MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN SCHOOLS MEANS INTERVENTION SOONER

The Children’s MOSAIC Project is an innovative program transforming the way children in central Illinois receive mental health services. MOSAIC (Meaningful Opportunities for Success and Achievement through Service Integration for Children) brings together healthcare, schools and neighborhood outreach programs to maximize the impact of mental health services for children.

MOSAIC embeds Memorial Behavioral Health clinicians in Springfield and Lincoln public schools, and Behavioral Health Consultants (BHCs) provide integrated services at Memorial Physician Services–Koke Mill and Southern Illinois University Center for Family Medicine. Early identification of mental health disorders with an appropriate treatment plan is key to leading a happy and meaningful life.

“On-site clinicians have the capability to intervene before a student is in crisis,” said Florence Holmes, a MOSAIC on-site clinician. “We are integrated in the school environment, providing us a unique opportunity to identify the best interventions for students at the most appropriate times.”

MOSAIC Facts

• 31,000 screenings conducted through the Children’s MOSAIC Project
• 2,800 children are now receiving mental health services
• 52 percent of children identified as “elevated risk” began and continued participating in behavioral health services

“The real success of MOSAIC isn’t reflected solely in the number of screenings completed, but in each child who is better equipped to lead a healthy and happy life because of the behavioral health services provided and partnerships built within our community,” said Heather Sweet, MPH, CHES, manager, Children’s MOSAIC Project.