Stevens Point Area Public School District Partners with Cartwheel for Enhanced Mental Health Support
STEVENS POINT, WI – In a proactive move to bolster mental health resources for students, the Stevens Point Area Public School District has announced a partnership with Cartwheel, a teletherapy service designed to provide comprehensive mental health support. This collaboration aims to ensure that students have immediate access to professional mental health services, a necessity that has become increasingly apparent in today’s educational landscape.
Cartwheel offers an array of services, including one-on-one teletherapy sessions, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, family therapy, and guidance for parents. Notably, these services are available at no charge for families with Medicaid or those who are uninsured. For families with private insurance, standard co-payments and deductibles may apply. This initiative underscores the district’s commitment to dismantling barriers to mental health care, particularly for underprivileged families.
Jennie McMahon, the director of student services, emphasized the critical role that families play in identifying potential mental health needs in their children. “Families are often the first to recognize changes in their child’s well-being that may signal a need for mental health support,” McMahon stated. She urged families to leverage Cartwheel as a vital resource to access professional assistance.
The teletherapy services are designed for convenience, with sessions scheduled from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays and additional hours on Saturdays. Importantly, these services are year-round, with no waitlist, ensuring that students can receive timely support whenever needed. Cartwheel also accommodates diverse linguistic needs, offering services in over ten languages, including Spanish, which reflects the district’s commitment to inclusivity.
Superintendent Cory Hirsbrunner remarked on the significance of this partnership, stating, “Our partnership with Cartwheel allows our district to provide mental health support to students and families right when they need it. It’s a vital extension of our support systems, ensuring every student has a trusted place to turn.” This sentiment highlights the district’s awareness of the rising mental health challenges faced by students today, compounded by the ongoing effects of the pandemic and related stressors.
Individual therapy sessions through Cartwheel are available for students in grades three and above, while parents can access guidance sessions for all grade levels. This inclusive approach aims to foster a supportive environment for both students and their families, promoting overall well-being and academic success.
As the conversation around mental health continues to evolve, initiatives like this partnership between the Stevens Point Area Public School District and Cartwheel serve as important steps toward addressing the mental health crisis among young people. By enhancing access to mental health services, the district aims to create a nurturing educational atmosphere conducive to both personal growth and academic achievement.
This initiative not only reflects progressive thinking in the realm of student support but also underscores the necessity of mental health awareness within educational institutions. As such programs continue to emerge, they set a precedent for other districts aiming to prioritize the mental well-being of their students.
