Savannah-Chatham County schools expand mental health support with free virtual counseling

The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) is strengthening its commitment to student wellness by expanding mental health services across the district.

Through a new partnership with Hazel Health and ongoing support from school counselors, SCCPSS is providing a comprehensive range of services to meet students’ academic, social, and emotional needs. Funded by a state grant, these services are offered at no cost to students and families, removing financial barriers to mental health care.

Virtual mental health support with Hazel Health

In December 2024, the Savannah-Chatham County Board approved a $258,375 contract with Hazel Health, a trusted pediatric telehealth provider for K-12 schools. The contract, funded through a grant from the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health, allows SCCPSS to offer free virtual mental health support to students districtwide.

Through Hazel Health, students have access to licensed therapists who deliver therapeutic interventions tailored to children’s needs. Virtual teletherapy appointments are available both at home and, for many students, directly at school. This service complements the district’s existing in-person Wellness Center offerings, ensuring a layered system of support for students facing emotional or psychological challenges.

Schools offering on-campus teletherapy

Students at select campuses within the SCCPSS have the opportunity to schedule teletherapy sessions during school hours.

These participating schools include Butler Elementary, Garden City Elementary, Gould Elementary, May Howard Elementary, Pooler Elementary, Southwest Elementary, West Chatham Elementary, White Bluff Elementary, Windsor Forest Elementary, Godley Station K-8, Hesse K-8, New Hampstead K-8, Pulaski K-8, Rice Creek K-8, Southwest Middle, West Chatham Middle, H.V. Jenkins High, Sol C. Johnson High, New Hampstead High, and Windsor Forest High.

This initiative ensures that students at these schools have access to mental health support during the school day.

Students can be referred by a parent or guardian, and parental permission is required unless the student is 18 years or older. By expanding accessibility both at home and on school campuses, SCCPSS is aiming to eliminate barriers and promote proactive mental health care.

SCCPSS counseling services

While the Hazel Health partnership introduces a valuable virtual option, SCCPSS has long invested in robust in-person counseling services through its Counseling Department. Approximately 100 professional school counselors are stationed at elementary, middle, and high school campuses throughout the district.

Counselors are tasked with addressing students’ academic, career, and personal/social development needs. Their responsibilities include providing short-term individual and small-group counseling, consulting with teachers and families, offering career exploration opportunities, assisting with transitions between school levels, and helping students meet the state’s BRIDGE Bill requirements starting in sixth grade.

Counseling by school level

The approach to counseling is tailored to students’ developmental stages.

Elementary school counseling: Focuses on developing essential skills for healthy learning, positive attitudes, and early intervention.

Middle school counseling: Supports adolescents undergoing rapid physical and emotional growth, emphasizing self-identity, academic achievement, and career awareness.

High school counseling: Prepares students for adulthood by helping them navigate personal challenges, post-secondary options, and workforce readiness.

Through this tiered counseling model, SCCPSS ensures that students receive support that grows with them throughout their academic journey.

Role of telemedicine in mental health care

Telemedicine platforms like Hazel Health are playing an increasingly important role in expanding access to mental health care, especially in underserved or rural areas where resources may be limited. By leveraging secure technology, platforms such as Hazel are enabling students to receive immediate professional support without leaving their homes or school campuses.

Hazel Health is part of a broader trend where digital platforms are transforming mental health services. Platforms such as Teladoc and Amwell have also been widely recognized for their effectiveness.

Teladoc, for instance, offers a user-friendly interface that allows individuals to connect with licensed therapists for a wide range of mental health concerns, from anxiety and depression to trauma and substance use disorders. A Teladoc review praised the platform for its flexibility in scheduling and its large network of mental health professionals.

Similarly, Amwell has been commended for its strong security protocols and the ability to maintain continuity of care through regular check-ins and follow-up sessions. According to a recent Amwell review, its integration of telehealth and mental health services offers users a seamless experience, reducing the need for in-person visits without sacrificing the quality of care.

Both platforms are helping to dismantle the stigma often associated with seeking mental health support. By providing private, convenient access to care, telemedicine services like Hazel Health, Teladoc, and Amwell are breaking down barriers and encouraging more individuals, especially youth, to prioritize their emotional well-being.

Virtual appointments offer an essential layer of support, complementing traditional counseling services. They provide timely help, address immediate concerns, and connect students to additional resources. For those who feel anxious about in-person meetings or face logistical challenges, virtual therapy ensures they still receive high-quality care.

Maintaining confidentiality and trust

A cornerstone of effective counseling, whether in person or virtual, is the assurance of confidentiality. SCCPSS counselors follow the ethical standards of the American School Counselor Association, protecting students’ privacy while making exceptions only when safety is a concern or required by law.

When virtual counseling services are provided through Hazel Health, security and confidentiality are prioritized using approved digital platforms. Hazel Health sessions are conducted in secure environments designed to protect sensitive student information. However, families are informed that despite strong safeguards, some inherent risks remain with online communication.

Students and parents are briefed on confidentiality policies and procedures, ensuring that trust is established before services begin. This transparent approach helps encourage a safe environment where students feel comfortable sharing their challenges and seeking help.

Future of mental health services in SCCPSS

The launch of free virtual mental health counseling through Hazel Health, combined with SCCPSS’s longstanding commitment to in-person counseling, is setting a new standard for student support in Georgia. The services address a critical need at a time when mental health concerns among youth are rising nationally.

By offering a mix of traditional and telehealth services, SCCPSS is making sure that help is accessible, affordable, and non-stigmatized. Students are empowered to seek assistance early, build coping skills, and achieve not just academic success but also emotional resilience.

Moving forward, SCCPSS will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of these services, listen to student and family feedback, and adapt to meet evolving needs. The district’s proactive investment in mental health care underscores an important belief: that education is most effective when it nurtures both the mind and the heart.