East Stroudsburg Area SD trainer reviews mental-health resources, school supports for caregivers

At a virtual parent training hosted by the East Stroudsburg Area School District, Shahida “Shay” Jones, coordinator of social services, reviewed local and state mental-health resources for children and guidance for caregivers on how to access them.

Jones said parents often know when a child needs help and urged caregivers to start by speaking with a primary care physician and by checking insurance networks. “If your child is on medical assistance, also known as Medicaid, contact Community Care Behavioral Health, CCBH, which provides the managed care for Monroe, Carbon and Pike Counties in Pennsylvania,” Jones said. She also pointed attendees to the Compass application portal at compass.state.pa.us for applying for medical assistance.

Why this matters: parents in the district and the surrounding counties face long wait lists for outpatient therapy and other services. Jones explained school-based and community options caregivers can pursue while awaiting long-term treatment and described a mix of interventions intended to support students across home, school and community settings.

Key resources and routes to care - Insurance and payor steps: Jones recommended caregivers call the phone number on the back of private insurance cards or visit insurer…