Greater Parkland
Wellness Zone
Greater Parkland Wellness Zone
The existing shortage of mental and behavioral healthcare providers highlights the limitations of solely relying on treatment to address youth mental health and wellness. New strategies need to be considered as part of the government’s response to the current youth mental health crisis. Given research showing the impact of the social and physical environment on youth mental health, place-based, collective-impact approaches may be well-situated to address the intricate factors related to child and adolescent wellbeing. A statewide partnership funded by a Washington state legislative proviso is coming together to determine whether community-informed and embedded approaches, Youth Wellness Zones, can create meaningful, positive change in youth mental wellness.
The core strategy to positively impact youth wellness in Greater Parkland is KMHPC’s implementation of a three-tiered behavioral health system, piloted at Keithly Middle School. Through this pilot, students will be screened for behavioral health challenges (early identification), referred to a community multidisciplinary team (composed of at least one mental health professional, community behavioral health providers, and local advocates) meeting to assist with case coordination and planning, and provided brief intervention by a YES clinician in the school until the student relates to outside providers and community supports. KMHPC plans to develop a network of local providers to ensure timely triage and connection to resources. This approach will allow students to be identified earlier than they otherwise would have been. Early intervention is key to preventing behavioral health symptoms from getting worse. Connection with the YES clinician at school will allow students to receive support as a bridge while appropriate referrals are made, and community-based services are initiated. There is typically a long wait time to be seen by mental and behavioral health specialists, so relationship with the YES clinician at school will allow students to receive treatment as they wait. Community collaboration with providers and youth voice have been key in determining specific needs, developing new programs, and identifying existing resources. Students and families will be involved in multidisciplinary team meetings and community summits. Students will also aid in development of a Greater Parkland zone website and newsletter.
