Maricopa County Expands Student Access to Telehealth Mental Health Services
Students from kindergarten through 12th grade in Maricopa County could soon find it easier to access mental health services. The Maricopa County Department of Public Health has taken a significant step by partnering with Cartwheel to offer telehealth services in select schools, as announced Thursday.
Schools participating in this initiative will have the ability to refer students to virtual services that include therapy, family support, and psychiatric care. “Providing behavioral health services to students in their schools is enormously effective,” stated Kate Brophy McGee, Chair of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, in a press release. “We can connect with students and their families and more quickly identify and address behaviors that could lead to harmful outcomes.”
Cartwheel ensures that initial telehealth appointments are generally available within a week of receiving a referral, facilitating timely support for students in need. Importantly, these services are voluntary and require parental consent. The financial burden is minimized as Cartwheel will bill the family’s insurance, with any additional costs covered by Maricopa County to prevent any family from being denied access due to financial constraints, as confirmed by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health.
The program is specifically aimed at medically underserved areas, identified through criteria like provider shortages and existing barriers to accessing care. Funding for this initiative, amounting to approximately $586,000, is sourced from a lawsuit settlement against the vaping industry, ensuring the program’s operation through the 2026-2027 school year.
School districts within Maricopa County interested in joining the program can find further information and express their interest by contacting Cartwheel.
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