Coming in October: ACPS Partnership with Hazel Health for Mental Health Teletherapy

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) is excited to launch a partnership with Hazel Health in October to provide students with virtual access to mental health services. This telehealth service is an additional tool for the Student Support Team (SST) — including psychologists, counselors, nurses and social workers — to support student well-being. The Hazel Health model has been customized to meet the unique needs of the ACPS community and connects students with licensed professionals.

Referrals for student therapy can be made by an SST member. Families may talk to an SST member in their school to determine if a referral to Hazel Health is appropriate for their child. A parent/guardian will then receive a call from a Hazel Health family resource manager and given the option to opt into services for their student and schedule an intake visit. The division’s partnership with Hazel Health makes it possible for its therapists to see students with no out-of-pocket costs to families.

“We are always seeking additional ways to support our students' well-being to ensure they are healthy when they are in our classrooms learning. Our partnership with Hazel Health is one additional tool that our Student Support Teams can use to support the social and emotional health of our students to support their continued readiness for learning,” Chief of Student Services and Equity Dr. Marcia Jackson said.

Hazel Health service is available at school during regular school hours. Hazel Health therapists focus on helping students learn positive ways to cope with issues that affect their ability to be in school and available for learning. Therapists provide brief solution-focused therapy in approximately six sessions to assist students with building skills to support their learning. The service typically consists of a preliminary intake visit and approximately six sessions. If a child needs long-term mental health support, the school SST and Hazel Health can help connect the family to a local provider.

Families of students, or students over the age of 18, must complete a consent form before receiving Hazel Health services. A consent form can be obtained from your child’s school office. More information can be accessed at Hazel Health at ACPS.