REACH (Response, Early intervention and Assessment in Community mental Health) is a mental healthcare service, set up to work closely with schools, social service agencies (SSAs), and general practitioners (GPs), to help students with emotional, social and/or behavioural issues within the community.
The majority of children and adolescents do not suffer from mental illness. However, when a student has been identified with mental health concerns, the school counsellor, with consultation from the school's case management team, will look into managing the care of the student. When necessary, guidance specialists and educational psychologists from the Ministry of Education will also render support.
In 2010, some Social Service Agencies (SSAs), in collaboration with National Council of Social Service (NCSS), have also joined REACH network to provide community and clinical support to at-risk children.
Some students/children with severe emotional and behavioural problems may need more help. The REACH team collaborates with schools /SSAs to provide suitable school-based interventions to help students with identified mental health disorders. Such school/SSA based interventions often provide the requisite, timely help that these students/children need.
Further specialised assessment or treatment may be necessary for more severe cases. The student/child may be referred to the Child Guidance Clinic after assessment by the REACH team for further psychiatric evaluation and intervention. These interventions may include medications, psychotherapy, group or family work and further assessments*.
* Standard clinic charges apply.
