Dr. Arpan Waghray, Chief Executive of Well Being Trust at Providence, joins the podcast to discuss his background, the big trends he's seeing in youth mental health today, the impact the pandemic had on youth mental health, a health system's role in supporting the mental health of young people in their communities and how can they help, where he sees the biggest opportunity to make a difference in the future, and how hospitals can better reach young people who need help in their communities.
Summary
How Well Being Trust at Providence is Addressing the Youth Mental Health Crisis
Background and Trends in Youth Mental Health
Dr. Arpan Waghray, Chief Executive of Well Being Trust at Providence, shares his background and insights on youth mental health. He notes that there has been a significant increase in mental health issues among youth in recent years, which has been worsened by the pandemic. Dr. Waghray also highlights the three-tiered approach being used to address the crisis: school-wide services, targeted services, and intensive services.
The Role of Health Systems in Supporting Youth Mental Health
Health systems have an important role to play in supporting the mental health of young people. Dr. Waghray emphasizes the need for early screening and intervention services, as well as partnerships with school districts. In addition, prevention and health promotion strategies, such as social emotional learning programs, should be implemented. Dr. Waghray also stresses the importance of supporting the mental health of healthcare providers in order to ensure the best possible care for patients.
Providence Hospital and the Sounders Football Club Partnership
Dr. Waghray discusses how Providence Hospital is partnering with the Sounders Football Club to promote youth mental health in their community. Athletes are speaking to children about the importance of mental health and connecting them with resources. This partnership has been successful in reaching young people who may not have access to help or feel they don't need it.
Opportunities for Making a Difference in the Future
Dr. Waghray sees the biggest opportunity for making a difference in the future as integrating mental health services into primary care. By doing so, mental health can be better integrated into overall health and young people can receive the care they need without stigma.
Note: This is an AI generated transcript, not edited by a staff writer and is solely intended for educational purposes. If you have any questions/concerns, reach out to podcasts@beckershealthcare.com
This episode aired on 03/04/2023 and can be listened here.