In an ongoing effort to expand non-instructional supports for students, Houston Independent School District is now offering telehealth services at no cost for students.
Through the new partnership with Hazel Health, HISD students will be able to connect with diverse, multilingual, licensed medical providers to receive mental and physical health services.
“The last couple of years have increase the demand in health services in our communities impacting many of our Houston ISD students,” said Dr. Candice Castillo, Executive Officer of Student Support Services. “We want to ensure that we are doing everything possible in our end to support the well-being of our students both physically and mentally. Providing telehealth services create access regardless of insurance status” she added.
In order to access these services, parents and caregivers must submit an electronic consent form that is available in English, Spanish, and additional languages. The consent form is available at www.HoustonISD.org/telehealth.
When a parent or caregiver completes the consent form, they are authorizing Hazel Health medical professionals to provide virtual assessment and treatment through their providers. Parental consent will remain on file for the student until they are no longer enrolled with HISD.
Prior to starting mental health support, the parent will be contacted to discuss the program and provide further informed consent to proceed. Next steps will include a student assessment and potential short-term counseling through secure video sessions. If long-term counseling is needed, Hazel’s family resource managers will work with the parent, their health plan, and community partners to help connect the student to local providers.
While insurance information will be requested, all students are eligible for Hazel’s services, regardless of insurance or immigration status.
Telehealth therapy sessions can take place at home or in a private, secure room on campus—streamlining the process and providing easier and quicker access to care.
The telehealth services will roll out in phases, beginning Feb. 27, 2023, with 77 HISD campuses taking part in Phase I.
Learn more about HISD’s commitment to mental and physical health for district families here.
About Hazel Health
Hazel Health (Hazel) is the leader in school-based telehealth, contracted to provide services to over two and a half million students in nearly one hundred school districts across the country, consistently delivering successful outcomes for access and quality of care. Hazel partners with school districts to provide mental and physical health care services to K-12 students where they are–at school or home. Hazel’s diverse, culturally competent providers partner with parents and school staff to make the best care decisions for students. Hazel’s mission is to transform children’s access to health care because when students feel better, they learn better.