Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) students will have access to free, confidential telehealth counseling services during the upcoming winter break, the district announced on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024.
The program, a partnership with Hazel Health, will allow students to access online therapy sessions from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday through Friday, excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
The initiative is part of a $1.5 million investment from UnitedHealthcare to expand access to youth mental health services statewide through the Hazel Health platform, which currently serves an estimated 4.5 million students nationwide.
Supporting Students in their Time of Need
Katie Issa, DMPS behavioral health coordinator, said the partnership with Hazel Health came at the right time to help support students throughout the winter holiday as they navigate routine shifts when school support systems are less accessible.
Hazel Health counselors can support students with various issues, including academic stress and anxiety, as well as managing emotions and navigating relationships.
According to the DMPS press release, half of Hazel Health providers identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC), and over 40% are bilingual.
To cover the needs of all students, Hazel Health employs counselors with expertise in all areas, including foster care, ADHD, immigration, race, LGBTQ+, body image, sexual abuse, self-harm, and domestic violence.
Parents, caregivers, or students looking to use the free telehealth services should sign up at getstarted.hazel.co or call (888) 541-7063 for guidance. The website also lists other schools participating in the Hazel Health program.
