Des Moines Schools Offer Free Telehealth Counseling to Students
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Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) is taking a proactive step to address the critical need for youth mental health services by partnering with hazel Health to provide free telehealth counseling to its students. This initiative is made possible by a $1.5 million investment from UnitedHealthcare aimed at expanding access to mental health resources for Iowa’s K-12 students.
The program offers convenient and accessible online therapy, addressing a crucial gap in mental health support, especially during challenging times like winter break. “This partnership with Hazel Health couldn’t come at a better time,” stated Katie Issa, DMPS Behavioral health Coordinator. “The winter break can be notably challenging for students as routines shift and school support systems are less accessible. Having access to professional mental health services ensures our students can get the help they need when they need it most, at no cost to families.”
The free online therapy is available to all DMPS students from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays throughout the winter break, excluding December 24th, 25th, and January 1st. Parents or students can easily sign up through the Hazel Health website at getstarted.hazel.co or by calling 888-541-7063.
Hannah Olson,Hazel Health partner success manager,highlighted the program’s timely launch: “The timing of the launch coincides with the time of year in which local providers of school-based mental health care are carrying full caseloads and in need of alternate solutions.” She further emphasized the importance of consistent support, stating, “Breaks in learning or routine can disrupt a student’s emotional well-being, but mental health support can provide the tools they need to stay resilient and thrive.”
Support Available for Students
Hazel Health provides expert, one-on-one counseling from licensed therapists, eliminating the need for lengthy waiting lists or doctor referrals. The program boasts a 90% success rate among students completing six sessions. The services cover a range of issues, anxiety-understanding-the-causes-and-offering-support/” title=”Youth Anxiety: Understanding the Causes and Offering Support”>including academic stress, anxiety, and managing challenging emotions or relationships.
expanding Access Statewide
This initiative is part of a broader effort to expand access to mental health services for Iowa youth. the $1.5 million investment from UnitedHealthcare will provide virtual mental health services to approximately 100,000 K-12 students across the state. This underscores the growing recognition of the importance of early intervention and readily available mental health support for young people.
- Ames Community School District
- BGM Community School District
- Carlisle Community Schools
- Cedar Rapids Community School District
- Columbus Community Schools
- Council Bluffs Community School district
- Des Moines Public Schools
- Fort Dodge Community School district
- Kanesville Learning Centre (Council Bluffs)
- Mason City Community Schools
- Morning Sun Community School District
- Wapello Community Schools
Note: This list represents school districts currently participating in the Hazel Health program. For the most up-to-date information,please visit hazel.co/get-hazel.
Iowa schools Expand Access to Free student Telehealth Counseling
Students in select Iowa school districts now have access to free, online mental health support through Hazel Health, a nationwide telehealth provider. This initiative aims to address the growing need for accessible mental healthcare among young people,offering a convenient and confidential way for students to receive professional counseling.
The program provides one-on-one counseling sessions with licensed therapists, eliminating the need for lengthy waiting lists or doctor referrals. “This gives students the tools they need to stay resilient and thrive,” says Olson,a spokesperson for the initiative (exact quote source unavailable). Hazel Health boasts an notable track record, with 90% of students reporting improvement after just six sessions.
This initiative is particularly relevant given the rising rates of anxiety and depression among young people in the United States. By providing readily available mental health services, schools are proactively addressing a critical issue impacting student well-being and academic success. The ease of access, coupled with the proven effectiveness of the program, makes it a valuable resource for students and families alike.
How the Program Works
the process is straightforward. Students facing academic stress, anxiety, relationship issues, or difficulty managing emotions can connect with a therapist online. the service offers:
- Expert Support: Individualized counseling from a licensed professional.
- Convenience: No waiting lists or referrals required.
- Proven Results: A 90% success rate after six sessions.
- Cost: Completely free for participating students.
Parents or students can enroll through the Hazel Health website at getstarted.hazel.co or by calling 888-541-7063.
Participating Iowa School Districts
The following Iowa school districts currently offer Hazel Health’s free telehealth counseling services:
- Ames Community School District
- BGM Community School District
- Carlisle Community Schools
- Cedar Rapids Community School District
- Columbus Community Schools
- Council Bluffs Community School District
- Des moines Public Schools
- Fort Dodge community School District
- Kanesville Learning Center (Council Bluffs)
- Mason City Community Schools
- Morning Sun Community School District
- Wapello Community Schools
Hazel Health serves 4.5 million students nationwide, demonstrating the widespread adoption of this valuable resource. For more information on eligibility and enrollment, visit hazel.co/get-hazel.
Des Moines Schools Offer Lifeline: Free Telehealth Counseling for Students
With a focus on addressing the escalating mental health crisis among youth, Des moines Public Schools (DMPS) has partnered with Hazel Health to provide free telehealth counseling to all students. This groundbreaking initiative, made possible by a $1.5 million investment from UnitedHealthcare, aims to improve access to critical mental health services, notably during vulnerable periods like winter break.
Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Support
This partnership comes at a critical time as schools across the nation grapple with a growing need for mental health resources.
”This partnership with hazel Health couldn’t come at a better time,” stated Katie Issa, DMPS Behavioral health Coordinator. “The winter break can be notably challenging for students as routines shift and school support systems are less accessible. Having access to professional mental health services ensures our students can get the help they need when they need it most, at no cost to families.”
How Does the Program Work?
World-Today News sat down with Dr. Sarah Thompson,a Child and Adolescent Psychologist and member of Hazel’s advisory board,to discuss the program’s implementation and impact.
World-Today News: Dr. Thompson,can you explain how Hazel Health’s telehealth platform works and what kind of support it offers students?
Dr.Thompson: Hazel Health connects students with licensed therapists for one-on-one counseling sessions conducted entirely online.This eliminates the barriers of transportation, scheduling conflicts, and stigma frequently enough associated with seeking conventional therapy. Students can access support from the comfort and privacy of their homes.
We address a range of issues, from academic stress and anxiety to relationship difficulties, coping skills growth, and managing difficult emotions.
World-Today News: How accessible is this service, and are there any restrictions on who can participate?
Dr. Thompson: Access is easy and entirely free for participating students.They can enroll through the Hazel Health website or by calling a dedicated hotline. There are no waiting lists or referral requirements, making it a readily available resource for students in need.
While this program is currently rolled out in select Iowa school districts, the long-term goal is to expand accessibility statewide.
World-Today News: What makes hazel Health particularly effective in supporting young people’s mental health?
Dr. Thompson: Hazel Health takes a multi-pronged approach. Our platform is designed to be user-friendly and engaging for students. we also have a remarkable success rate, with 90% of students showing significant advancement after just six sessions.
Perhaps most importantly, we focus on building a strong therapeutic alliance between the student and the therapist. this trusting relationship is basic to effective treatment.
Expanding Access statewide
This initiative aligns with a broader Iowa-wide effort to prioritize student mental well-being. The $1.5 million investment from UnitedHealthcare will enable Hazel Health to reach approximately 100,000 K-12 students across the state, offering a crucial lifeline for young people facing mental health challenges.
By effectively removing barriers to care, Des Moines Public Schools and hazle Health are paving the way for a brighter, more mentally healthy future for Iowa’s students.
