Examining Provider Perspectives of Equity at School-Based Health Centers in King County

Abstract

School-based health centers (SBHCs) provide primary and preventative health care to children and adolescents in the school setting, serving as an accessible and low-barrier healthcare option. For this reason, SBHCs are often upheld as an example of health equity. However, provider perspectives of equitable access and care in the SBHC setting have not been formally examined. This qualitative study interviewed 17 SBHC medical and mental health providers regarding their perspectives of equitable service delivery. Five themes emerged from these interviews: the presence of logistical barriers and facilitators, the impact of provider behaviors, the importance of relationships, the provision of mental health care services, and the lasting impact of SBHCs on students and families. These themes informed recommendations and future research directions for SBHCs in King County and beyond.