Enhancing School-Based Mental Health Referrals: Insights from Western Canada

The importance of mental health literacy in schools cannot be overstated. A recent study titled "School-based mental health literacy training shifts the quantity and quality of referrals to tertiary child and adolescent mental health services: A Western Canada regional study" provides valuable insights for practitioners. The research demonstrates how training educators in mental health literacy can significantly improve the quality and quantity of mental health referrals.

Key Findings from the Study

The study involved the implementation of the Go-To Educator mental health literacy training in 208 schools in Calgary, Alberta, from 2013 to 2016. The results were compelling:

• Referrals from trained schools increased significantly, indicating improved identification of at-risk students.
• Students referred post-training were younger and more likely to come from single-parent families.
• Common referral reasons included adjustment problems, learning/attention issues, and complex social/family issues.
• Although these students waited longer to be admitted, they stayed longer in services and showed positive treatment outcomes.

Implementing the Go-To Educator Training

Practitioners looking to enhance their skills and improve student outcomes should consider the following steps based on the study’s findings:

1. Participate in Mental Health Literacy Training: Engaging in programs like the Go-To Educator training can help educators identify students who may be at risk for mental disorders.
2. Collaborate with Health Services: Building strong linkages between educational institutions and health services can facilitate better referral and treatment processes.
3. Focus on Early Identification: Training can enable educators to recognize signs of mental health issues early, leading to timely interventions.
4. Support Complex Cases: Be prepared to handle more complex cases, as trained educators are likely to identify students with more severe needs.

Encouraging Further Research

While the study offers promising results, further research is essential to continue improving mental health literacy and referral processes in schools. Practitioners are encouraged to explore additional training opportunities and collaborate on research projects that can provide deeper insights into effective mental health interventions.To read the original research paper, please follow this link: School-based mental health literacy training shifts the quantity and quality of referrals to tertiary child and adolescent mental health services: A Western Canada regional study.