Cone Health Telehealth Program Successfully Adds Behavioral Health to Innovative Program
A $1 million investment from UnitedHealthcare helped launch school-based behavioral health services in Guilford and Rockingham Counties; program expands this year.
Fast facts
- 76 mental health sessions held in program prototype in select elementary schools in Guilford and Rockingham Counties
- The telehealth behavioral health initiative will expand to 24 additional schools
- More details will be outlined at Hunter Elementary on Sept. 14
What’s new
Seventy-six mental health sessions were held through an expansion of school-based tele-health last year, making it easier for children to receive sessions without leaving campus. The program will add 24 schools this year. A unique feature of this program is that a community health worker stays with the child during each session to help the provider.
The challenge
Mental health challenges can begin early in life and can affect a child's ability to learn, build relationships and succeed in school. Yet many families face barriers getting help, including transportation, scheduling conflicts and limited access to behavioral health experts. By offering services in schools, Cone Health connects children with care in a familiar place where they spend much of their day.
According to the latest America’s Health Rankings report, NC is ranked 32nd for children’s mental health conditions with 23.3% of children ages 3-17 told by a health care provider that they have ADHD, depression, or anxiety problems; or told by a doctor or educator that they have behavior or conduct problems (2-year estimate).
Why This Matters
Mental health is an essential component of overall health and well-being. Childhood mental health includes meeting developmental and emotional milestones and developing healthy social skills. Early diagnosis of mental health conditions among children is vital to ensuring they don’t have problems at home, in school or in forming friendships. Common mental health conditions among children include anxiety, depression and behavioral disorders.
The Solution
The program operated at Alderman Elementary School, Hunter Elementary School and Jones Elementary School in Guilford County; and Moss Street Elementary School in Rockingham County.
"Even in elementary schools, we see students facing challenges that affect their focus, behavior and overall well-being," said Principal Trent Walton of Hunter Elementary School. "Having behavioral health services at the school has helped connect students and families with support sooner. We've seen students gain tools to manage challenges and stay engaged in the classroom."
What’s next
These early results are promising and the demand for services is high. Leaders from UnitedHealthcare, Cone Health and Guilford County Schools will discuss the impact of the program and plans for expansion on Sept. 14 from 9:00 – 11:00 am at Hunter Elementary School in Greensboro.
