school-based health centers, the coordinators will work directly within the school environment, integrating their efforts with other school staff members. This will allow them to focus on managing the complexity of resources for students, thus freeing up school staff to concentrate on other critical student needs.
The new positions will be staffed by three well-established community organizations: Hallowell-Todaro ADHD Center, Communities of Rooted Brilliance, and Refugees Northwest, which is a program of Lutheran Community Services Northwest. These organizations were selected through a competitive process to ensure that the positions are filled by those who are most qualified to meet the diverse needs of Seattle’s student population.
Impact on Students
The expansion of mental health services is expected to have a profound impact on students. As Noir Goldberg, now a college student and mentor to the Seattle Student Union, said, “When we facilitate care for the entire student—not just the education—it makes learning so much easier.” The additional resources will help students address the emotional and psychological challenges they face, ultimately leading to a more supportive and effective learning environment.
Daisy Ortiz, one of the newly hired mental health therapists at Garfield High School, spoke about her work with students who struggle with a variety of mental health issues, including depression, trauma, and adjustment disorders. “I see students who are challenged by life and academic stress. I work with them on coping skills to manage stressors. Sometimes, I help them get academic accommodations. This work provides them hope and helps reduce the stress, knowing they have somewhere they can reach out to for more help,” Ortiz said.
Comprehensive Mental Health Support
Seattle’s public middle and high schools already offer a range of mental and behavioral health resources, including outpatient counseling for more intensive support, social work resources for students facing housing or food insecurity, tailored mentorship programs, and family support workers. The new expansion will complement these services by providing more accessible counseling and support for students in need.
Mental health therapists are part of the wider array of services offered by school-based health centers. These centers are designed to be convenient for students, offering on-site care during the school day and the option for continued therapy during summer breaks through virtual telehealth services or in-person appointments at community clinics. This accessibility is critical in ensuring that students can continue to receive care without the added burden of long wait times or transportation issues.
Cultural Representation and Access to Care
A crucial aspect of the mental health expansion is the hiring of therapists who are culturally matched with the students they serve. Daisy Ortiz, a therapist at Garfield High School, emphasized the importance of representation: “We are therapists of color, which I think is very important for representation. Sometimes kids of color don’t feel safe to go to a therapeutic environment, but seeing someone who looks like them can help them feel safer.” Cultural competence is key to breaking down barriers to mental health services and ensuring that students feel comfortable seeking help.
The Role of School-Based Health Centers
School-based health centers play an essential role in providing health services directly at the schools students attend, usually at no cost. This accessibility ensures that students can receive the care they need without additional financial burdens or obstacles. With 38 clinics spread across elementary, middle, and high schools in King County, these centers are integral to promoting student well-being and supporting their academic success.
Conclusion
The expansion of mental health services in Seattle’s school-based health centers represents a vital step forward in addressing the growing youth mental health crisis. By investing in additional mental health professionals and behavioral health care coordinators, the city is taking meaningful action to ensure that students have access to the care they need to thrive both academically and emotionally. With continued support from the City of Seattle, community organizations, and school districts, these services will play a key role in improving the mental well-being of Seattle’s youth and ensuring they have the support needed to succeed in school and beyond.
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