#USA #mental health #Boston #Boston Public Schools #Cartwheel

Boston Public Schools Innovates Mental Health Support

Boston Public Schools (BPS) has recently unveiled an ambitious initiative aimed at enhancing mental health services for students, families, and educators across the district. This innovative approach involves a strategic partnership with Cartwheel, a recognized leader in school-based mental health care in Massachusetts, supported by the Brookline Center for Community Mental Health.

A Bold Move for Mental Health

On December 12, 2025, BPS announced this partnership, which marks a significant investment in mental health resources. The initiative emphasizes timely, multilingual support and aims to reach students and their families in all 82 schools within the district. The goal is to address the pressing mental health challenges faced by students, ensuring they feel supported and empowered to achieve their aspirations.

Cory McCarthy, Chief of Students at BPS, highlighted the importance of this initiative by stating, "We want all our students to feel supported... This initiative aims to help remove barriers that prevent students from participating fully in school."

Comprehensive Mental Health Services

The partnership is set to provide comprehensive mental health services, including access to licensed clinicians, evidence-based therapies, and psychiatric support. Cartwheel’s unique platform enables school staff to identify students who need support, track their progress, and collaborate with families effectively. One of the program's notable features is its specialized School Avoidance Program, which targets the mental health-related causes of absenteeism among students.

Addressing Urgent Needs

The necessity for such a program is underscored by alarming statistics from the CDC indicating that over 40% of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, while 1 in 5 has seriously contemplated suicide in the preceding year. In Massachusetts, the issue is compounded by long wait times for mental health services, sometimes stretching into months. The BPS-Cartwheel partnership aims to eliminate these waiting periods, offering immediate access to care.

Jenna Parafinczuk, Director of Social Work at BPS, remarked on the potential impact of the program, stating, "This changes everything... it can make the difference between a student falling behind or thriving in school and life."

A Vision for the Future

The initiative is not just about therapy but about creating an ecosystem of support. Joe English, CEO of Cartwheel, emphasized the objective of fostering academic, social, and emotional thriving among students. With over 350 referrals and 450 teletherapy sessions completed since the program's inception earlier in the year, the early results indicate a positive trajectory for student well-being.

Brighton High School Principal Andrew Bott articulated the transformative nature of the program, stating, "Having direct access to mental health care through this partnership means our students don't have to face those challenges alone... Their well-being should always be a top priority."

Looking Ahead

As BPS leads this movement in mental health care, it dares to set a standard for what can be achieved when educational institutions prioritize mental health as a critical component of student success. This initiative represents a substantial commitment to fostering an environment where students can flourish academically and emotionally, showcasing Boston's commitment to innovation in public education.

In conclusion, Boston Public Schools, through this partnership with Cartwheel and the Brookline Center, is paving the way toward ensuring every student has access to the mental health care they deserve. This holistic approach not only addresses the immediate needs of students but also fosters a supportive community where challenges can be met with collaborative solutions.