Sikeston R-6, SEMO Health Network partner to provide mental healthcare to staff, students

Posted Date: 10/10/2019

Credit and Link: Standard Democrat

The Sikeston R-6 School District and SEMO Health Network are partnering to provide quality and affordable mental healthcare to the staff and students at Sikeston R-6 Schools.

“Our main goal is to provide timely and easy access to quality mental and physical healthcare to our entire staff and students,” Sikeston R-6 Superintendent Dr. Tony Robinson said. “We find that when staff and students are mentally and physically healthy, our school climate, classroom behaviors and connectedness all improve.”

There will be two school-based health centers — one housed at the Senior High and the other at the Alternative Center, according to R-6 officials. Both will operate during normal school hours and will be available for the entire district’s staff and students, starting next month. Medical services will be added to this school based center in the 2020-2021 school year.

If a student is determined to be in need of mental health services by the teacher and/or school nurse, a consent form will be required to be signed by the parent before they can be seen by one of SEMO Health Network’s licensed clinical social workers.

“If a staff member or student needs to be referred for extra services to another provider, our staff will refer the student to their primary care provider,” said Project Director Sarah Ezell. “Of course, if they have no primary care provider, we would encourage them to see one of SEMO Health Network’s many physicians.”

Payment for services would be as if they walked into one of SEMO Health Network’s clinics. They accept all major insurances, Medicaid, and also have a sliding fee discount program.

“We are so very thankful to have a community partnership with SEMO Health Network,” Robinson said.