Chatham County offers new mental health service to students

A recent report from NC Child shows the number of school-aged children diagnosed with anxiety or depression has increased by more than 49% over the last few years.

Chatham County students now have more options for their mental health needs at no cost. Since its launch in the district in late January, more than 70 students have already joined a new virtual therapy program through Daybreak Health.

“We are seeing a lot of barriers to high-quality mental health counseling across the state of North Carolina,” said Breanna Ellington, the district’s student services and 504 coordinator.

More than 36% of the Chatham County’s high schoolers and more than 32% of its middle schoolers reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless, according to the district, and North Carolina’s schools are considered understaffed to address these issues.

With more professionals available to support students, the mental health program helps increase their capacity to serve more students.

“This is another resource that can meet [students] where they are and can meet those needs, especially if there are other barriers that keep them from traveling,” said Telisa Hunter, a Northwood High School counselor.

Students can hop on a computer and talk to a licensed therapist at no cost. The idea is to help them not only understand their emotions but also learn how to manage them in school and at home.

Any student can participate in up to 12 weeks of teletherapy sessions. The program looks different for each student and each level. For children under 10 years old, the program is designed to include their parents. Children over 10 years old can attend sessions alone.

Students are matched with a clinician based on their cultural background, language and personal preferences, with sessions starting within 1 to 2 weeks of a referral. Parental consent is required.

Students can get up to 12 weeks of teletherapy sessions. The program looks different for each student and each level.

Hunter said students learn coping skills and how to navigate problems that arise in tough times.

“We want them to know that they're not alone … we can all work together,” Hunter said.

Daybreak Health also works with more than 90 districts across the country, including Guildford and Alamance-Burlington in North Carolina. The district is using federal Title IV funds to pay $72,000 for the new program.