SPOKANE, Wash. — LaunchNW, a regional community initiative led by Innovia Foundation, announced Wednesday that they will invest $200,000 to enhance school-based mental health services in Spokane Public Schools (SPS).
This initiative aims to address the growing need for accessible mental health support among students in the region.
SPS, a licensed behavioral health agency and the first school district in Washington State to achieve this, currently manages a team of over 50 licensed school-based mental health clinicians. These professionals provide services to students across Spokane County, primarily funded through Medicaid.
LaunchNW’s investment is set to expand these services to non-Medicaid eligible students.
Dr. David Crump, Director of Behavioral Health Services at SPS, states, “We bring mental health services directly to students. This reduces stigma and removes barriers for children and their families, as therapists in the community have long waitlists and can be inaccessible. With current funding, our therapists have been unable to provide services to non-Medicaid eligible students — the LaunchNW funding changes that.”
The $200,000 investment will fund 10 additional clinicians, increasing the capacity to serve non-Medicaid eligible students. It will also free up Medicaid funding, allowing two more clinicians to be hired.
New therapists will be placed in schools with the highest needs, both within and outside the SPS district boundaries. This approach supports LaunchNW’s commitment to initiative to improve youth mental health and creating solutions.
Ben Small, Executive Director of LaunchNW, emphasizes that “The SPS program is an innovative and inspiring way to ensure every child can travel their best journey,” Small stated.
Also, commissioner Mary Kuney emphasized the role of mental health in a child’s success, stating, “For any child to succeed, they need access to resources that support their mental health and wellbeing. Mental health is key for kids to have a thriving future in our community. We are grateful for the opportunity to invest and to continue addressing this challenge facing our kids.”
To learn more about this project and how students can access school-based mental health services, visit LaunchNW’s website or email Dr. David Crump at davidcr@spokaneschools.org.
