Meeting Kids Where They Are: An Initiative by Rhode Island’s Department of Education.
By Aishwarya Sreenivasan, MPH, Project Coordinator, New England Children’s Behavioral Health
“As we continue to address the youth mental health crisis and promote regular school attendance, access to quality care is a top priority," said Governor Dan McKee (RI). "This partnership with Hazel Health will help ensure that students and families across our state have the support they need, right when they need it and without financial barriers. It’s a critical investment in our students’ well-being and future success.”
As children and teens across the nation grapple with growing mental health challenges, the need for accessible, high-quality mental health services has never been more apparent. Recognizing this urgency, Rhode Island's Department of Education (RIDE) recently partnered with Hazel Health to provide school telehealth services to every child in the state, at no cost to schools or districts. This innovative collaboration aims to tackle mental health issues early by meeting children where they are—at school.
In the coming weeks, district leaders will collaborate closely with the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) and Hazel Health, aiming to make Rhode Island the first state on the East Coast to launch a comprehensive, statewide telehealth initiative of this kind. This service is designed to enhance, not replace, the valuable mental health efforts already underway at the school and district levels, providing a complementary layer of support to help meet the diverse needs of approximately 130,000 students and their families across the state.
Expanding Equitable Access to Behavioral Health Services for Children
“Over the last several years, RIDE has worked tirelessly to support Rhode Island school districts in addressing the grave impact the pandemic has had on our students and families. We share our gratitude with Hazel Health, our statewide partners, and our school-based mental health providers who go above and beyond for our kids daily. Through this partnership for services, we are seeking to break down barriers to care and build a foundation for healthier students ready to live and thrive. This is about giving every student a shot at success, no matter their background.” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green (RI)
As per Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Data (January 2023), racial and ethnic diversity in Rhode Island has grown significantly in the last decade. Between 2010 and 2020, the Hispanic child population increased by 22%, while the non-Hispanic white child population declined by the same percentage. By 2020, 47% of children in Rhode Island identified as Children of Color, up from 36% in 2010. Notably, Rhode Island’s child population is now more diverse than its adult population.
Hazel Health’s provider network comprises nearly 50% of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) professionals, with 40% of providers offering bilingual services. Together, the team supports families in 31 languages, with mental health providers fluent in 29, making care more accessible and culturally attuned. This innovative collaboration with Hazel Health takes a proactive approach, ensuring every student, regardless of background or socioeconomic status, can speak with a licensed therapist without being on a waiting list for months.
Addressing Social Determinants of Health through School Based Telehealth Services
A recent study (Damian et al., 2022) highlighted the perspectives of pediatric patients, families, and mental health providers on telehealth services. Families and young patients particularly valued the safety and convenience that telehealth offered, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also emphasized how telehealth initiatives could help address structural and financial barriers to treatment, such as limited access to services for hard-to-reach groups, transportation challenges, and caregiving demands in multigenerational households or homes with young children and no available childcare. Additionally, these services have been shown to increase attendance and improve academic outcomes, creating a positive feedback loop that benefits students and educators alike. (Damian et al., 2022)
Medicaid Reimbursement Policy for School-Based Telehealth
In 2024, CMS issued guidance for state Medicaid agencies to enhance telehealth coverage, improving school-based access to care, including behavioral health services. Highlighting best practices, CMS noted that Colorado provides billing procedure codes for tele-behavioral health services on its website, New Mexico identifies approved facilities like school-based health centers as originating sites for telehealth, and Washington offers a comprehensive School-Based Health Care Services Program Billing Guide for telehealth services in schools, including specific guidance for students with disabilities and a Telemedicine Policy and Billing Guide for those without.
Looking Forward: Fostering a Supportive Mental Health Climate in Schools
While Rhode Island’s partnership with Hazel Health is a promising step forward, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. For lasting impact, it’s essential to create a supportive school climate that empowers students to prioritize their mental health. This includes implementing mental health education, providing training for teachers and staff, and fostering open communication about mental wellness.
Policymakers, providers, and community members can play a role in expanding these types of services. For example, advocating for increased funding for school-based mental health services, ensuring telehealth options are available and accessible, and pushing for policies that support student wellness are critical. Most importantly, listening to youth perspectives and recognizing that each student’s needs are unique can guide how services are implemented and improved over time.
Rhode Island’s bold step in partnership with Hazel Health marks an exciting shift toward inclusive, accessible mental health services for all students. As we look to the future, let’s continue to innovate in ways that meet young people where they are, destigmatize mental health care, and create a supportive climate in our schools. With the right investments, we can build a healthier, more resilient generation ready to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
