More Resources for More Students: Expanding Student Mental Health Support!

When students have the support they need, they can thrive — in the classroom and beyond. PGCPS continues to strengthen that commitment through an $18 million renewal from the Maryland Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports.

This new funding builds on the success of last year’s $25 million grant, which helped more than 25,000 students access counseling, mentoring, crisis intervention, and family support. The expanded program is expected to reach over 30,000 students districtwide this school year.

“When we work together, our students benefit,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph. “This partnership ensures students know they are supported and have access to the resources they need to succeed.”

The renewal supports 15 community partners offering a wide range of services — from early intervention to crisis response:

*AprilMay, Inc. and The Reginald S. Lourie Center – Early childhood and developmental support, including intervention for intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum evaluations, and parent education.

*Community Advocates for Family & Youth (CAFY) and EveryMind, Inc. – Individual, family, and group therapy, plus community education and mental health training.

*Hazel Health – Free virtual physical and mental health care for all PGCPS students, accessible in school or at home, with licensed providers available year-round.

*Healthlinics – Comprehensive in-school and off-site services, including behavioral health screening, care coordination, and social-emotional learning programs.

*Higher Heightz – Substance use disorder prevention and intervention for high school students.

*La Clínica del Pueblo – Bilingual and culturally responsive mental health services for Latino students and families.

*iMind Behavioral Health – Mobile response teams to assist students in crisis and staff training in mental health first aid.

*Luminis Health – Preventive programming, mental health literacy education, and case management for students and families.

*Sheppard Pratt – School-based therapy, early intervention groups, psychiatric services, and summer support programming.

*SMYAL – Counseling and affirming services for LGBTQ+ youth.

*Transitions Counseling & Mentoring Services – One-on-one therapy, group sessions, and mentoring.

*Uneo Health – “Prosper” self-care app offering mindfulness, mood tracking, and wellness tools for students and staff.

*VineCorps – Peer support groups, youth leadership opportunities, and behavioral health education.

Consortium Chair David D. Rudolph said the partnership continues to make a measurable difference: “These initiatives are achieving results. We look forward to continued growth and appreciate the General Assembly’s ongoing support.”

With this renewal, PGCPS continues to expand access to care and reduce stigma — helping students feel safe, connected, and ready to learn.

“Our job as educators is not only to prepare students academically,” Dr. Joseph added, “but to help them build the confidence, balance, and well-being they need to lead healthy lives.”

Get Help!

If your child needs mental health support:

*Start with your school counselor (https://www.pgcps.org/offices/student-services/school-counseling) , psychologist, nurse, community school coordinator or pupil personnel worker.

*Access free virtual therapy through Hazel Health at my.hazel.co/pgcps.

*Visit the PGCPS Mental Health webpage (https://www.pgcps.org/offices/student-services/mental-health) for more information.