Mental health needs in our communities are soaring, especially in our high school students. Adolescence is a time when young people are struggling to fit in, socially and emotionally. They are especially vulnerable to bullying, family dysfunction, problems in school, and trauma. Any of these situations may trigger a mental health issue. Mental health problems can affect a student's energy level, concentration, dependability, mental ability, and optimism. Research suggests that depression is associated with lower grade point averages, and that co-occurring depression and anxiety can increase this association.

Families served by White Memorial Community Health Center, a FQHC Look-Alike in Boyle Heights, have communicated the need for culturally and linguistically sensitive, in-person mental health services for their children. Adolescent patients at our clinic have shared their concerns related to increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and suicidal ideation.

This CHIP project aims to develop and coordinate a partnership to provide in-person mental health services to students at an underserved high school in Boyle Heights.