ALACHUA COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The Alachua County school district says free mental health services are now available for families.
Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) announced this month that those who are unable to access mental health services due to cost, the shortage of professionals, work conflicts, or for any other reasons can now receive services at no cost.
This comes after a new partnership between ACPS and a national healthcare provider Hazel Health to provide students with experts to help them deal with stress, bullying, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and many other issues.
The district says it’s offering ‘teletherapy’ or virtual mental health services to ACPS students grades kindergarten through 12. They say the sessions are available to families at home weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or during regular school hours.
ACPS shared in a release that families and school staff have the ability to refer the students for the services, but a parent or guardian must approve.
The district says the service connects students with licensed professionals for virtual video sessions offering them short-term mental health support. ACPS says if a student needs long-term mental health services, Hazel Health will connect families with local care options.
Hazel Health says its services are available in English and Spanish.
The company says it currently serves approximately four million students from over 140 school districts.
You can click here for more information and to schedule an appointment or call 1-800-76-HAZEL.