Pennsylvania Rolling Out Online Mental Health Care for K-12

(TNS) — The adoption of the new Kooth digital mental health services by the Wyoming Valley West School Board on Oct. 12 drew questions from two parents, but the board opted to use it, and the state of Pennsylvania is moving forward with plans to continue introducing it to school districts across the state.

State Rep. Aaron Kaufer (R-Luzerne) issued a media release Thursday touting the offering.

"Providing for student mental health was important pre-pandemic and is paramount as our students navigate school post-pandemic," Kaufer said in the release. "I am excited that the students in our areas' school districts will have access to additional resources to address their mental health needs."

Kooth has been in use for more than two decades in the United Kingdom, and bills itself as an "international leader in online youth mental health." The state has inked a $3 million contract with Kooth to provide the digital platform to 30 districts statewide at no cost to the districts.

Wyoming Valley West was one of those districts, and at last week's regular monthly meeting a representative from Kooth gave a quick overview of the various levels of services it can provide students. Kooth will also be opening their first U.S. office within the district boundaries in Forty Fort, according to Kaufer's release.

"The team will be compromised of 20 dedicated staff to include counselors, technology experts, community engagement specialists, and business development personnel, which will also infuse new jobs in our community," Kaufer said in the release.

The state is piloting the program for one year but may extend it if it proves successful. Locally, Wyoming Area School District is also adopting the program, Kaufer noted.

The presentation at the WVW meeting said Kooth gives users "access to self-therapy, peer support and professional support" through online service that can be accessed via a smart phone. Kooth claims 95 percent of users "get the support they want/need without costly long-term counseling."

Parents can opt out if they don't want their children to participate, but two parents at the WVW meeting still asked the board to table the vote. The board unanimously approved adopting the free program, with several members and Superintendent Dave Tosh citing increased problems among students that could be alleviated. The program is being offered in grades 6 through 12.

©2022 The Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.). Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.