PGCA-Quezon bridges gaps in mental health referral systems in Schools
Rey Marco Z. Casiño
Counseling leaders highlighted gaps in mental health support systems at this year’s annual counseling assembly, calling for stronger frameworks to better serve individuals with complex mental health needs.
Adelaida Gines, President of the Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association (PGCA), noted that while counselors are at the frontline of mental health support, they often encounter limitations in addressing the wide range of mental health challenges people face. She emphasized the need for varied intervention methods to address these complex issues effectively.
One of the highlighted interventions was the "RACE Against Suicide" program presented by Prof. Rey Marco Casiño, designed to assist individuals exhibiting signs of suicide risk. The "RACE" acronym represents Recognizing early warning signs, Assessing risk using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS), Convincing individuals to seek help, and Entrusting cases to trained counselors. Casiño emphasized that strong referral systems are essential, enabling people to access specialized care beyond talk therapy.
Prof. Mariflor Gatchalian underscored the importance of a collaborative approach, presenting on “Empowering School Support Networks through Referrals.” She stressed that an effective referral system requires cooperation among doctors, counselors, teachers, nurses, school administrators, and parents. “Just listening shows that we care,” Gatchalian said, reinforcing that empathy is a key component of effective mental health support.
The assembly's discussions underscored the need for comprehensive support systems that empower counselors and enhance mental health interventions across institutions.
In her opening remarks, Adelaida Gines, PGCA National President said that, "Counselors are skilled professionals who stands at the forefront of support for individuals experiencing mental health issues. But just like any other professionals, their skills are limited in dealing with a variety of issues. This is because the realm of mental health is complex and poses an array of manifestations which varies from person to person. There are many forms of interventions in terms of managing emotional and mental challenges and we wish to shine a light on some of these today."
Rey Marco Casiño on the RACE Against Suicide Training. Prof. Casiño talked about the RACE Against Suicide intervention which is a plan for people who are manifesting help-seeking behaviors that may lead to suicide. The word RACE is a mnemonic for Recognizing (R) the early warning signs of suicide; Assessing (A) suicide risk using the CSSRS; Convincing (C) the student to get help; and Entrusting (E) the case to the counselors. Aside from addressing the manifestations of distress, the program brings the importance of strengthening the referral systems in all organizations to help people get specialized treatment plans apart from talk therapy.
Mariflor "Yeng" Gatchalian, RPsy empowering the audience to strengthen the referal systems in their respective organizations. Prof. Gatchalian on Empowering School Support Network through Referrals brought the importance of collaborating with other carers as this is the core of the referral system. These people are the doctors, counselors, teachers, nurses, school administrators and parents who should work altogether for a holistic intervention for each suffering individuals. But ultimately, care should always be the foundation of the service. She went on to say that, “You do not need to immediately find the answer, or to completely understand the way they do, but just listening alone show them that we care.”
