BOISE, Idaho — When the legislature debates a major topic like mental health, the whole community can learn more. House Bill 684, sponsored by Representative Dori Healey, would establish optional behavioral health in the form of telehealth for Idaho public schools.
The legislation essentially allows public schools to provide access to therapy and counseling services via telehealth on school grounds during a school day.
Rebecca Rand is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who owns her own practice in Eagle. She has been a licensed therapist since 1996.
“It's not that we have more mental illness," Rand said. "Everybody's afraid There's more. We have more awareness,” Rand said.
Rand said bringing awareness to mental health is good, and House Bill 684 caught her attention. From her experience and conversations with other providers, she believes the proposed law would be a fantastic tool.
“One counselor has to cover multiple schools because that's what's happened. They get overworked. It's difficult And some of the school counselors, because of some of the things that are going on, they're overwhelmed. They need the support so they can do their job better,” Rand said.
Rand is one of many providers who utilize telehealth to connect with clients in Idaho and other areas. She believes it would be impactful to offer it as an on-campus option for students.
She said that it is difficult for students to pay attention in school when they are depressed or anxious. Parents may be forced to pull their children out of school, but allowing services to be held online can help alleviate stress.
"Having them be able to step outside, maybe cope with it, not have to take off school, not have to miss a test, not have the parents have to explain, I've got to take my kid out of school, which then creates some anxiety with the parent. Sometimes it's huge,” Rand said.
A hurdle Rand has seen in conversations about seeking care for a child is parents' worries about what the decision will say about them.
“It really has to do with having the courage to not see it as a flaw that you have or something's wrong with your child, but it's more like: I'm going to get resources available right here. Let me just read and see which one fits for me and my family,” Rand said.
House Bill 684 aligns with the family-centered value of parents and kids talking about finding a solution together.
"All we do is try to normalize it and make it such that it's not the stigma parents can keep from having stigma when they start addressing it, as this is a normal thing to do just to want to talk about feelings because that's true. That is normal,” Rand said.
While increased access is great, it is only as great as people allow it to be. Rand said getting resources before a possible crisis is key. Access to more resources through telehealth allows social workers to connect and build relationships with kids in need.
“We have an impact on the future, and our children have an impact," Rand said. "So, empowering your community and your kids is all about us being stronger people and mentally well.”
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