With an increased demand for mental health services for youth, the Greene County School District is expanding what it is offering in that area.

The School Board approved at its August meeting the tele-mental health service agreement with Classroom Clinic. Superintendent Brett Abbotts says the district is in its third year of using the program that has allowed students the ability, on a referral basis, to do virtual meetings with providers for mental health medication management. He points out that this year the district is adding virtual appointments with mental health therapists.

“But it’s a huge benefit. While the number of students it impacts isn’t a significant number – it’s in the 30 range – however the students that it does impact it’s very beneficial service for them and for their families.”  

Abbotts notes that these appointments take place once per week and students can meet with providers either by themselves or with their parents or guardians. The annual cost is $15,000, which Abbotts adds is covered by a Stronger Connections grant, so no taxpayer money is being used.