Rhode Island partners with Hazel Health to expand student mental health services

A New Partnership Aims to Transform Student Well-being

In a significant move to address the growing youth mental health crisis, Rhode Island has partnered with Hazel Health to expand comprehensive, virtual mental health services to its students. This innovative initiative, announced on Thursday, promises to bring much-needed support to the state's schools, ensuring that every student has access to quality care without financial barriers.

The Need for Action

Rhode Island, like many other states, has been grappling with the profound impact of the pandemic on its students and families. The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System administered by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed alarming statistics: nearly one in three middle and high school students reported feeling sad or hopeless over a two-week period, and nearly one in six seriously considered attempting suicide over the past 12 months. These numbers underscore the urgent need for robust mental health services.

The Partnership with Hazel Health

Hazel Health, the nation's largest school-based telehealth provider, has been at the forefront of transforming children's access to health care through school-based partnerships and culturally competent care. Their mission is to ensure that every student can access high-quality care, regardless of their background.

Key Features of the Partnership

• Comprehensive Services: The new partnership will provide mental health referrals for children ages 8 and older. Services will be available both in school and at home, ensuring that students can receive support whenever they need it.

• Equitable Access: The initiative aims to break down barriers to care, particularly for underserved communities. By providing services at no out-of-pocket cost, families will be less burdened by financial constraints. This model also expands access to care for rural communities who often face provider shortages.

• Diverse and Culturally Competent Care: Over 50% of Hazel Health’s provider force identifies as people of color, and 40% are bilingual. Mental health providers speak 29 languages, ensuring that communication is not a barrier to receiving care.

• Evidence-Based Programs: The therapy programs implemented by Hazel Health are evidence-based and clinically validated. Research has shown that over 75% of students enrolled in their telehealth services see a significant improvement in clinical symptoms. A member satisfaction survey also reported that 84% of families noticed a positive change in their child’s behavior and/or mental well-being as a result of Hazel’s therapy program.

Leadership Support

Rhode Island leaders are committed to addressing the youth mental health crisis and promoting regular school attendance. Governor Dan McKee emphasized the importance of quality care, stating, “This partnership with Hazel Health will help ensure that students and families across our state have the support they need, right when they need it, and without financial barriers. It’s a critical investment in our students’ well-being and future success.”

Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green of the Rhode Island Department of Education reaffirmed the state’s commitment to increasing mental health supports. She noted, “Over the last several years, RIDE has worked tirelessly to support Rhode Island school districts in addressing the grave impact the pandemic has had on our students and families. We share our gratitude with Hazel Health, our statewide partners, and all of our school-based mental health providers who go above and beyond for our kids every day.”

Implementation and Goals

The new service will not replace current school and district-level efforts but rather complement them. District leaders will work closely with RIDE and Hazel Health to ensure a smooth implementation process. The goal is to make Rhode Island the first state on the East Coast to launch a statewide telehealth initiative of this kind, providing comprehensive mental health services to approximately 130,000 students across the state.

Hazel Health President Andrew Post highlighted the transformative nature of this partnership. “This is not just about support; it’s about ensuring equitable access to all districts and families. Together with the Rhode Island Department of Education, we are proud to provide every student across the state with access to innovative, evidence-based, and clinically-validated virtual mental health services.”

The Impact on Students

The impact of this initiative on students cannot be overstated. By providing mental health services in schools, students can receive timely interventions before their mental health issues escalate. This model also empowers students to thrive in their learning environments, improving their overall academic performance and life outcomes.

Dr. Jerome Larkin, RIDOH Director of Health, underscored the importance of a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for children and teens. “Healthy mental and emotional development is vital for a healthy childhood. We all need to be working to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for our children and teens. And yet, even when we do that, some of our kids will still need a little additional support to handle life.”

Conclusion

Rhode Island’s partnership with Hazel Health marks a significant step towards addressing the youth mental health crisis. By providing comprehensive, virtual mental health services, this initiative aims to ensure that every student has access to quality care without financial barriers. As the state works towards making this a statewide initiative, it sets a precedent for other states to follow, emphasizing the critical role that schools can play in supporting the mental well-being of their students.

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References

1. Investment in Hazel Health’s School-Based Health Care Services https://www.uhccommunityandstate.com/content/state-profiles/iowa-profile/-1-5-million-investment-expands-school-based-health-care-service

2. Rhode Island Partners with Hazel Health to Expand Student Mental Health Care https://turnto10.com/news/local/school-students-education-mental-health-care-providers-telehealth-hazel-partnership-attendance-improve-pandemic-available-classroom-home-october-17-2024

3. Hazel Health | Home https://www.hazel.co

4. See if Hazel is Available in Your School https://www.hazel.co/get-hazel

5. Governor McKee, Commissioner Infante-Green Announce Partnership with Hazel Health to Expand Mental Health Services for Students https://ride.ri.gov/press-releases/governor-mckee-commissioner-infante-green-announce-partnership-hazel-health-expand-mental-health-services-students