Teachers to receive training by clinicians under new mental health initiative

A new initiative will see mental health clinicians train teachers to identify and support rangatahi experiencing mental health issues.

Under the early intervention programme, mental health clinicians working in Te Whatu Ora’s Marinoto (Child and Adolescent Mental Health) team, will implement an apprenticeship training model for teachers in some intermediate schools across North and West Auckland.

The project has an initial capacity of up to 18 schools annually with those prioritised in the first stage of the programme selected based on their rate of referrals to secondary mental health services.

The initiative’s model will support teachers who are trained in the approach to deliver the programme independently in subsequent years, significantly increasing the number of students who can access support.

The launch of the Skills Training for Emotions Problem Solving for Adolescents (STEPS-A) programme follows a successful trial in West Auckland secondary schools.

STEPS-A is an evidence-based dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) apprenticeship programme which aims to improve the social-emotional wellbeing of young people. Schools are provided with expert clinicians to train and support teachers for the first year.

Michele Kooiman, operations manager for Child, Youth and Family Mental Health Services for Te Whatu Ora, Waitemata says the course has the flexibility to adapt to the specific needs of each school, within the guidelines of the programme.
She says on-going evaluation will also capture data on the programme’s effectiveness across students from diverse cultural backgrounds.

“Research shows almost a quarter of teens have shown symptoms of depression - double the rate of 2012. Six per cent of those surveyed report attempted suicide in the past year. LGBTQIA+ rainbow youth, Maori and Pasifika females are especially vulnerable with up to 57% reporting depressed mood.

“The STEPS-A programme is designed to help teachers on the frontline to identify and support students to develop the skills to manage the challenges they are experiencing - before they reach a crisis point,” she says.

Murray’s Bay Intermediate Dean, Shannon Robinson, says she really enjoyed co-teaching the programme and can see the benefits.

“Lessons are cleverly adapted to suit our clientele and this particular age group, who love to do and act and play. I learnt so much and really value this opportunity for our students. This is extremely beneficial, and we are putting in a preventative programme which makes real sense,” she says.

Allan Pollard, CEO of The Trusts, a local social enterprise which has provided financial support to expand the initiative throughout the region, says the programme is designed to maximise the use of clinical resources in local communities.

He says trial data shows the programme can reduce the time students require away from school, enable them to better manage emotions and behaviours, and reduce referrals and disciplinary action.

“The STEPS-A programme helps participants to develop techniques to manage distress tolerance, mindfulness, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.

“It is widely recognised that these skills are beneficial for adolescents who struggle emotionally and behaviourally with peer and family relationships, academic pressure, bullying, substance abuse, self-harm and anti-social behaviour.

“The initial trial data shows the initiative resonates with those who take part in the 30-week course with 80% of those completing STEPS-A reporting they will use the skills and 90% indicating the skills would be helpful for others.

“We believe this initiative has the potential to grow organically from its foundation in West Auckland to support thousands of rangatahi around New Zealand with a range of mental health needs,” he says.

The STEPS-A programme has been supported by Well Foundation and Ministry of Education who will provide guidance on school prioritisation and paid release time for teaching staff involved.