Academic Champion
Challenge
One out of five children in the U.S. have a diagnosable mental health condition. Of all those children, only 20% of them get specialized care from a clinician who is educated, trained, and qualified to work with the pediatric population. Of that 20% who seek care, half drop out of treatment after the first year because of cost, transportation, and other social determinants of health that are barriers. The 80% of children not receiving any intervention at all is because of stigma, lack of awareness/education, and difficulties in accessing care.
The paucity of mental health clinicians with pediatric experience is a major problem. Furthermore, fewer and fewer of these clinicians are taking private pay insurance. As an example, only 55% of all psychiatrists accept private insurance compared with 89% of doctors in other specialties such as ob/ gyn, internal medicine, etc. Also, healthcare literacy is hindered around the specific levels of service and types of mental health providers available to families which is evidenced by increased frustration for those seeking help for their child/student. `
Solution
The detrimental impact of negative emotions on academic success and performance is well documented. Academic Champion (AC) seeks to 1) through education/trainings help students, families, educators, and the community recognize the early warning signs of emotional distress that are impacting learning and academic achievement 2) through a physician directed intake process and comprehensive telephonic assessment, assist families and school staff in identifying the most appropriate resource to alleviate the emotional distress and quickly as possible optimize the student’s academic performance. Often psychosocial factors within the family structure directly contribute to the student’s emotional state. As a direct result of the Academic Champion process, the family will be empowered to find the most suitable resources to assist them in returning to normalcy.
Academic Champion Features
Resource designed by a Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology with over 30 years of clinical experience
Chief Operations Officer also with over 30 years of experience in customizing behavioral healthcare delivery systems for challenging populations
Live, 24/7/365 telephonic or secure video access to a licensed mental health professional who will serve as a navigator and advocate to link the student/family with best resources based on presenting behaviors, ability to pay, insurance verification, transportation, etc. A customized care plan will be formulated for each student after a detailed intake and assessment is completed to clearly identify the needs of the student and family. AC will also follow up with the family post intake to identify any barriers to accessing recommended supports
Unlimited phone calls for parents, guardians, and academic institution designee
Family focused trainings on the early identification of disruptive behaviors and education about AC
Academic staff-centered education on social and emotional learning
Outcome measurements individualized based on school needs
On-site crisis counseling