The surge in telehealth therapy for students has witnessed a remarkable increase as educational institutions throughout the United States confront the pressing issue of student mental health.
Maria Ishoo's daughter faced trouble with playground bullies during her time in elementary school. She was subjected to name-calling and physical aggression by both girls and boys, causing her to withdraw and spend her afternoons curled up in bed. Similarly, Valerie Aguirre's daughter in Hawaii experienced a series of "friend drama" in middle school, which eventually escalated into online bullying and violence, leaving her feeling isolated and lonely.
To address the increasing mental health struggles among American youth, many schools across the country have started offering telehealth therapy services. An analysis by The Associated Press reveals that at least 16 of the largest public school districts in the United States now provide online therapy sessions, benefiting millions of students. These districts have entered into contracts worth over $70 million with therapy providers.
The growth of teletherapy reflects the emergence of a lucrative business driven by America's youth mental health crisis. Venture capitalists are investing in new school teletherapy companies, although some experts express concerns about the quality of care provided by rapidly expanding tech firms.
Despite these concerns, educators argue that teletherapy is effective for many children, especially in situations where in-person practitioners are scarce. It has also made therapy more accessible for rural schools and students from lower-income backgrounds. Schools now allow students to connect with online counselors during the school day or from home after hours.
According to Ishoo, a mother of two from Lancaster, California, teletherapy is a crucial tool in preventing individuals from slipping through the cracks. She vividly remembers standing outside her second-grader's bedroom door, desperately trying to understand what was wrong. However, her daughter's response, "It's NOTHING, Mom," weighed heavily on her heart. Last spring, when her school district introduced a teletherapy program, she immediately enrolled her daughter, and it has made a positive impact on their lives.
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