RALEIGH, N.C., March 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced students across North Carolina will soon have access to high-quality, virtual mental health care through Hazel Health. This initiative, supported through an investment by UnitedHealthcare, is part of a broader effort announced last year to provide virtual school-centered mental health care for up to one million students across select states nationwide.

Through this initiative, nearly 400,000 students – amounting to almost 30% of North Carolina's K-12 student population – will have access to Hazel Health's mental health services. Once Hazel is implemented, any student who is enrolled within participating districts will be able to access one of Hazel's on-staff, licensed therapists before, during and after the school day. Hazel Health services will go live in late March 2025, beginning with Harnett County Schools and Durham Public Schools, with more districts to be added in the coming weeks.

"Services like school-based telehealth are critical to improving access to mental health care because they meet children and families where they are with the care they need," said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. "We look forward to partnering with our public schools and Hazel Health to further the department's ongoing work to transform North Carolina's mental health system and create better outcomes for children and families."

More than 1 in 3 high school students in North Carolina have reported feeling sad or hopeless, along with almost 1 in 3 middle school students. While there are early signs signaling improvement, the numbers still paint a grim picture of the health and wellbeing of our nation's youngest generation.

"Many children in schools lack access to essential mental health services, with barriers ranging from provider shortages to cost," said Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services. "Schools are an essential part of a child's life, so expanding access to direct mental health care in school addresses the gap in care and can improve a child's wellbeing, academic performance, social relationships and long-term development."

"Mental health challenges—such as anxiety, depression, and trauma—can severely impact a child's ability to learn, socialize, and thrive," said Yvonne Copeland, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Child and Family Well-being. "Many students face barriers to accessing professional mental health support, including transportation issues, long wait times, stigma, and financial constraints. By bringing tele-behavioral health care services to schools, we can remove those barriers and address concerns earlier, setting children up for long-term success."

"School-based healthcare is essential to removing obstacles to care, such as transportation and time limitations, to allow for early identification and treatment of behavioral conditions for children of all ages," said Anita Bachmann, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina. "We are honored to collaborate with NCDHHS and Hazel Health to ensure that students in select districts - including Harnett and Durham Public Schools - have access to critical mental health services to help them be successful in and out of the classroom."

"The cross-functional, public-private partnership in North Carolina shows a deep commitment to ensuring that all students have access to the mental health support they need," said Andrew Post, President, Hazel Health. "When we prioritize student wellbeing and health now, we're doing more than boosting their academic achievements – we're building the groundwork for them to thrive throughout their entire lives."

Hazel Health, the nation's largest provider of school-centered telehealth, serves over 5 million students in 18 states. A third-party study conducted by Clemson University found that 75% of students who participated in Hazel's online therapy program experienced clinically significant reductions in depression and anxiety after an average of six sessions. Additionally, early research also indicates that Hazel's therapy program can combat chronic absenteeism. One emerging data point: 68% of students who engaged with Hazel's therapy program improved their attendance–and over 30% had zero absences!--since their referral to Hazel.
To learn more, please visit hazel.co.

About Hazel Health
Hazel Health is the nation's largest and most trusted provider of school-based telehealth. By partnering with districts and health plans across the country, Hazel transforms schools into the most accessible front door to pediatric healthcare. Today, Hazel's licensed providers deliver teletherapy and virtual care (in school or at home) to over five million K-12 students, regardless of their ability to pay. Hazel aims to remove all barriers to the mental and physical health care that children need to thrive in school, at home, and in life. Learn more at hazel.co.

About the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
NCDHHS manages the delivery of health and human services for all North Carolinians, especially our most vulnerable populations – children, people with disabilities, older adults, and low-income families. Our vision is to advance innovative solutions that foster independence, improve health and safety, and promote well-being in every community across the state. The department works closely with health care professionals, community leaders and advocacy groups; local, state and federal entities; and many other stakeholders to make this happen. Visit ncdhhs.gov

Press Contact:
Elizabeth Austin
elizabethaustin@hazel.co

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SOURCE Hazel Health