Month: February 2024

The Impact of School-Based Behavioral Health Services at Barbour Community Health Association

The Impact of School-Based Behavioral Health Services at BCHA

In the realm of education, the focus on student well-being has become increasingly integral. Barbour Community Health Association (BCHA) recognizes the significance of mental health and is proud to offer behavioral health services to the students within Barbour County schools. 

In this blog, we sat down with Casey Jo Cottrill, Psy. D.​​​​ on BCHA’s Brandon School-Based Health Services team, to delve into the advantages of offering behavioral health services in schools, their impact on academic performance, their contribution to community support, and the measures taken to ensure privacy and confidentiality for the students accessing these services.

What are some key advantages of offering behavioral health services within Barbour County schools?

Our behavioral health providers offer the same quality behavioral health treatment as a community clinic, but with the convenience of sessions occurring while the student is at school. We provide care to students efficiently so they miss very little classroom time and can be seen without parents having to leave home, take time off from work, or find a ride. As a part of the school community, we are also uniquely suited to help students navigate academic struggles and advocate for themselves within the classroom.

How do school-based behavioral health services contribute to improving overall academic performance and student well-being?

Treating a student’s behavioral health and improving their emotional well-being allows them to approach academics from a place of stability where their brain is ready to absorb and process new information. Therapy sessions can also focus on improving a student’s time management skills, self confidence in their ability to complete school work, and motivation.

In what ways do school-based behavioral health services support families and communities beyond just the students?

As a school-based health center, we strive to be involved in outreach and prevention opportunities that target the overall health of our students and their families. An example of this is our participation in the Bright Futures of Barbour County substance use prevention coalition. As a health center, we can help our community and school system understand risk factors and protective factors of various student struggles to create an action plan that sets our students up for success. 

What measures are taken to ensure privacy and confidentiality for students accessing behavioral health services within the school?

All school-based centers are held to the same privacy and confidentiality practices as community clinics. This includes private spaces for therapy sessions, obtaining informed consent (express permission) before consulting with a school staff member, and documenting sessions within an electronic health record that the school does not have access to. 

 

By seamlessly integrating mental health support within the school setting, this innovative approach not only enhances academic performance but also fosters a supportive community environment. Barbour Community Health Association proudly offer behavioral health services to students in all seven Barbour County schools, along with treatment of sore throats, flu/common colds, rashes/acne, vaccinations, sprains and strains, sports physicals, well child checks, primary care services, and more!

To learn more about our school-based services, or to get in touch with a BCHA school-based clinic near you, click here.

Q&A: Barbour Quick Care with Carol Everson, MS, PA-C

Q&A: Barbour Quick Care with Carol Everson, MS, PA-C

When you need quick medical attention at a time that is convenient for you, Barbour Quick Care has walk-in care available to keep you moving forward. Walk into one of our two Quick Care locations in Philippi and Belington to receive healthcare you can trust for you and your family. Services available at both Quick Care locations include immunizations, coughs/colds, flus, sore throats, cuts/lacerations, splinters, pink eye, poison ivy, lab services, imaging services, sports physicals, and more. We sat down with Carol Everson, MS, PA-C, to get the answers to frequently asked questions about the service.

Q: Who is this service for?

A: This service is for anyone in the public who needs medical attention

 

Q: Why quick care over walk-in care?

A: The label “quick” immediately gives off the understanding that the services provided at our facilities are just that, quick! The word “walk-in” generally indicates a patient can be seen as needed, but does not carry the weight of any sort of timeframe. It’s more attractive to mention being “quick” so the person seeking service can understand that if they don’t have a lot of time, their experience with us can be expected to be swift.

 

Q: What services are offered here?

A: Our medical providers are skilled to offer services to whatever presents at our doors. If we can not manage the need inside our doors, we are trained to know where to outsource the need to. In-house services here include x-ray, lab, injections, wound care, splinting, small procedures such as laceration repair, ear irrigations, rapid testing services including urine assessments. Many of us are also registered DOT medical examiners to perform CDL physicals. Some of us have areas of specialty that we excel in more than others. That’s what makes our team so dynamic and well rounded, we each bring something to the table. 

 

Q: Will you prescribe medication?

A: Yes

 

Q: Any info on co-pays/insurance?

A: BCHA offers health access to underinsured and uninsured, as well as payment agreements on monthly payment plans. All commercial insurances are accepted here. We do not accept out of state Medicaid. 

 

Q: What is your favorite part of working here?

A: I absolutely love my job here. Every person I work with is so kind and considerate. The fact that my needs matter to my bosses and the flexibility of the administrative side, alongside the diversity of the patient population we serve is enough to hold my interest in working here. I am invested in the future of BCHA. Because I am served, this in turn drives me to want to serve. It is a challenging job because from day to day it’s unknown what sort of patient case will walk through the Quick Care doors. It’s never the same. The one thing that makes my work so doable, is the people I work with.

 

At Barbour Community Health Association, we’re here for you and your entire family when you need us quickly. Both Quick Care locations are open Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., while the Philippi location is also open on Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.