Virtual Mental Health Services Launching For FCPS High School Students

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — High school students at Fairfax County Public Schools will be able to access virtual mental health therapy services at no cost to them.

Starting April 10, FCPS will offer the teletherapy services through a partnership with Hazel Health. A FCPS spokesperson said the Fairfax County School Board had provided funds for teletherapy services " to reduce access barriers for youth requiring mental health services beyond those provided by FCPS school-based mental health professionals."

The process to seek a vendor for the telehealth services began in spring 2022. The selected vendor, Hazel Health, specializes in services for K-12 youth and has served other large school divisions. The service is compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) as well as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Teletherapy services will be private and confidential, according to FCPS. The service can help students experiencing with mood, behavior or motivation changes; coping with grief or less; anxiety or worries; social skills, bullying, peer relationships and family relationships; and academic stress.

Hazel has locally licensed therapists, half of whom identify as people of color. About 40 percent of providers are bilingual, collectively offering services in more than 15 languages.

Services will be available through live video sessions, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Parents or guardians can opt into the service for their child through ParentVue online or a printable opt-in form. That allows parents to schedule teletherapy services, but another consent for services must be given for children under 18 once appointments are scheduled. Opting into the service also allows the child's school counselor, social worker or psychologist to submit a referral for teletherapy services.

Anyone experiencing a crisis can get help by texting NEEDHELP to 85511, calling 1-800-273-TALK, or dialing 911.