Hunter-Tannersville CSD offers telehealth services through Cartwheel Care

HUNTER, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- The Hunter-Tannersville Central School District has partnered with Cartwheel Care, a mental health support provider, to help students who may struggle with anything from anxiety and stress to school avoidance and motivation. The district said the provider also offers information for parents and faculty to better equip them with how to handle mental health topics and conversations.

"We implemented Cartwheel as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting student well-being. Like many districts, we’ve seen an increased need for accessible mental health services, and we wanted to explore solutions that would provide timely, evidence-based support for our students," Superintendent of Schools Vincent Butera said.

Services are offered both in-home or in-school virtually through one-on-one therapy, one-on-one parent guidance, family therapy or external referrals. The programs are often designed for those who suffer from:

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Self-esteem
• Depression
• Self-harm
• Anger
• Loss and grief
• Sadness
• Identity
• Coping
• School avoidance
• Motivation
• Executive functioning
• Social difficulties
• Relationships
• Family issues
• Trauma
• Sleep issues
• Technology use

The program, however, does not provide treatment for urgent or emergency care, severe developmental or intellectual disabilities, or eating and substance abuse disorders.

"One of the challenges families often face is long wait times for mental health care, and Cartwheel helps address that by offering virtual counseling and crisis support without delays. Our staff has also recognized the importance of additional resources to help students navigate social-emotional challenges, and this partnership allows us to provide a proactive and responsive support system," he added.

School officials can reach out to parents, or parents can reach out to the school to be referred to the program. Once referred, students will have to fill out a five-minute form, in which the school will then approve the referral. Once approved, Cartwheel will contact the parent and student to get started.

According to the Hunter-Tannersville school district, those interested in learning more about the services can reach out to a member of the school counseling teams in both the elementary and middle/high schools.

Butera said the district is in the beginning stages of implementing the services for the students. As the piloting process continues, the school will be evaluating its impact.

Hunter-Tannersville residents can learn more about the new program on the district's website, including how to get started with services and to watch webinars.