BCBSND Caring Foundation decided to invest in behavioral health services because there was a clear need. The organization chose to focus on students since they’re the future of the community. In fact, even students without BCBSND coverage can receive care through this program.

Providing behavioral health services in schools confronts the stigma around mental health. Stigma causes many people with behavioral health concerns to avoid care.

This program teaches students from a young age that behavioral health care is a normal part of health care. Consequently, children, parents, and the community at large are more likely to accept behavioral health care. Parents are asked to attend at least the first care visit with their child to provide consent for therapy and to get familiar with what therapy entails.

BCBSND Caring Foundation considered many options when choosing partners for providing behavioral health care to students. There were two main takeaways from the foundation’s research.

First, BCBSND Caring Foundation saw the benefits of using telehealth instead of embedding therapists at schools because access to BH providers is limited, especially in a rural environment. The grants fund 30-minute virtual sessions with master’s level social workers via iPads.

Second, BCBSND Caring Foundation wanted school districts to choose the provider that best met their needs. For example, some schools chose to partner with Avera Health Systems, which is headquartered in a neighboring state. Finding the perfect partner does not need to be restricted by state lines. While Avera is in South Dakota, its staff are also licensed to operate in North Dakota.

BCBSND Caring Foundation fully supports the school districts’ choice of provider partners. One important lesson from the partnership is that schools should work with therapists who have expertise in treating depression and anxiety, the two most common behavioral health conditions for the young population. For more severe conditions, the therapists should know other specialists they could refer the student to.

The therapists should also be trained in care coordination. If the therapist feels that medication may be useful to the student, they will contact the child’s family and primary care provider, who can assess the student and prescribe medication if necessary.

BCBSND Caring Foundation gives grants directly to school districts interested in partnering with a provider for tele-behavioral health services. The grants cover all anticipated costs for the program’s technology and most of the per-student costs. Funding is based on grant availability and on a first come first serve basis.

BCBSND Caring Foundation purposefully does not take the lead on designing each contract between school districts and care providers. That way, each grant is designed by school administrations who can tailor the program to their students’ needs.