Hazel Health has announced partnerships with multiple Virginia school districts to provide telehealth mental health services to students. However, this initiative is facing criticism for allegedly bypassing parental consent, which could be in violation of state and federal laws.
According to Restoration News, Hazel Health has contracts with districts such as Alexandria City Public Schools and Fairfax County Public Schools. These agreements reportedly lack the necessary memorandums of understanding and involve sharing student demographic data before obtaining parental consent. This practice requires parents to opt out rather than opt in, potentially contravening Virginia law and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
The Virginia Youth Survey revealed that 38 percent of high school students felt persistently sad or hopeless for two weeks in 2021. Voices for Virginia’s Children emphasize that this data underscores the need for enhanced mental health support within schools. Additionally, a study by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia found that 47 percent of public middle and high school students reported experiencing a current or past-year mental health need.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that four in ten students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reported that one in six youth aged 6 to 17 have a mental health condition, with only half receiving services. Furthermore, the National Center for Education Statistics noted that 49 percent of public schools provided diagnostic mental health assessments during the 2021-22 school year.
Hazel Health, founded in 2015, is a telehealth company partnering with school districts to offer physical and mental health services to K-12 students. It is recognized as the largest virtual healthcare provider for this demographic in the United States, focusing on increasing access to pediatric care through school-based platforms.
