Training Comprehensive School Mental Health Providers: Reducing Shortages in Rural and High Needs Schools

Area of Science:

• Educational Psychology
• Mental Health Services Research
• Workforce Development

Background:

• National shortages exist for school-based mental health (SBMH) providers, particularly in rural and high-needs areas.
• Existing training models may not adequately address the unique needs of under-resourced educational settings.
• Expanding the SBMH workforce is critical for student well-being and academic success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation, feasibility, and success of two innovative training models for SBMH providers.
• To assess the effectiveness of the Grow Your Own (GYO) program for respecializing educators in rural areas.
• To examine the outcomes of the Dual-Credentialing Clinical Training (DCT) model for expanding clinical capacity.

Main Methods:

• Program evaluation using implementation data for both GYO and DCT models.
• Quantitative assessment of training completion, employment, licensure, and certification rates.
• Qualitative assessment of supervisor ratings on trainee competencies.

Main Results:

• The GYO program successfully trained nine educators, with eight employed in rural schools post-graduation and meeting competency expectations.
• The DCT program resulted in trainees obtaining provisional and independent mental health licenses and school psychology certification.
• Both models demonstrated feasibility and success in contributing to the SBMH workforce.

Conclusions:

• Place-based respecialization (GYO) can improve rural retention of mental health providers.
• Dual-credentialing (DCT) enhances clinical capacity and funding flexibility for SBMH services.
• These complementary training models offer scalable solutions to grow the SBMH workforce and improve access for students.