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Mapleton board weighs hiring in-house mental-health clinician to replace contracted Hoots clinic
Summary
Board members and staff discussed shifting from a contracted crisis clinic (Hoots, provided by Whitebird) to hiring a district-qualified mental‑health practitioner (QMHP/LCSW). Staff said grant funds could cover the first year and that pursuing Medicaid billing could sustain the role afterward.
At the June 25 meeting, a staff member updated the board on the district's contract with Hoots (provided by the Whitebird organization) and proposed posting a district position for a qualified mental‑health practitioner to provide ongoing, in‑house services.
"For the same price, or close to, as that we pay for Hoots, we may be able to get a full time therapist just for our kids and community," the staff member said, describing how hiring a QMHP or a licensed clinical social worker could expand service hours beyond Hoots' two‑day crisis clinic model. Staff outlined that Hoots currently runs a clinic staffed by QMHAs and EMTs, works by referral and consent, and has had success connecting students to community therapists.
Staff said existing grant money that covers Hoots for the current year could be shifted to fund a district hire for the first year. Participants discussed seeking Medicaid billing credentials and additional grants to sustain the position longer term; staff said these revenue streams are contingent and that the job description could explicitly state the position is grant‑funded or dependent on Medicaid billing.
Board members asked about referral pathways and how parental consent rules apply to students 14 and older; staff noted that students 14 and above can self‑refer with consent rules aligning to Oregon mental‑health access standards. Staff also recommended including students in the interview process to assess 'fit' and said they will reach out to Hoots/Whitebird to confirm referral histories.
Next step: staff will draft a job description and post the position in the coming week, continuing Hoots services if a hire is not possible.
