For Valerie Aguirre's daughter in Hawaii, a spate of middle school "friend drama" escalated into violence and online bullying that left the 12-year-old feeling disconnected and lonely.
Both children received help through telehealth therapy, a service that schools around the country are offering in response to soaring mental health struggles among American youth.
Now at least 16 of the 20 largest U.S. public school districts are offering online therapy sessions to reach millions of students, according to an analysis by The Associated Press. In those districts alone, schools have signed provider contracts worth more than $70 million.
The growth reflects a booming new business born from America's youth mental health crisis, which has proven so lucrative that venture capitalists are funding a new crop of school teletherapy companies. Some experts raise concerns about the quality of care offered by fast-growing tech companies.
As schools cope with shortages of in-person practitioners, however, educators say teletherapy works for many kids, and it's meeting a massive need. For rural schools and lower-income students in particular, it has made therapy easier to access. Schools let students connect with online counselors during the school day or after hours from home.
"This is how we can prevent people from falling through the cracks," said Ishoo, a mother of two in Lancaster, California.
Ishoo recalls standing at her second-grader's bedroom door last year and wishing she could get through to her. "What's wrong?" the mother would ask. The response made her heart heavy: "It's NOTHING, Mom."
Denne historien er fra December 08, 2023-utgaven av Scoop USA Newspaper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 08, 2023-utgaven av Scoop USA Newspaper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
The torch is passed: from MAGA throwbacks to America's future
Joe Biden didn't just pass the torch to another generation. He passed it from white MAGA men to America's future.
Blood tests for Alzheimer's may be coming to your doctor's office. Here's what to know
New blood tests could help doctors diagnose Alzheimer's disease faster and more accurately, researchers reported Sunday but some appear to work far better than others.
Blood tests for Alzheimer's may be coming to your doctor's office. Here's what to know
New blood tests could help doctors diagnose Alzheimer's disease faster and more accurately, researchers reported Sunday - but some appear to work far better than others.
Trump's appearance before Black journalists leads to memorable confrontation with ABC's Rachel Scott
Primarily due to sharp questioning by ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott, former President Donald Trump's appearance before a gathering of Black journalists turned remarkably contentious on Wednesday.
Pennsylvania casinos ask court to force state to tax skill games found in stores equally to slots
The owners of twelve Pennsylvania casinos have asked the state's highest court to declare that a tax on slot machine revenue is unconstitutional because the state doesn't impose it broadly on cashpaying electronic game terminals known as skill games that can be found in many bars and stores.
Accessing your personal my Social Security account
For over ten years, my Social Security has helped many people access our programs and services online. Soon, we will change the way you sign in to all our online services ─ including my Social Security.
Rest for the Weary St. Matthew 11:28-30
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Abney, PLBC hear Allegheny County Jail officials over voting access
Led by state Reps. Aerion Abney, Napoleon Nelson, Rick Krajewski, Anthony Bellmon, and Greg Scott, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, heard from Allegheny County officials over incarcerated peoples’ right to vote from jail.
Garvey, Liberia and Firestone Black Rubber and Redemption (Pt 4)
A Pan-African Nationalist is a Black person who believes in the oneness of all African people worldwide, even though we are temporarily separated by space and thought; one who believes that all Black people have a common past and present, and if we work together, a common future.
Youth Conference ignites inspiration at True Light Fellowship Church
On July 26 & 27, 2024, with the support of Sr. Pastor Dr. Wesley Pinnock, True Light Fellowship Church’s Youth Ministry hosted its “Be the Influencer” Youth Conference. The event, which drew a strong turnout of youth and their families, featured a well-rounded program designed to both educate and empower participants.