Exciting Partnership Alert: Arizona Department of Education Teams Up with Cartwheel for Innovative Learning Solutions!

PHOENIX – Tom Horne, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, has teamed up with Cartwheel, a mental health care provider, to support students and families in Arizona’s rural areas.

This collaboration aims to provide quick access to mental health services via telehealth. It’s designed to help those in underserved communities, where finding timely support can be a challenge.

“Empowering parents is crucial for my administration. This partnership will help ensure that students in rural areas can talk to counselors with their parents’ permission and guidance. It opens a convenient telehealth option for families who otherwise might struggle to get the help they need,” says Horne.

The need for mental health support has been rising nationally. According to experts at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, 90% of Arizona’s communities lack enough mental health providers, putting the state among the least served in the nation.

The program will be available to all school districts and charter schools in Arizona’s 13 rural counties, including Yuma. It will address various mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, stress, sleep problems, and trauma.

Participation is voluntary and requires parental consent. Families will be involved throughout the process, typically receiving weekly sessions for two to six months, with longer-term care options available.

“We’re excited to work with the Arizona Department of Education to provide schools with timely and effective mental health support. Having served many districts in various states, we look forward to helping Arizona’s students reach their full potential,” says Dr. Juliana Chen, Chief Medical Officer at Cartwheel.

Cheryl Mango-Paget, Superintendent of Schools for Coconino County, emphasizes the importance of accessible mental health services. “Better access allows students to focus on learning without being held back by mental health struggles,” she notes.

Stacy Anderson, a school psychologist in Arizona, adds, “Mental wellness services are critical in helping families and children relieve burdens, enabling them to thrive.”

School districts and charter schools interested in this program can apply HERE for more information. For details about the partnership, click HERE.

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