Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) is introducing new mental health telehealth support as an available resource to parents and guardians to receive support for their students. This initiative provides access to Hazel Health, a well-established telehealth provider who seeks to provide access to mental health care, ensuring students receive the support they need without delay.

The program reflects the growing need for accessible mental health support, especially for young people facing anxiety, depression, and stress. All services are provided at no cost to PWCS students whose parents/guardians enroll them in the service, regardless of insurance status. 

“Hazel Health will offer immediate essential mental health services to PWCS students,” said Denise Huebner, associate superintendent of student services and post-secondary success. “This service provides critical support to families who may not have access to other mental resources and can ensure that students receive critical support quickly.”

The services provided by Hazel Health include an initial assessment, where Hazel Health will conduct evaluations to identify students’ mental health needs, and short-term telehealth support, where students will have access to temporary virtual care until long-term solutions are arranged. 

In order to take advantage of these services, parents or guardians must first opt in via ParentVUE to share their student’s information with Hazel Health to qualify for the free services, and then the parent/guardian can initiate services by registering with Hazel Health. 

The opt-in process began the week of September 16, with communication to parents and guardians ongoing. PWCS is committed to ensuring that all students have access to the mental health resources they need to thrive.

“PWCS continues to prioritize the mental health and well-being of its students,” stated Huebner, “this partnership with Hazel Health is a crucial step in fostering a safer, more supportive learning environment.”

For more information, parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the Mental Health Telehealth Services for Students webpage for updates and explore the resources available through PWCS and Hazel Health to ensure students receive the care they need.