In Baltimore City over 80 percent of school children who suffer from emotional problems have never had any contact with mental health services. These students often have a higher rate of school drop-out, teen pregnancy, drug abuse, anxiety or depression caused by crime, violence, parental neglect or poverty. The program is called the Center for School Mental Health Assistance. The Center sponsored its first national conference to address how to improve mental health programs in schools, on September 20 and 21. Over 300 professionals, including social workers, psychologists, nurses, school counselors, and physicians attended the two day conference, at the Baltimore-Washington International Airport Marriot Hotel.
Schools provide a single point of access to services in a familiar, non-threatening atmosphere.
By bringing the mental health services to the school and expanding the services currently available, we can better address those needs. The national conference examined the advantages and issues related to developing a school mental health program as well as resources that are available and models to follow. This information is not intended to be a substitute for individual medical advice in diagnosing or treating a health problem. Please consult with your health care provider about your health care concerns.