About WATCH

Focusing on improving the mental health of children in Denton County

The Wellness Alliance for Total Children’s Health (WATCH) of Denton County is a collaboration of both public and private organizations and individuals who are invested in the total wellness of Denton County’s children. WATCH currently works to increase awareness of and access to mental health services in Denton County.

Click here to watch a short video about the coalition

This video was made by our partners in the community:
Northwest ISD’s Academy of Media Arts and Technology

Vision:

Because every child deserves hope, the Denton County community dedicates its unified resources to equip our children to reach their full potential mentally, physically and socially to achieve their maximum personal success.

The problem:

—  In 2012, 11.1 percent or 19,370 children in Denton County received assistance for a mental illness or a behavioral, emotional or developmental problem.

—  Children with mental health issues have significantly poorer health, are more likely to have problems in school and more likely to experience some form of neglect or abuse. Parents of children with mental health issues are more likely to report that access to mental health care is difficult or very difficult.

—  In 2012, 7.1 percent or 12,390 Denton County children were diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder, and 40 percent of parents surveyed were either not very familiar or not familiar at all with mental health services available in their community.

Source: Community-wide Children’s Health Assessment & Planning Survey 2012

Members of the Wellness Alliance for Total Children’s Health (WATCH) chose mental health as their first priority because it coexists with many other health issues, such as bullying and obesity. Other reasons for focusing on mental health were the severity of impact on the Denton County community and the potential to gather support from individuals and organizations within the community.

WATCH strategic plan objectives:

1. Build community understanding of children’s mental health
2. Promote excellence in children’s mental health services with a strong network of providers
3. Improve access to children’s mental health services for families

Taking action:

Based on the system of care model, WATCH has chosen to develop a web site aimed at increasing awareness and improving access to mental health care services in Denton County. The guiding principles of systems of care are:

• Interagency collaboration
• Individualized, strengths-based care
• Cultural competence
• Child, youth and family involvement
• Community-based services
• Accountability

Contact:

For more information, contact Alisa Quimby, at (682) 885-3912 or alisa.quimby@cookchildrens.org.

If you need immediate help, please go to your nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1. Click here for additional resources.