School-Based Virtual Behavioral Health Services

Written By Guest User
 
 

Welcome to the School-Based Virtual Behavioral Health Services! One Community Health is excited to offer virtual behavioral health services to several schools in Hood River and Wasco Counties.

This is a great resource for our middle school and high school students who may need additional mental or behavioral support. Services are convenient - students can talk to behavioral health consultants via telehealth at the school counseling offices and appointments are scheduled around important classes and activities.

 

Virtual Behavioral Health Services Are Available at the Following Schools:

Hood River County

Hood River Middle School

Wy'East Middle School

Hood River Valley High School

Wasco County

The Dalles Middle School

The Dalles High School

South Wasco County Schools

Dufur School

How Students Can Use the Program

 

If the student is 13 years old and under:

  1. You can call the School-Based Health Center (SBHC) at 541.308.8345 or request an appointment here to refer the student. Our team can contact the student’s guardians to provide a summary of the program and discuss the Release of Information (ROI), which is a consent for the school to help coordinate services. This ROI is required for the student to participate in the program and must be signed by the parents for students 13 years old and under.

  2. Once the form is complete, the SBHC team will schedule a visit, so the Guardian and student can meet the Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) together. This initial visit can be in person at the School-Based Health Center (SBHC) or virtual and is to ensure everyone understands the student’s needs and the next steps for care.

If the student is 14 years or older:

  1. The student can consent for their own behavioral healthcare and can start by completing the Release of Information (ROI), which is a consent for the school to help coordinate services.

  2. Once the student completes the ROI form, they can call 541.308.8345 or request an appointment here to schedule their first visit and meet the Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) virtually.

Release of Information (ROI) PDF Forms

For the latest updates, guidance, and useful information about School-Based Health Center services, please visit our Resource Center HERE.

 

Virtual Behavioral Health Welcome Packets

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The patient will be working one-on-one with a Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC). In the first appointment, you can expect the BHC to ask specific questions about emotional and physical concerns and behaviors. The appointment will last approximately 30 minutes. At the end of the appointment, the BHC will provide a brief assessment and treatment plan that involves goal setting. These goals act like a road map and provide guidelines to help make positive changes and improve emotional well-being.

  • A BHC is a credentialed mental health professional that has specialty training in the connection between the mind and body to address a person’s overall well-being. BHCs can help patients develop skills to effectively manage emotional or behavioral difficulties such as anger, anxiety, grief, depression, and stress. BHCs can also assist in motivating patients to make lifestyle changes such as improving sleep habits, increasing exercise, and improving interpersonal relationships with family members, peers, and teachers.

  • Guardians will receive a reminder text the day before the scheduled appointment.

    On the day of the appointment, patients may receive an appointment reminder card from the counseling office. This will be their “Hall Pass” to go to their appointment.

    A school representative will help patients access the telehealth portal in a private space in the school office. This is where the patient will connect with a BHC. Patients will be in session for up to 30 minutes.

    Afterward, a school representative will check on the patient before they return to class.

  • When you receive an appointment reminder text, respond that the appointment needs to be canceled/rescheduled.

    Call to cancel/reschedule by calling or texting 541-386-6380.

  • If you have health insurance we will bill your insurance for the visit. OCH accepts Oregon and Washington Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial insurance plans.

    We encourage anyone who is uninsured to apply for Medicaid insurance. If you qualify, this ensures you can get the medical, dental, and behavioral health care you need with minimal cost to you. You may qualify for this type of coverage secondary to your primary coverage. One Community Health has Patient Care Advocates who can help you apply for Medicaid coverage for your family. Call 541-386-6380 extension 20 for bilingual help. Learn more here.

    If you do not have health insurance OCH offers a sliding fee discount based on family size and income. Patients will never be turned away because of an inability to pay. Learn more and apply here.

  • We understand that sometimes counseling can bring up tough emotions. A designated school representative (usually a school counselor) will be on hand to check in with patients after their appointment. If needed, they will be given time and support until they are ready to return to class safely.

  • It is so important to have guardian support through this process! We do everything we can to involve guardians in a patient's care. At the beginning of services, the BHC and guardian will discuss expectations regarding guardian involvement.

  • Contact the School-Based Health Center team at (541) 308-8345.

School-Based Virtual Behavioral Health Providers

Featured
Keeya Prairie
Keeya Prairie

PsyD

Cindy Hernandez
Cindy Hernandez

MSW, CSWA, Behavioral Health Consultant

 
 
Guest User
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