Virtual mental health support fosters resilience for youth and families
As part of Providence’s and Seattle Sounders FC’s unprecedented community partnership to address the youth mental health crisis, Providence announced that it would support Renton School District's student virtual mental health services over the next three years. Through funding provided by Providence’s Well Being Trust, these services are provided at no cost to all 15,000 students in the Renton School District.
The 15,000-plus Renton School District students have access to mental health services and support including:
- Virtual mental health therapy on campus and from students’ homes.
- Mental health awareness curriculum.
- In-person; virtual events using the Work2BeWell curriculum.
- Safe spaces for kids to play.
One Renton School District student Sara* has struggled with anxiety since the pandemic.
“She didn’t go to school for almost two weeks – it was a big issue,” Sara’s mom said. “I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know who to talk to.”
Through a referral from the school counselor, her mother found out about virtual mental health services provided at no cost to parents.
She shared how grateful she was to hear her daughter say, “Mom, it’s really working!” Sara attends school regularly now and uses tools and coping resources she learned from the therapist.
Sara’s mother, who works full-time, said the accessibility of virtual appointments that can fit around her schedule has been critical.
Sara’s brother Robert* also serves as a student ambassador at a district high school where he presents information about virtual services to his peers. Robert says he has noticed a positive change in his sister.
“Since she’s received support from a virtual mental health therapist, my sister's anxiety has reduced significantly, and she no longer complains about going to school,” he said.
*Names have been changed to protect privacy.