RESUMEN
The RALLY practitioner implements RALLY's prevention and intervention strategies, working with all of the students in a class to deliver nonstigmatizing, developmentally based services. The practitioner model is based on the philosophy that relationships are key to allowing students to achieve their full health and academic potential. RALLY practitioners work within the classroom individually, in small groups, and in after-school time. In all of these contexts, RALLY practitioners focus on four major functions: (1) building strong relationships with students, (2) providing developmental and academic support, (3) referring students to services based on their needs and interests, and (4) connecting with teachers, families, clinicians, after-school staff, and other service providers in order to bridge these worlds. RALLY practitioners offer an in-novative model to bring mental health and educational support into schools. They have varying educational backgrounds, from high school graduates, to college students, to graduate interns in mental health or education professions. Training and supervision, however, are crucial in helping practitioners of all levels to create integrated systems of support that take all of a student's interests and needs into consideration while moving toward academic success.
Asunto(s)
Desarrollo del Adolescente , Desarrollo Infantil , Servicios de Salud Mental , Salud Mental , Desarrollo de Programa , Servicios de Salud Escolar , Instituciones Académicas , Adolescente , Niño , Humanos , Mentores , Modelos Educacionales , Evaluación de Programas y Proyectos de SaludRESUMEN
Recognizing both the need for youth-focused acute mental health services and the barriers for low-income families to access outside services, the RALLY Program expanded its services to include direct clinical services for students within the school setting. This article explores the challenges, strategies, and benefits of implementing a fluid range of formal and informal clinical interventions within RALLY's nonstigmatizing, developmental, and inclusive approach. Balancing insurance company demands with students' nonbillable needs requires diverse funding streams and responsive programming. Creative use of space, commitment to relationships, and flexibility of roles form the foundation of this approach. Through case studies, the author examines practical and creative applications of developmental theories adaptable to individual students' unique needs. The author concludes with recommendations to the field to strengthen nonstigmatizing services offered to address the holistic needs of youth at school.