Clatsop County School Districts Seek Youth Mental Health Solutions and Treatment Services

Clatsop County officials are taking significant steps to address youth mental health and treatment needs following a recent government meeting. The discussions highlighted the urgent concerns surrounding youth prevention and treatment services, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced support systems in local schools.

During the meeting, Monica, a representative from the county's health department, reported on outreach efforts that included collaboration with approximately 30 agencies, such as schools, law enforcement, and health services. These efforts culminated in a youth summit aimed at gathering input on the mental health challenges faced by young people in the community. A recurring theme from discussions with school superintendents revealed that many youths require treatment services, not just prevention.

To tackle these issues, the county plans to contract with Klotz Behavioral Healthcare to provide counseling and peer mentoring services in schools. These professionals will work alongside existing mental health counselors, helping to identify and support students in need. The Astoria School District has already expressed readiness to implement this initiative, which aims to create a supportive environment for students.

Additionally, the county is exploring the establishment of a homeless liaison outreach position through a partnership with Clatsop Community Action (CCA). This role will focus on engaging individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly those struggling with opioid addiction and co-occurring illnesses. Building relationships with these individuals is seen as a crucial first step toward encouraging them to seek treatment.

The meeting also touched on the need for further discussions regarding transportation challenges faced by those seeking mental health services. While the Bridal Health Coalition has been involved in initial discussions, the focus remains on how to effectively utilize available funding to meet community needs.

Commissioner Thompson raised concerns about the involvement of Columbia Pacific Coordinated Care Organization (CPCCO) in addressing these issues, noting that Clatsop County currently lacks representation on their board. The county is prioritizing its own funding strategies to address unmet needs, but there is a desire for collaboration with larger funding bodies to enhance resources for local youth.

As Clatsop County moves forward with these initiatives, the focus remains on creating a comprehensive support system for youth mental health, ensuring that both prevention and treatment services are accessible and effective. The community can expect further updates as these plans develop and additional data from recent surveys is analyzed.