1. Enhancing Student Mental Health Telehealth for Student Wellness Choose an aspect of mental health school or end-of-life nursing that interests you. Briefly summarize what resources are available to patients within that aspect’s scope. Propose a change that is sensible both clinically and economically.,
2. Post your response to the forum site by Friday and peer responses by the following Tuesday at 1159 EST

   

   Online Discussion BoardsThe grades from the discussion boards will be equally weighted.

    

   Each discussion board assignment has a total value of ten (10) points. Your answers are worth eight (8) points and your replies to your classmates are worth two (2) points. Points will be deducted as follows:

   1. One (1) – six (6) points will be deducted for any post in which the answer or replies:
      • Addresses only a portion of the question(s) posed
      • Contains inaccurate or imprecise information/discussion
      • Contain punctuation, spelling, grammar or usage errors
      • Contain a disrespectful or inappropriate tone/language usage

Mental health support in schools is vital, yet many students struggle to access adequate care. Some of the most common resources available include:

• School Counselors and Psychologists – These professionals provide counseling and crisis intervention, but many schools exceed the recommended 1:250 counselor-to-student ratio, leading to limited availability.
• School-Based Mental Health Programs – Some schools partner with local mental health organizations to offer therapy, but funding and staffing shortages make these programs inconsistent.
• Crisis Hotlines and Digital Support – Resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provide immediate help, though they do not replace long-term care.

Proposed Change: Expanding Telehealth in Schools

A practical and cost-effective solution is implementing telehealth services in schools. Telehealth allows students to connect with licensed mental health professionals through virtual appointments, reducing the burden on in-school staff while increasing accessibility.

Benefits of Telehealth for Schools:

• Increased Access – Students in rural and underfunded schools can receive therapy without needing transportation or long wait times.
• Clinically Effective – Research supports telehealth as an effective treatment for conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD, providing comparable results to in-person care.
• Cost-Efficient – Schools save money by reducing reliance on in-person staffing while still offering mental health services. Medicaid and many private insurance plans cover telehealth, making it a financially sustainable option.

By expanding telehealth services, schools can bridge the mental health gap, ensuring that more students receive timely and effective support while managing costs efficiently. APA