Growing up in Tulare County in California’s Central Valley, Greg Salcedo never had access to mental health resources or support at his rural school. Adolescent depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues were rarely discussed among friends and family. However, when the Covid-19 pandemic worsened the mental health crisis in Tulare County, Salcedo decided to pursue a master’s degree in social work to make a difference.
As a graduate student, Salcedo joined the Rural Access to Mental Health Professionals program, which aims to address the shortage of mental health providers in high-poverty school districts. Through this program, Salcedo was able to provide mental health support to students in his community, connecting them with resources and services. The program has been successful in placing early-career mental health workers in schools across Tulare County, improving access to care for students.
Despite the progress made, there is still a need for more mental health professionals in schools. To address this, initiatives like the Certified Wellness Coach workforce and the CalHOPE Student Support and Schools Initiative have been launched to expand school-based mental health support. These programs aim to provide long-term, advanced care to students, including individual therapy and group therapy.
One of the challenges in providing mental health support to students in rural areas is the lack of cultural competence among providers. In Tulare County, where the majority of students are Latino, the need for bilingual and culturally sensitive mental health professionals is crucial. Programs like Preparing Rural Inclusive Mental Health Educators aim to train candidates who can connect with students on a deeper level.
For candidates like Jeovany Martin, who completed his master’s in social work and interned in a local elementary school, the opportunity to serve his community and bridge the gap in mental health care is invaluable. By recruiting candidates from similar backgrounds as the students they serve, programs can create a more comfortable and supportive environment for those in need.
In addition to providing mental health services, interns like Salcedo and Martin are also working to address barriers to care, such as mistrust between social workers and immigrant families. By building relationships with parents, caretakers, and community support systems, interns are able to create a more holistic approach to mental health care in schools.
Looking ahead, the need for mental health support for students, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, remains crucial. As students return to in-person learning, the impact of the past year on their mental health must be addressed. By continuing to train and support mental health professionals in schools, we can ensure that all students have access to the care they need to thrive.
