O2121: Implementing a Crisis Consultation and Intervention Program in School Health

Background: Students during school may have escalations affecting their mental wellness and ability to stay in school and may need immediate evaluation for their safety, the safety of others or require intervention requiring professional assessment, evaluation and disposition in a timely manner. Schools typically will call EMS or have parents take these students to the Emergency Room where most students do not receive intervention or resources to be connected to care. This program is a telephone consultation service that preempts referral to the emergency room by a crisis counselor and works with the family on a mutual plan and connection to services. The team also communicates with the school and medical home so all stakeholders are working for the best interest of the student and family.

Methods: Careful planning included developing a program staffed by experienced crisis counselors to urgently evaluate and assess a student in crisis and create a plan for that student to receive the right care, at the right time and in the right place while communicating with the school. This program focuses on connecting students with care in order to get them back to school as soon as possible. The crisis team also maintains a robust referral sources to expedite matching the student with the most appropriate service. The program is offered to school districts and is paid for by district, local and grant funding. We also include professional development for school staff to better recognize and understand students with acute mental health issues.

Results: Of the over 300 visits seen to date less than 5% of students have been referred to the emergency room whereas before almost all of them would have. In addition many students are connected to care the same day and the majority are back in school quickly. Schools and parents are very satisfied with these services and we receive excellent NPS scores.

Conclusion: Integrating programs that are easily accessible by school staff will improve access to urgently needed mental healthcare for students, decrease unnecessary ED use and decrease student absenteeism. The program is a huge support to school staff who are often overwhelmed and do not have the resources to assist students and families in these situations.