PHOENIX, Jan. 27: Arizona's rural counties are set to receive a major boost in mental health support through a new partnership announced by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne.
The Arizona Department of Education has teamed up with mental health provider Cartwheel to deliver free telehealth services to students and families in these areas. This initiative aims to address the critical shortage of mental health providers in Arizona, particularly in rural counties where accessing timely support has been a challenge. The program will span 13 rural counties, including Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yavapai, and Yuma. These regions encompass about 250 school districts and charter schools, serving approximately 200,000 students.
Enhancing School Safety and Mental Health Support
Superintendent Horne emphasized the importance of mental health as a core component of school safety. "Youth mental health needs have surged in recent years across Arizona," Horne said. "This collaboration with Cartwheel provides families with an additional avenue for mental health support."
The program comes at a crucial time when nearly 90% of Arizona communities face a shortage of mental health providers. A 2021 Arizona Department of Health Services study revealed that over one-third of Arizona teens reported experiencing poor mental health.
Comprehensive and Accessible Care
Cartwheel's telehealth services will offer support for a variety of mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and more. The program is voluntary and requires parental consent, ensuring family involvement throughout the care process. Students typically receive weekly sessions over 2 to 6 months, with options for extended care.
Cartwheel accepts all insurance plans, including commercial, Medicaid, and Tricare for military families. Additionally, funding is available for uninsured students through the Cartwheel contract with the Arizona Department of Education.
Expert Support and Community Impact
Dr. Juliana Chen, Chief Medical Officer at Cartwheel, expressed excitement about the partnership. "We are thrilled to collaborate with the Arizona Department of Education to offer timely, evidence-based mental health support," Dr. Chen stated. "Our goal is to help students reach their full potential in school."
Cheryl Mango-Paget from the Coconino County Education Service Agency highlighted the importance of innovative solutions to bridge the gap in mental health services. "Telehealth services like those provided by Cartwheel are vital in delivering accessible support to underserved communities," she said.
Stacy Anderson from the Arizona Association of School Psychologists stressed the critical need for increased access to mental wellness services. "This initiative allows students to focus on learning without the burden of unresolved mental health challenges," Anderson noted.
For more information or to sign up, interested districts and charter schools can visit www.cartwheel.org/arizona.
