Extending Mental Health Help to Vulnerable Kids
October 26, 2018
Efforts are increasing to help support children who have experienced trauma. Some health care facilities are integrating mental health and primary care to increase treatment access for kids who are struggling. For example, the Harriet Lane Clinic at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center offers mental health and primary care services side by side. The clinic asks patients about exposure to traumatic events and helps families address socioeconomic challenges, such as lack of food, housing, or health insurance. Some schools are adopting a similar approach by putting systems in place to support students impacted by traumas such as abuse, violence, or neglect. Schools can help ensure they are trauma-informed by training staff how to recognize and respond to kids who are vulnerable, according to Laura McArthur, a clinical psychologist and executive director of the nonprofit Resilient Futures. Schools can also help promote healing by creating safe spaces for students to work through their feelings.
Spark Extra! Learn more about how to help youth who have experienced trauma.