Back to school: 4 mental health resources you can use to help your patients
As the school bell rings in the new academic year, students, parents and teachers begin to prepare for the return to the classroom. Most students are eager to interact with their classmates and continue with their education, but some students are stressed and not as eager to return. Adapting back to a routine schedule, coping with the demands of school and navigating the relationships with their peers may result in students experiencing an increase in stress, anxiety, sadness and depression. It is most likely that, as the student’s pediatrician, you will be the first to realize your patient is struggling and may need a mental health referral. Listed below are the options you have to ensure your patient receives the right level of mental healthcare:
Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC)
PIRC is the assessment center for psychiatric services at Cincinnati Children’s. Staff are available 24/7 at 513-636-4124 to provide consultation regarding your patients’ routine, urgent and/or emergency (non-medical) mental health needs. PIRC staff consist of intake coordinators, licensed independent social workers and clinical counselors. By calling PIRC first, we will collaborate with you to connect your patient to the right level of care. Your patient may be referred to the PIRC Bridge Clinic within one day and avoid an emergency department visit. For routine mental health referrals, you may also submit an Epic referral.
Provider Priority Link (PPL)
PPL is a unique service provided by Cincinnati Children’s. Any provider needing a medication consult about a patient can call 513-636-7997 or 1-888-636-7997 to request a consult with a psychiatrist about your patient.
MindPeace
MindPeace is a non-profit agency that collaborates with schools to facilitate and embed mental health providers in the schools. To identify if your patient’s school has a mental health provider, please refer to the MindPeace website: www.mindpeacecincinnati.com.
Psychology Today
Psychology Today’s therapy directory will help find the right therapist or treatment center. Searches can be refined by location, insurance, price and specialty: www.psychologytoday.com.
