Syracuse City School District (SCSD) is launching a transformative mental health initiative to provide students with much-needed support. Starting in January 2025, two local schools will have on-site access to comprehensive mental health services through a new partnership with Upstate Medical University. This program, funded by a $5.5 million federal grant, is designed to address the growing mental health needs of students and help alleviate the strain of long waitlists for services.
Immediate Access to Comprehensive Mental Health Services
The collaboration aims to connect school-based clinicians with university-level professionals to offer immediate, on-site support. According to Dr. Mantosh Dewan, President of SUNY Upstate, the new program ensures that clinicians working within the schools are not isolated. They will have direct access to a wide range of services, including consultations with child psychiatrists, intensive outpatient programs, inpatient programs, and autism specialists.
“We are creating a seamless system where school-based clinicians can instantly tap into a comprehensive network of services, without needing to rely on external referrals,” Dewan explained. This approach ensures that students in need of mental health care can access timely interventions, without delays or bureaucracy.
A Focus on Diversity and Culturally Competent Care
The program also emphasizes the importance of diversity in the mental health workforce. Sipho Mbuqe, Associate Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Upstate, highlighted the importance of multilingual professionals and those from diverse backgrounds who can relate to the unique challenges of the student population.
“We will go nationally to recruit professionals and trainees who are not only highly qualified but also come from different backgrounds,” Mbuqe said. “By hiring people who can speak multiple languages and who understand the experiences of the students, we ensure that they will be able to connect with and support the students in a more meaningful way.”
Addressing the Mental Health Crisis in Syracuse Schools
Mental health issues among Syracuse students are a significant concern. Many students face challenges such as high rates of poverty and family struggles with issues like addiction. Terry Bowers, SCSD’s Director of Mental Health, shared that there are currently at least 300 students on the district’s mental health waitlist, with many students waiting weeks or even months for services.
“These are issues that are affecting the students every day,” Bowers said. “Providing comprehensive, high-quality mental health services for our students will have a profound impact on their ability to learn, engage in the classroom, and thrive socially and emotionally.”
Addressing Suicidal Ideation and Severe Mental Health Issues
The need for immediate support is clear. In the previous school year alone, more than 300 cases of students experiencing suicidal ideation were documented. Bowers emphasized that this new initiative will provide essential support to students in crisis, helping them gain access to the mental health resources they need before their situations escalate.
The first mental health clinic will open at McCarthy at Beard School in January 2025, followed by a second location at Grant Middle School. However, it may take time to fully staff the clinics, as recruitment for qualified professionals is ongoing.
A Long-Term Solution for Student Mental Health
This initiative is more than just a temporary fix—it represents a long-term solution to the mental health challenges faced by many Syracuse students. With Upstate’s expertise and the support of the federal grant, the program aims to create a sustainable pipeline of mental health professionals who can continue to serve the community for years to come.
In addition to improving access to care, the program will train future generations of mental health professionals who will continue to serve diverse populations, ensuring that the city’s students have the support they need to succeed academically and emotionally.
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