Karen Burkes, Director of State Operated Healthcare Facilities | North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Karen Burkes, Director of State Operated Healthcare Facilities | North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has announced a new initiative to provide virtual mental health services to K-12 students across the state. This effort, in partnership with Hazel Health and supported by an investment from UnitedHealthcare, aims to extend mental health care access to nearly 400,000 students, which represents about 30% of the state's student population.
Hazel Health's services will be available before, during, and after school hours for students enrolled in participating districts. The rollout is set to begin in late March 2025 with Harnett County Schools and Durham Public Schools, with additional districts joining later.
"Services like school-based telehealth are critical to improving access to mental health care because they meet children and families where they are with the care they need," said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. "We look forward to partnering with our public schools and Hazel Health to further the department’s ongoing work to transform North Carolina’s mental health system and create better outcomes for children and families."
According to NCDHHS data, more than one-third of high school students in North Carolina have reported feelings of sadness or hopelessness. The initiative seeks to address these issues by providing direct access to licensed therapists within schools.
"Many children in schools lack access to essential mental health services, with barriers ranging from provider shortages to cost," said Kelly Crosbie, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services. "Schools are an essential part of a child’s life, so expanding access to direct mental health care in school addresses the gap in care and can improve a child’s wellbeing, academic performance, social relationships and long-term development."
Yvonne Copeland from NCDHHS highlighted that "mental health challenges—such as anxiety, depression, and trauma—can severely impact a child’s ability to learn, socialize, and thrive." She emphasized that tele-behavioral health care services in schools could help remove barriers such as transportation issues and financial constraints.
Anita Bachmann from UnitedHealthcare expressed support for the collaboration: "School-based healthcare is essential to removing obstacles to care... We are honored to collaborate with NCDHHS and Hazel Health."
Andrew Post of Hazel Health noted the importance of this partnership: "The cross-functional, public-private partnership in North Carolina shows a deep commitment... When we prioritize student wellbeing... we're building the groundwork for them to thrive throughout their entire lives."
Hazel Health currently serves over five million students across 18 states. A study by Clemson University found significant reductions in depression and anxiety among students who participated in Hazel's therapy program.
For more information on this initiative or Hazel Health's services, visit hazel.co.
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