Des Moines Public Schools' students will be able to access free telehealth counseling over the holidays.
Hazel Health will provide the no cost online therapy services to all students during winter break from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, according to a district news release. Because of the holidays, counseling services will not be available on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Earlier this year, Des Moines schools partnered with Hazel Health to offer mental health services for students. The initiative is part of a $1.5 million UnitedHealthcare investment "to expand access to youth mental health services statewide," according to the news release.
Nationally, Hazel Health provides telehealth services for some 4.5 million students.
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"This partnership with Hazel Health couldn't come at a better time," said Katie Issa, DMPS behavioral health coordinator. "The winter break can be particularly challenging for students as routines shift and school support systems are less accessible."
Hazel Health online counselors can help students with a number of issues including academic stress, anxiety, or managing difficult emotions or relationships.
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According the press release, 50% of Hazel Health providers are Black, indigenous or people of color and more than 40% are bilingual. Counselors have expertise in areas such as foster youth, ADHD, immigration, race, LGBTQ+, body image, sexual abuse, self-harm and domestic violence.
Parents, caregivers or students can sign up at getstarted.hazel.co or call (888) 541-7063. The website also shows which schools outside of Des Moines Public Schools offer this service.
Samantha Hernandez covers education for the Register. Reach her at (515) 851-0982 or [email protected]. Follow her on X at @svhernandez, Bluesky at @svhernandez.bsky.social or Facebook at facebook.com/svhernandezreporter.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Free telehealth counseling available for Des Moines Public Schools' students during holiday season