Mental Health Service Provision at School-Based Health Centers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Findings From a National Listening Session

Abstract

Introduction: School-based health centers (SBHCs) provide health services to more than six million youth annually. When schools throughout the United States closed in spring 2020, many SBHCs were also forced to close physical operations..

Method: This study uses qualitative data collected from SBHC representatives nationwide to examine supports and challenges affecting mental health services provision during the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in the provision of these services, and priorities for assessing and supporting student mental health needs in the 2021-2022 school year.

Results: Partnerships, community and stakeholder buy-in, and student access were key supports to continuous care throughout the pandemic, whereas lack of available staff and lack of in-person access to students were key challenges. Patients demonstrated increased acuity of presenting mental health problems, more immediate and complex mental health challenges, and greater co-morbidities.

Discussion: SBHCs pivoted, even with limited resources, to meet students' increasing needs for mental health care.

Keywords: COVID-19; mental health; school health; school-based health center.