WhySchool - Why Youth Mental Health Care School-Based with Primary Care Liaison

Ricardo Gusmão

Principal Investigator

Integrated Member (PhD)

Type of project:

National

Reference:

000095SM4

Participating institutions:

The information is available here:
http://www.whyschool.eutimia.pt/partners/

Sources of financing:

Administração Central do Sistema de Saúde, IP - Public Health Initiatives (EEA Grants)

Start date:

25/09/2015

(Predicted) End date:

25/09/2016

Research line:

L2 - Syndemics, health inequalities and vulnerable populations

Research lab:

Mental Health Literacy, Wellbeing, Depression and Suicide Prevention

Summary:

Only 10–15% of mentally ill children and adolescents worldwide receive help from Mental Health (MH) services (WHO 2005). The Why Youth Mental Health Care School-Based with Primary Care Liaison (WhySchool) project aims to develop a MH pathway-to-care for youth according to a stepped care approach starting at school level to hospital care, by empowering professionals in public schools. This will be achieved mainly through credited training programs on MH and delivery of information materials, including an e-learning platform. At a community level, WhySchool will enhance accessibility and equality in MH; while at an individual level, it will provide integrated support for youth in need. Outcome variables include a lower number of unattended MH situations in youth and increased MH literacy among teachers. Norwegian experts will provide formal support throughout WhySchool, opening an opportunity for developing collaborations between public health and educational services in both countries.