Mental Health

The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that in childhood one in five adolescents between ages 13 and 17 have or will have a mental illness. More alarming, it has been found that at least half of all chronic mental illness begin by the age of 14. Studies have shown that early intervention is the most effective approach to supporting the impact mental illness can have on an individual. WCPS is dedicated to monitoring the provision of mental health services within our schools and throughout the community.

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Behavioral Health Services

Behavioral health generally refers to mental health and substance use disorders, life stressors and crises, and stress-related physical symptoms. Behavioral health care refers to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of those conditions. While often used interchangeably, behavioral health is an umbrella term that includes mental health along with other conditions and concerns. 

WCPS is dedicated to monitoring the provision of behavioral health services within our schools and throughout the community to support our students. In an effort to sustain this dedication, the Coordinator of Behavioral Health Services position maintains connections for school-employed behavioral health staff and collaborates with community-based behavioral health workers. Additionally, supports are available for WCPS staff to be better prepared to support students with behavioral health needs.  

WCPS has partnerships with behavioral health providers throughout the Washington County community through Memorandums of Understanding that allow providers to provide therapeutic services to students during the school day at the student’s school. The providers work collaboratively with families and WCPS staff to ensure all student needs are met, and that ongoing collaboration and communication is available.  

Under Maryland law, students 12 years old or older may consent to their own mental health treatment at school by WCPS clinical social workers or outside providers who have a Memorandum of Understanding with the school system. The Annotated Code of Maryland, Health-General Article, §20-104 provides that the age of consent is 12 years of age if the licensed provider determines that the student is mature and capable of giving informed consent. If the student has the capacity to provide consent, the student may consent to consultation, diagnosis, and treatment of a mental or emotional disorder by a health care provider without parental consent. It is within the professional discretion of the clinician to decide if, when, and how to inform parents, unless the provider believes that the disclosure will lead to harm to the minor.  

Should families be interested in learning more about accessing behavioral health support for their students, they can reach out to the counselor at their school or connect with the Coordinator of Behavioral Health Services at the Center for Education Services at 301-766-8739.

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Ten Common Warning Signs of Mental Health Issues
 

1.  Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks
2. Seriously trying to harm or kill oneself or making plans to do so
3. Severe out-of-control, risk-taking behaviors
4. Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason
5. Not eating, throwing up or using laxatives to lose weight; significant weight loss/gain
6. Seeing, hearing or believing things that are not real
7. Repeatedly using drugs or alcohol
8. Drastic changes in mood, behavior, personality or sleeping habits
9. Extreme difficulty in concentrating or staying still
10. Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities

What Can You Do?

• Start the conversation about your concerns
• Offer support to the student
• Seek resources for help
• Reach out to the school for a student support team meeting
• Contact mental health providers at the school
• Click on Care Solace at the top right of the page to access free care coordination

iF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING BARRIeRS TO GETTING HELP?

Examples of a barrier may be transportation, no insurance or inadequate coverage, need for specialists, or help finding care.  Please contact your school counselor or social worker for assistance.  School-based mental health services also may be available.