Parents Play a Vital Role in their Children’s Mental Health Journey — Why Support is Needed for Both

Mental health care isn’t meant to be a one-person job — healing happens in relationships.

That’s one of the many reasons that Wellpoint Care Network recently created a new role in our Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) program called Parent Support Specialist.

“I’ve been working for CCS for six years now,” said Jennie McCann, parent support specialist. “I would often advocate for parents to be part of the process. Sure, a child can come in for therapy or other services once a week, but then what happens the rest of the week? The children need support and guidance to help work towards their goals. Parents are a key component in their child’s life and can benefit from that extra support as well.”

CCS is a state and county administered program. Each county runs their CCS program independently, and they contract with their own network of providers. This program is available for individuals with mental health needs that cannot be met by outpatient services alone. Individuals have to be determined to be functionally eligible, as well as be eligible for Medicaid.

A wide variety of support is available to enrollees, depending on their individual needs. These services may include talk therapy, psychiatry, medication management, music therapy, art therapy, occupational therapy and now, parent support services.  

“This is really a wraparound program,” added McCann. “Our goal is to work with the family as a whole. We’re working with the caregivers individually, but then we are also collaborating with the child’s service facilitators or therapists to make sure we are all on the same page and making progress in their mental health journey. We’ve worked with moms, dads, grandparents, anyone who is in the child’s life.”

In just the few short months since this role has been in place, it has become clear that supporting parents is crucial to supporting the children — the well-being of one affects the other.

Graciela Corey, parent support specialist, says she uses this role to let parents know they are not alone.

“They have someone they can turn to for questions or help,” she adds.

Conversations with parents often revolve around the Five Pillars of Stability ­­— Employment, Education, Housing, Health and Caring Connections.

“Recently, I was working on a case where the kids were having problems in school,” said McCann. “I was able to work with mom directly and we’ve made great strides. She’s now in therapy and went to see a doctor for the first time in over 10 years. Now that she has taken control of her mental and physical health, she’s been able to be a more engaged and present mother.”

The role of Wellpoint Care Network’s CCS parent support specialists varies for each family. Sometimes it’s working on budgeting or meal planning, other times it’s attending meetings at schools or being there to support parents in crisis situations.

“We are able to adapt to the needs of the family,” said Corey. “It’s all about collaboration and making the best decisions for everyone.”

Corey and McCann say they hope to expand this service in the future.

“This support is so important,” said McCann. “It’s our goal to make this available to as many families as possible.”

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so there is no better time to start your healing journey! At Wellpoint Care Network, we offer a wide array of mental health services for children, families and adults. Learn how we can support you or your family today.