Tom Horne endorses mental health program for rural schools in Arizona
The Arizona Department of Education has partnered with a provider of remote mental health services to expand access to care for students in rural schools.
"Mental health is an essential component of comprehensive school safety, and youth mental health needs have gone up significantly over the past few years in Arizona," state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne said in a statement. "We have heard from schools, students, and families that finding timely support has been an ongoing challenge, particularly in rural counties."
Interested school districts and charter schools can sign up for the program through Cartwheel, the telehealth company that has contracted with the Department of Education.
The program will be available in all of Arizona's rural counties: Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yavapai and Yuma. There are 250 school districts and charter schools and 200,000 students throughout those counties.
Almost 90% of Arizona's communities have a shortage of mental health providers, according to Phoenix Children's Hospital.
Globally, one in seven children between the ages of 10 and 19 has a mental disorder, according to the World Health Organization, and in Arizona, the rate of hospitalization for depression and suicidal ideation has increased significantly in recent years, according to Arizona Department of Health Services data.
The Cartwheel telehealth program can address mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and sleep issues. Parental consent is required, and families will be involved throughout the process, which typically involves two to six months of weekly sessions. Longer care is also available.
Cartwheel will accept all insurance. The contract between the Department of Education and Cartwheel also ensures funding for uninsured students.
Honored: Clarendon Elementary School principal wins $25,000 Milken Educator Award
Reach the reporter at ahardle@gannett.com or by phone at 480-708-1633. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @AlexandraHardle.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Tom Horne endorses mental health program for rural Arizona schools
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