ESMH

Expanded School Mental Health Program

Through a variety of state and local administrative arrangements, expanded school mental health (ESMH) programs have been developed in nearly 106 Baltimore City schools over the past decade. These programs augment existing services provided by the school and help to ensure that a comprehensive range of services (assessment, prevention, case management, treatment) are available to youth in regular education.

Hope Health Systems Expanded School Based Program strive every year to be the best clinical program serving Baltimore City and Baltimore County Schools; as well as our Head Start Programs. Our goal at school is to strive for excellence in service, promote academic success by addressing classroom behavior and discipline, and that we help recognize, establish and develop student’s personal assets and capabilities. In the process we support our staff through team work in order to encourage problem solving and collaboration; creativity, and constant improvement. For additional information please call 4102658737.

Scope of Practice for School Mental Health Programs (ESMH)

1. Mental Health Screening: A mental health screening is conducted with the parent/and or guardian of the individual by a mental health professional. The face-to-face screening assesses the individual’s strengths, available resources and treatment needs.
2. Psychiatric Assessment and Diagnosis: A psychiatric diagnosis is formulated and includes a description of the presenting problem, any relevant history, mental status examination and rationale for diagnosis.
3. Individual Treatment Plan (ITP): A treatment plan is developed in collaboration with the individual and parent/and or guardian. ITP includes the individual’s diagnosis, presenting problems, needs, strengths, treatment expectations and responsibilities. Long term and short term goals in measurable terms and target dates for each goal. Criteria for successful completion of treatment and reasons for continuing treatment. A crisis response plan and baseline/progress on objectives.
4. Continuing Evaluation and Treatment: A contact note is completed after each visit describing the service delivered. Each month a progress summary note is completed that describes progress towards ITP goals and any changes in an individual’s status and if applicable suggested changes in treatment goals and services delivered.
5. Referral Services: Appropriate recommendations for referral are provided if applicable.
6. Medication Services: If indicated medication services i.e. prescription, monitoring, and education regarding medication are provided.
7. Crisis Services: Crisis services are available on site during school hours when a Hope staff is on duty and on call when Hope staffs are out of the school building. When appropriate crisis response plan is developed and documented in the medical records.
8. In School Services: Training of clinical services and clinical intervention relating to children with mental health needs by Hope Health Staff to school teachers and staff. Consultation regarding clinical interventions to children with mental health needs. Classrooms consultation i.e. classroom observation and feedback; as well as teacher consult.
9. Discharge Planning/ After Care services: A discharge plan is prepared when the treatment team i.e. Therapist, Psychiatrist and Treatment Coordinator, determines that discharge is appropriate. The plan is developed in collaboration with the client and parent/guardian and assesses individual’s current clinical status; services needs and progress on agreed goals.

Useful Web Sites

• Baltimore Mental Health Systems: http://bmhsi.org/
• Family League: http://www.flbcinc.org/index.aspx

Need More Information?

Wondering if your school has an Expanded School Mental Health Program?

Contact your loal CSA (Core Service Agency) Office Baltimore City CSA:

Baltimore Mental Health Systems 201 E. Baltimore St . #1340 Baltimore MD 21202 Ph:410-837-2647 Fax: 410-837-2672

Baltimore County CSA: Bureau of Mental Health/Core Service Agency 6401 York Road, Baltimore, MD 21212 Ph: 410-887-2731 Fax :410-887-4859