It’s well known that mental health is a critical aspect of students’ well-being in an educational setting. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, 56% of public schools have reported an increase in students seeking mental health services as well as a rise in staff concerns about students’ mental wellbeing.  

The study found there were three prevailing limitations identified by schools that hindered their ability to serve students’ mental health needs: 

• Not enough mental health professionals on staff to manage caseloads 
• Inadequate access to licensed mental health professionals 
• Decreased or insufficient funding 

To meet the needs of their students, many schools are harnessing the power of technology to increase efficiency and allow school social workers to spend less time on paperwork and focus more on students. We know school social workers care about the students in their districts, and we will be sharing how schools can use EHR software to alleviate stress for their employees and improve outcomes for children and their families. 

Using Exym EHR Software Systems to Better Manage Caseloads 

A Journal of Social Services Research study found that 75% of social workers surveyed reported feeling burnt out at some time in their lives. Social work is a high-stress job, often with a heavy caseload and not enough time to provide the level of care needed. In a survey by Pacific Standard, for every hour a social worker spends face-to-face with a client, there are nearly two hours of administrative paperwork that need to be completed. This time taken away from student treatment and planning can mean the students are not getting the care they truly need. Another study found that high turnover rates may be a result of social workers’ frustration with having to complete so much paperwork. 

Exym, the leading EHR software, streamlines workflows so clinicians can quickly sign, submit, and approve notes, see behavioral health history, review treatment plans, securely send messages to those on the students’ team, and view school demographics data… all in one place. Less time spent on administrative tasks means more time for school social workers to efficiently manage their caseloads.  

How Exym Helps School Social Workers Spend More Time with Kids 

School social workers rarely spend 8 hours sitting at their desk. They may be visiting classrooms, in-transit to various school sites, or even working remotely. With Exym, instead of having to locate and bring files with them, all student information from every school in the district is safely and conveniently located in one place. Exym software allows school social workers to say “goodbye” to lugging paperwork and files from school to school, and access data on the go from their phones, tablets, or computers at any location. 

While this is not only convenient and secure for school social workers, the saved time and effort locating and carrying files means they spend less time on administrative tasks, and more time visiting schools to meet students. If a school district provides virtual academies or online support, Exym also seamlessly integrates with telehealth and other mental-health service providers. 

Using EHR Software for Schools to Receive More Funding 

In social work, funds are often stretched thin and lacking. School mental health departments may find themselves looking and applying for grants to cover the cost of supplies and materials. Not having enough funding can lead to high caseloads and not enough resources to adequately serve students. This can result in negative outcomes for the student, school district, and social worker... leaving many interested parties unsatisfied. 

School districts can use Exym EHR software for schools to pull reports of student demographics, outcomes, and more. This data pulled from clinician documentation can be used to improve efficiencies and increase positive outcomes with students, which is a win for everyone. Organizations offering funding are interested in helping agencies that are successfully carrying out their mission and making a difference. Showing data to paint a picture of success is the key to receiving and maintaining grant funding.  

Exym’s robust Analytics feature is very helpful when school districts need to justify their spending to the school board or request additional money. Data-driven reports can easily be pulled to show school demographics, populations, or groups of students served, and other outcomes. Exym helps school districts quantify and validate the work they do so funding groups and interested parties can see the difference they are making in the lives of their students and the community.  

Exym has partnered with school districts to increase access to mental health services to more than 117,000 K-12 students and 6,000 educators. We understand students are our future leaders, doctors, nurses, social workers, and deserve the best mental health care. If a school district is struggling with managing their workload efficiently, and would like to increase productivity, and win more grants and funding, Exym is here to help. Check out our Schools page to read more about how we help school districts thrive, or request a demo to speak with an Exym expert today.

Exym is a comprehensive EHR software solution designed specifically for behavioral health agencies. Trusted for 20+ years, our intuitive and customizable software empowers providers to improve client outcomes, manage revenue cycles, and increase agency efficiency. Exym allows you to spend more time on what matters most- the clients in your care.