The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health says provider shortages in every county and limited rural school support are barriers to youth behavioral health care.
Youth behavioral health concerns
The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health says Idaho is experiencing a youth behavioral health crisis and has made little to no progress in helping younger Idahoans thrive. The foundation reports that health care leaders, primary care providers, nonprofit directors and educators have said every Idaho county has a behavioral health provider shortage.
According to the foundation, mental health care support is “basically nonexistent” for Idahoans in rural areas, particularly in schools. The foundation says behavioral health care can help Idahoans, but it must be accessible when people need it.
Report recommendations
The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health commissioned a study and report on barriers that keep youth from accessing behavioral health services. The foundation says its research found a broken system and identified strategies for improvement.
The foundation shared the report with state agencies and other stakeholders. Its recommendations include enhancing reimbursement for master’s-level clinicians, with an emphasis on Medicaid; reducing Medicaid paperwork burdens for clients and providers; and increasing care capacity in rural communities.
The foundation also recommends significantly increasing school funding for evidence-based prevention resources and for coordinating student services. Another recommendation is a state-level interagency workgroup to coordinate youth mental health service changes among Medicaid, the Division of Behavioral Health, Youth Corrections, the State Board of Education and the Division of Public Health.
School and community efforts
The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health says it will continue working with schools and organizations addressing the crisis. Its efforts include helping schools adopt evidence-based frameworks such as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, known as PBIS, and funding the Idaho Youth Well-being Assessment for school districts and charter schools at no cost.
The foundation also cites support for Communities for Youth, upstream prevention, school-located behavioral health services through its Healthy Minds Partnership program, and the Idaho Coalition for Community Schools. It says its scholarship programs with many Idaho colleges and universities can benefit students pursuing licensed clinical social worker careers.
According to the foundation, more school districts than ever are requesting its programs. It also added a youth behavioral health session to its Community Health Academy for elected officials and city staff.
What this means for Idaho patients
For Idaho families seeking treatment locally, the reported shortages and rural access barriers may make locating services more difficult. The directory lists 37 published clinics in Idaho and can help people identify local treatment options.
This is general information, not medical advice.
More Idaho reporting on youth & families.
This report is educational and is not medical advice. Coverage, availability and eligibility can change; verify details with the named source or your care team.