North Carolina Expands Mental Health Services for K-12 Students Through Virtual Platforms

Expanding Access to Mental Health Care in North Carolina

In a groundbreaking initiative, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has announced that students statewide will gain access to virtual mental health services through a partnership with Hazel Health. The announcement, made on March 26, 2025, promises a significant shift in how mental health care is delivered to students across the state. With the support of UnitedHealthcare, this program aims to provide high-quality, school-centered mental health care to nearly 400,000 students across North Carolina, impacting about 30% of the state's K-12 population.

The project is part of a larger national effort to provide virtual mental health services, ensuring that students can access help before, during, and after school hours. As part of this initiative, Hazel Health will initially roll out services in Harnett County Schools and Durham Public Schools. More districts are slated to join in the upcoming weeks, thereby enhancing the support network for students who may be struggling with mental health issues.

Secretary Dev Sangvai emphasized the importance of integrating mental health services into the educational environment, stating, "Services like school-based telehealth are crucial to improving access to mental health care because they meet children and families where they are with the care they need." This commitment is particularly important considering troubling statistics that reveal more than one in three high school students in North Carolina report feelings of sadness or hopelessness. In middle schools, nearly a third of students share similar sentiments.

Addressing Barriers to Access

Despite these alarming figures, many students face barriers to accessing necessary mental health services. These barriers can include a shortage of providers, prohibitive costs, and logistical issues like transportation. "Many children in schools lack access to essential mental health services," explained Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services. The initiative aims to close this gap, recognizing that schools play a vital role in the lives of children.

Anita Bachmann, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina, reinforced the notion that school-based healthcare is essential. It addresses issues like transportation and time constraints, which often prevent children from receiving effective treatment. This innovative model aims to enhance not just individual wellbeing but also students' academic performance and social connections – key components of their long-term development.

The partnership with Hazel Health is noteworthy; not only does it establish a direct link between students and mental health professionals, but it also combats the stigma often associated with seeking help. According to Yvonne Copeland, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Child and Family Well-being, "Mental health challenges can significantly impact a child's ability to learn, socialize, and thrive." By providing tele-behavioral health services within schools, the initiative aims to address any concerns early on, paving the way for a more successful future for the children involved.

Proven Results

Hazel Health, recognized as the leading provider of school-centered telehealth, brings significant experience to this partnership. Serving over five million students across 18 states, their approach has been shown to yield positive outcomes. A study by Clemson University revealed that 75% of students who participated in Hazel's online therapy program saw clinically significant reductions in anxiety and depression after an average of just six sessions. Furthermore, early indicators suggest that Hazel's services can positively affect attendance rates, with 68% of program participants showing improved attendance.

The collaborative effort between NCDHHS, UnitedHealthcare, and Hazel Health represents a deep commitment to enhancing mental health service access for students in North Carolina. Andrew Post, President of Hazel Health, highlighted the program's broader implications, stating, "When we prioritize student wellbeing and health now, we're building the groundwork for them to thrive throughout their entire lives." This initiative heralds a transformative approach to student mental health, enabling children to access essential resources and support within their schools.

As the rollout begins, stakeholders anticipate significant improvements in mental health access and outcomes, fundamentally reshaping the landscape of student care in North Carolina. To learn more about Hazel Health's initiatives and their impact, visit hazel.co.