Amid a growing mental health crisis affecting young people in New Mexico, Project ECHO has launched a new program aimed at equipping local professionals with the tools to identify and address mental health issues early. The initiative, facilitated by Dr. Natalie Price and supported by the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, aims to better prepare teachers, caseworkers, therapists, and school counselors to spot the signs of mental illness and provide the appropriate support for youth in need.
Addressing the Mental Health Crisis
New Mexico’s youth are facing a dire mental health crisis, with a significant portion of students impacted by depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies. Dr. Peter Holguin, Medical Director for the Child & Adolescent Mental Health ECHO, highlighted alarming statistics, noting that roughly 44% of high school students in the state are experiencing symptoms of depression or sadness. Additionally, 23% are engaging in self-harming behaviors, and 10% have attempted suicide. These statistics underscore the urgency of providing adequate support and intervention for young people.
“There can absolutely be kind of long-term consequences for untreated mental illness,” Dr. Holguin warned, emphasizing the importance of early intervention to mitigate the impact of mental health issues on young lives.
Training and Support for Local Professionals
The new Child & Adolescent Mental Health Program is designed to educate professionals who interact with youth on a daily basis, including teachers, primary care providers, school counselors, and therapists. Through Project ECHO, which has been providing training and mentorship since 2003, experts will conduct virtual training sessions every two weeks. These hour-long sessions will equip participants with effective tools and coping strategies to help youth manage challenges such as depression and anxiety.
The program will also feature input from individuals with lived experiences, offering insights into mental health challenges and the systems young people must navigate. According to Dr. Price, participants will gain invaluable perspectives from those who have firsthand knowledge of the impact of mental illness and the resources available for support.
Reaching Rural and Underserved Communities
One of the key goals of the program is to ensure that mental health education and resources are available in rural and underserved areas of New Mexico, where mental health services can be difficult to access. Through Project ECHO, professionals in these regions will have the opportunity to connect with experts, receive mentorship, and enhance their skills in providing mental health care for youth.
Dr. Holguin highlighted the significant impact that proper mental health treatment can have on young people, saying, “Seeing the impact that mental health treatment can have on a person to really assist them in thriving and meeting their goals… is a really powerful and impactful thing.”
Program Details
The free program will begin on Wednesday and will be held on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The sessions will provide ongoing support and training for professionals committed to improving mental health care for youth in New Mexico.
With the launch of this new initiative, Project ECHO is taking an essential step toward addressing the mental health crisis among young people in New Mexico, equipping local professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to make a lasting difference in the lives of youth across the state.
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