Virginia Beach City Schools Introduces Comprehensive Mental Health Support Initiative
Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS), one of the largest school districts in Virginia, serving 63,000 students across 86 schools, has recently announced an innovative initiative aimed at enhancing mental health support for its students. This new program is particularly focused on providing on-demand teletherapy and crisis intervention services specifically designed for middle and high school students. In collaboration with Uwill, a renowned student mental health solutions provider, VBCPS aims to support around 35,000 students in grades 6 to 12 enrolled in 27 participating schools.
The initiative is a timely response to the pressing mental health challenges many students face today. As costs, wait times, and the stigma associated with seeking help continue to act as significant barriers, this program strives to eliminate these hurdles by providing real-time access to licensed mental health counselors. Robert Jamison, Executive Director of Student Support Services for VBCPS, emphasized the commitment to making mental health support readily accessible, stating, "By offering real-time access to licensed mental health counselors, we're making it easier for students to get support when they need it and helping prevent crises before they start."
Under this partnership, VBCPS students can conveniently schedule same-day appointments with mental health counselors during the day, evening, and even during school breaks. This flexibility ensures that students receive timely support tailored to their individual needs, including considerations for language and cultural preferences through Uwill’s proprietary matching technology. Additionally, a 24/7 crisis connection to licensed therapists is available to assist students in urgent situations, reinforcing the initiative's focus on ensuring safety and well-being.
This program extends the efforts outlined in Virginia's Right Help, Right Now initiative launched by Governor Glenn Youngkin, aimed at guaranteeing that residents can access immediate mental health support before, during, and after a crisis. Unfortunately, Virginia currently ranks 48th in the nation for youth access to mental health care, with alarming statistics revealing that nearly 40% of high school students in the state report feelings of persistent sadness or hopelessness. As anxiety and depression continue to rise among students, the need for accessible, effective mental health resources has never been more critical.
Michael London, founder and CEO of Uwill, remarked on the challenges many students face in seeking help, highlighting that many are unsure where to start or are deterred by financial barriers and lengthy waiting lists. Uwill’s platform is dedicated to simplifying the process, serving as a crucial link between students and mental health professionals.
Founded in 2020, Uwill has gained traction across more than 500 colleges and over 200 K-12 schools throughout the United States and in 20 countries. By utilizing cutting-edge technology and a qualified counselor team, Uwill has developed an innovative matching platform that connects students to counselors efficiently, offering a range of teletherapy modalities that suit diverse needs. Its services also include 24/7 crisis connections, medical care, prescription management, and wellness programming. This comprehensive approach not only improves mental health outcomes but also empowers students to take charge of their well-being.
As VBCPS continues to enhance its educational environment with a focus on student wellness and academic rigor, this initiative serves as a model for other school districts looking to strengthen their mental health offerings. By prioritizing mental health resources and access, VBCPS is paving the way for healthier and more resilient young minds, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and socially.
About Virginia Beach City Public Schools: Virginia Beach City Public Schools is recognized as the largest school division in southeastern Virginia, emphasizing a rigorous academic curriculum while prioritizing the well-being of its students. The district is committed to preparing students to be competitive on a global scale.
About Uwill: Uwill has established itself as a leading mental health and wellness solution for schools, with accolades recognizing its rapid growth and innovative support for students. As a standout in the mental health sector, Uwill aims to facilitate immediate support, contributing to the overall health and success of students in educational settings.
The initiative is a timely response to the pressing mental health challenges many students face today. As costs, wait times, and the stigma associated with seeking help continue to act as significant barriers, this program strives to eliminate these hurdles by providing real-time access to licensed mental health counselors. Robert Jamison, Executive Director of Student Support Services for VBCPS, emphasized the commitment to making mental health support readily accessible, stating, "By offering real-time access to licensed mental health counselors, we're making it easier for students to get support when they need it and helping prevent crises before they start."
Under this partnership, VBCPS students can conveniently schedule same-day appointments with mental health counselors during the day, evening, and even during school breaks. This flexibility ensures that students receive timely support tailored to their individual needs, including considerations for language and cultural preferences through Uwill’s proprietary matching technology. Additionally, a 24/7 crisis connection to licensed therapists is available to assist students in urgent situations, reinforcing the initiative's focus on ensuring safety and well-being.
This program extends the efforts outlined in Virginia's Right Help, Right Now initiative launched by Governor Glenn Youngkin, aimed at guaranteeing that residents can access immediate mental health support before, during, and after a crisis. Unfortunately, Virginia currently ranks 48th in the nation for youth access to mental health care, with alarming statistics revealing that nearly 40% of high school students in the state report feelings of persistent sadness or hopelessness. As anxiety and depression continue to rise among students, the need for accessible, effective mental health resources has never been more critical.
Michael London, founder and CEO of Uwill, remarked on the challenges many students face in seeking help, highlighting that many are unsure where to start or are deterred by financial barriers and lengthy waiting lists. Uwill’s platform is dedicated to simplifying the process, serving as a crucial link between students and mental health professionals.
Founded in 2020, Uwill has gained traction across more than 500 colleges and over 200 K-12 schools throughout the United States and in 20 countries. By utilizing cutting-edge technology and a qualified counselor team, Uwill has developed an innovative matching platform that connects students to counselors efficiently, offering a range of teletherapy modalities that suit diverse needs. Its services also include 24/7 crisis connections, medical care, prescription management, and wellness programming. This comprehensive approach not only improves mental health outcomes but also empowers students to take charge of their well-being.
As VBCPS continues to enhance its educational environment with a focus on student wellness and academic rigor, this initiative serves as a model for other school districts looking to strengthen their mental health offerings. By prioritizing mental health resources and access, VBCPS is paving the way for healthier and more resilient young minds, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and socially.
About Virginia Beach City Public Schools: Virginia Beach City Public Schools is recognized as the largest school division in southeastern Virginia, emphasizing a rigorous academic curriculum while prioritizing the well-being of its students. The district is committed to preparing students to be competitive on a global scale.
About Uwill: Uwill has established itself as a leading mental health and wellness solution for schools, with accolades recognizing its rapid growth and innovative support for students. As a standout in the mental health sector, Uwill aims to facilitate immediate support, contributing to the overall health and success of students in educational settings.
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