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In recognition of National School Counseling Week, BHIPP has gathered resources and information about how pediatric primary care providers (PCPs) can collaborate with schools to support students’ mental health. The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes the important role of pediatric PCPs in addressing the mental health of students. Partnerships between schools and health care systems can lead to better care coordination for pediatric patients, including management of chronic health conditions and greater health equity for students.
PCPs can collaborate with the school community by sharing information with the student support team and other school personnel involved in student evaluation. When a child needs school-based services, the parents take the first step by writing a letter to their school requesting a formal evaluation. PCPs can help support parents in writing this letter, and by providing documentation required for an IEP or 504 plan. The BHIPP website includes links to release of information forms to allow for care coordination between community health providers and schools (Maryland School Districts' Release of Information Forms - Maryland BHIPP)
Other partnerships between PCPs and schools include school-based health centers. School-based health centers (SBHCs) typically offer primary care services, sick visits, physicals, chronic illness management (e.g., for asthma), care coordination, and mental health services. SBHCs work with patients' PCPs to support students’ health. Maryland’s SBHC Program is run by the Maryland Department of Health, Bureau of Maternal and Child Health, and there are currently 91 SBHCs active in Maryland (Maryland School Based Health Centers List).
Pediatric PCPs can also support schools by providing psychoeducation and consultation with school systems, through medical consultation, and by serving on school health advisory councils. Finally, pediatric PCPs can support schools through bridging care and advocating for policies at the local, state, or national level that support the mental health of children and adolescents.
Resources for PCPs:
1. Role of Pediatricians in Collaborating with Schools
2. Maryland School Districts' Release of Information Forms
3. Health Care and School Partnerships
4. Maryland Department of Health - The Maryland School Based Health Center Program
Resources for PCPs to share with parents:
1. How Clinicians can Partner with Schools to Support Pediatric Patients
2. Sample Letters for Requesting Evaluations and Reports
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