[Symposium 98] Strengthening mental health support for young people in the Philippines

[SY-98-01] Empowering School-based Behavioral and Mental Health Progrm in the Philippines

*MARIA LOURDES ROSANNA E DE GUZMAN¹, Aimee Chua², Geraldine Maminta-Crisotomo³, Maria Rosario Victoria De Guzman⁴ (1.University of the Philippines - Manila, College of Medicine(Philippines), 2.West Visayas State University, College of Medicine(Philippines), 3.University of the Philippines - Manila, College of Arts and Sciences(Philippines), 4.West Visayas State University, School of Communications(Philippines))

Keywords:

School based mental health,Mental health of young people,Mental health interventions

The 2021 Philippine National Survey for Mental Health and Well-being estimated that 1 out of 5 (21.5%) of children and adolescents have a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder, which are higher than the reported global prevalence rates (De Guzman, 2021). School-based interventions are crucial for promoting mental health and providing support for developing problems. They are ideal settings in which to deliver mental health interventions, as schools are in position to create a supportive community and environment, which can build young people’s sense of worth. This project aims to create a capacity building program for multiple stakeholders (e.g. guidance counselors, school administrators, teachers and parent leaders) focused on promoting mental health and well-being activities, enhancing mental health literacy among stakeholders and providing interventions. Interventions should target risk factors and promote change across home and school environments.