Virtual Mental Health Services Expand in South Carolina Schools, Hailed as ‘Win for Technology’

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is significantly expanding its telehealth services to over 150 schools across South Carolina, with a strong focus on the Lowcountry region. This initiative aims to provide crucial behavioral and mental health support to students, addressing healthcare gaps and the ongoing mental health crisis.

Key Takeaways

• Virtual mental health services are being implemented in over 150 South Carolina schools, with a majority in the Lowcountry.
• The program, a collaboration between MUSC and school districts, aims to improve school attendance and tackle the mental health crisis.
• This year, 60 new schools are joining the program, adding to the 100 schools that participated last year.
• Students can access behavioral health support with a simple click, overcoming barriers like geographical limitations and busy schedules.

Bridging the Healthcare Gap

The program, which includes 13 therapists, a medical assistant, and three psychiatrists, is designed to coordinate with school staff, counselors, and parents. Kristy Smith, MUSC Senior Manager for School-Based Behavioral Health, highlighted the program’s importance for rural areas lacking access to licensed therapists and adolescent psychiatrists. "Using technology, having telehealth availability for those schools, to access licensed therapists and psychiatrists that they would otherwise not have access to is a huge benefit," Smith stated.

Addressing the Mental Health Crisis

Charleston County School District Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator Shanequa Palmer emphasized the normalization of seeking mental health support. "Just as we never hesitate to see a nurse for a fever, we can definitely support our kids to see a counselor for any stress, sadness, anxiety, or things that they may be experiencing in their day-to-day life," Palmer said. MUSC reported approximately 5,000 visits during the 2024-2025 school year, many within the Charleston County School District.

Early Intervention and Student Success

MUSC Child Psychiatrist Morgan Goodyear noted that early conversations about mental health can significantly impact students’ well-being and academic success. "Putting it out there and giving them the language and the understanding of what anxiety looks like, what depression looks like, and making them feel safe and comfortable and talking about those things if those are things that they’re experiencing. I don’t think that there’s any age that’s too young to really start that," Goodyear commented. The telehealth visits are covered by insurance, depending on the plan, and are available to all students in participating schools.

Sources

• Students see virtual mental health resources in schools, Live 5 News.
• Students see virtual mental health resources in schools, Live 5 News.
• Students see virtual mental health resources in schools, Live 5 News.

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