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By Mark Moran - Producer-Editor, Contact - News
Big Sky Connection - As Montana kids return to the classroom, experts remind parents that student mental health should be on the agenda. Research shows that half of students diagnosed as clinically depressed are going without services in their communities, which is why having them available in the classroom is so important. Comments from Caitlin Hochul (HOKE-uhl), VP of public policy for the mental-health advocacy group Inseparable.
Click on the image above for the audio. A program at Montana State University has shown success in reducing the rate of youth suicide by educating students about alternatives. (Adobe Stock)
Mark Moran
September 11, 2024 - Mental health experts have released a checklist for parents of students headed back to school in Montana.
Research shows kids who need services are often go without and substance abuse and mental health experts say half of students who are clinically depressed are not getting the mental health care they need.
Caitlin Hochul, vice president of public policy for the mental health advocacy organization Inseparable, said it is important services are available to students as they return to school.
"They help improve access to care and are really one of the most effective tools we have to help
improve children's mental health well-being," Hochul explained. "We are reaching kids where they spend most of their time, and that is in schools. "
The U.S. Department of Education said young people who get school-based services are six times more likely to complete treatment than those who get their services in community settings. A program at Montana State University has shown success in reducing the teen suicide rate by increasing mental health literacy among young students.
Hochul pointed out research showed increasing mental health literacy decreases symptoms of depression, and noted there are several steps to achieving the goal.
"One is making sure that kids understand what brain health is, what mental health is, similar to physical health education," Hochul outlined. "Then there's also training up staff and teachers, too, so they're understanding warning signs and can help with suicide prevention and substance use disorder prevention."
Hochul added regular mental health check-ins with kids, even if they are just informal, can help identify students who may need support.
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