LaunchNW Invests $200,000 to Expand Access to Mental Health Supports for Students in Spokane County Schools
LaunchNW, a regional community initiative of Innovia Foundation, will invest $200,000 to expand school-based mental health services through Spokane Public Schools (SPS), a licensed behavioral health agency. SPS was the first school district in the state to become a licensed behavioral health agency, more than 20 years ago.
SPS manages and supports a team of more than 50 licensed school-based mental health clinicians across Spokane County, all of whom are currently funded through Medicaid. Students who are Medicaid-eligible can receive behavioral health services during the school day free of charge, as clinicians bill Medicaid for the cost of services.
“We bring mental health services directly to students. This reduces stigma and removes barriers for children and their families, as therapists in the community have long waitlists and can be inaccessible,” shares Dr. David Crump, Director of Behavioral Health Services at SPS. “With current funding, our therapists have been unable to provide services to non-Medicaid eligible students — the LaunchNW funding changes that.”
This investment will provide partial funding for 10 clinicians, increasing capacity to serve non-Medicaid eligible students; free up Medicaid funding to hire two additional clinicians; and make data available about the partnership to attract additional funding. New therapists will be placed in schools with the greatest needs and will include school districts outside SPS.
“We see this project as a first step in LaunchNW’s work to support youth mental health, as we know there is great need for services across our region,” says Ben Small, Executive Director of LaunchNW. “The SPS program is an innovative and inspiring way to ensure every child can travel their best journey.”
The LaunchNW Youth Mental Health and Wellness Task Force is co-chaired by Mary Kuney, Spokane County Commissioner; Debra Raub, Executive Director of Communities in Schools of Spokane County; Justin Johnson, Director of the Spokane County Community Services Department; and Dr. David Crump. The task force recommended that LaunchNW funding be allocated to this pilot project. As a collective impact initiative, LaunchNW investments are determined in partnership with a cross-sector leadership council, comprised of leaders from nonprofit organizations, businesses, educational institutions, K-12, faith communities and more.
“For any child to succeed, they need access to resources that support their mental health and wellbeing,” says Spokane County Commissioner Mary Kuney, who serves as the task force co-chair. “Mental health is key for kids to have a thriving future in our community. We are grateful for the opportunity to invest and to continue addressing this challenge facing our kids.”
To learn more about this project and how students can access school-based mental health services, reach out to Dr. David Crump or call 509-824-8600.