As part of the division’s ongoing efforts to support students’ mental and emotional wellness, Portsmouth Public Schools (PPS) has partnered with Hazel Health, a telehealth company specializing in pediatric needs. This will provide students access to a free online counseling and therapy program. This service is fully confidential and, again, at no cost to families.
Through this program, students can work one-on-one with a licensed therapist in weekly video sessions, which can take place at school or at home. No care will be provided without parent/guardian consent.
“This is the next step in the evolution of our work to provide students access to the best possible resources for their mental health,” said Dr. Elie Bracy, III, superintendent of Portsmouth Public Schools. “We know for students to do well in the classroom, they must first be well both physically and emotionally. We hope families see the benefit of this service and utilize it however they may need.”
The Hazel Health partnership is active now at Churchland High School, Manor High School, Churchland Middle School and Waters Middle School. In October, I.C. Norcom High School and Cradock Middle School will have the same telehealth counseling opportunities through the division’s partnership with Sentara Health.
Signing up for Hazel Health takes less than five minutes. To learn more or to sign up, families can visit the PPS Hazel webpage or www.ppsk12.us/heretohelp.