Physician Associates Addressing Youth Mental Health One Student at a Time

AAPA and PAF lead the PArtnership to Improve Youth Mental Health program in school districts across the U.S.

May 8, 2025

It is estimated that 80% of children are exposed to a potentially traumatic experience during childhood. The PArtnership to Improve Youth Mental Health program, developed and led by AAPA and the Physician Associate Foundation (PAF), harnesses the expertise of physician associates (PAs) to train teachers and school staff on evidence-based strategies for supporting youth mental health.

Since its creation in 2024, the program has reached approximately 250 youth-serving professionals.

With funding support from the RBC Foundation USA and the Cigna Group Foundation, the program aims to reach youth nationwide and establish PA leaders in each state who will partner with school staff to foster cultures that prioritize improved mental health outcomes for students, especially those from historically marginalized communities.

The PArtnership to Improve Youth Mental Health program was inspired by the work of Erin Crown, a Pennsylvania PA and founder of the Pennsylvania Mental Health Initiative. Crown led mental health training in three central Pennsylvania school districts in 2021, helping teachers and administrators better understand the different mental health issues that may affect students.

The program utilizes evidence-based interventions to equip teachers and school staff with tools and strategies to improve interactions with students impacted by mental health challenges.

Each PA works with with their training sites to determine unique needs, tailor the training accordingly, and establish sustainable support resources.

The training incorporates evidence-based practices and covers topics such as:

• Trauma-informed care
• Polyvagal practices
• Understanding student mental health
• Teacher wellness
• Mindfulness and creating calming environments
• Self-regulation and communication
• Reducing stigma and promoting resilience

During the trainings, PAs provide an overview of practical strategies, interventions, and materials to be integrated into daily routines and curriculums.

“It has been great to get out of the usual clinic setting and connect with others who are passionate about working with kids,” said Kelli Shanahan, PA-C, who works in pediatrics at a school-based clinic in Denver. “Working in education right now can be very challenging, and I’m hopeful that this program was able to support these teachers in some way—if not in the classroom with their students, then at home with their family or with their own mental health. I learned so much from the material and it was eye opening to see some of the statistics on how many youth are affected by mental health challenges.”

Through the work of PAs like Shanahan, supported by grants from the RBC Foundation USA and the Cigna Group Foundation, PAF hopes to reach approximately 400 youth-serving professionals, resulting in 8,000 children reached within this first year.

“Participating in this program and talking to so many people about mental health has reinforced the importance of talking about mental health in kids and increasing awareness,” Shanahan said. She is one of 10 PAs currently participating in the program and has already presented to four middle and high schools in Colorado. “A common response from teachers throughout the presentations was that they are aware of the importance of mental health but often lack the time to thoroughly address it in the classroom, which supports the need for mental health professionals in schools.”

By equipping teachers and other youth-serving professionals with this valuable information, PAF anticipates a lasting impact—both for current students and children for years to come.

For more information or to stay informed of future opportunities, please contact Joanna Weston, Senior Program Manager, Physician Associate Foundation. She can be reached at [email protected].

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