From California School Based Health Alliance:
School-Based, Super-Powered Behavioral Health Care for Youth: Care team collaboration and the role of psychiatry in school-based health care
Jan 27, 2026 12:00 PM PST
This session explores the essential role of care team collaboration in supporting school-aged youth, inclusive of psychiatric clinicians and the role of psychiatric medication as part of a comprehensive treatment approach. Designed for school staff, therapists, and school-based primary care providers, this presentation aims to demystify psychiatric medications, focusing on their purpose, potential benefits and risks, common misconceptions, and strategies for fostering open, supportive conversations with students and families. Participants will learn how to partner effectively with psychiatric clinicians to ensure a unified approach, enhanced communication, and alignment of treatment goals across educational and healthcare settings. By embracing teamwork, school-based professionals can help youth achieve better mental health outcomes, empowering them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Presenters: Michelle “Shelly” Nakaishi, Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist, UCSF Benioff’s Children’s Hospital Oakland; Petra Steinbuchel, Director of Cal-MAP, UCSF
