New Online Mental Health Resources Available To Parents, Caregivers And Schools

Schools and families in West Virginia have access to a new mental health resource. ParentGuidance.org is a 24/7 online platform that assists those who care for children to address and elevate their own mental health wellness and self-care.

Parents and families can access regular one-on-one parent coaching, on-demand parenting sessions taught by licensed therapists, as well as “Ask a Therapist,” a frequently updated question-and-answer forum.

The resources are made possible through a three-year contract between the West Virginia Department of Education and the national nonprofit The Cook Center for Human Connection. The Cook Center lists its current focus as eradicating suicide by offering youth mental health resources to support children, families and schools.

Counties may also customize professional development sessions with The Cook Center such as bullying mitigation, isolation and absenteeism at reduced costs for counties.

According to a press release from the Department of Education, West Virginia is the first state to offer these resources statewide amidst a shortage of traditional mental health services.

“Our educators are experiencing several mental health behaviors in our children that they have not seen previously,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. “ParentGuidance.org will provide resources that have never been reasonably available to many West Virginia families and communities. This will be a great asset and will make a difference in the lives of our children, the stability of our families, the mental health of teachers and school employees, and the progress of our schools.”