Innovative Telehealth Initiative Aims to Transform Student Mental Health Support in Maricopa County
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) has embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration with mental health provider Cartwheel, launching a telehealth program designed to reach 50,000 students in its first year. This initiative is set to transform access to mental health services within schools across the county.
Focusing on schools in medically underserved areas, the program aims to alleviate the long wait times many families face when seeking mental health care. MCDPH has outlined an initial list of schools, with Cartwheel reaching out to assess interest in the initiative.
“Providing behavioral health services to students in their schools is enormously effective,” emphasized Board of Supervisors Chair Kate Brophy McGee, District 3. “We can connect with students and their families and more quickly identify and address behaviors that could lead to harmful outcomes.”
Through this partnership, K-12 schools can refer students to comprehensive mental health services, including therapy, family support, and psychiatric care, integrated with existing school systems. The services are voluntary and require parental consent, ensuring family involvement. Initial appointments are often available within a week, significantly reducing the wait time for students. Cartwheel handles insurance billing, and Maricopa County covers any additional costs, ensuring no financial barrier to access.
Cartwheel, already supporting school districts statewide, will play a crucial role in Maricopa County’s efforts to expand mental health care, especially in areas where access is limited. “Every student in Maricopa County deserves access to high-quality mental health care without waiting months, without transportation barriers, and without cost standing in the way,” noted Dr. Juliana Chen, Chief Medical Officer at Cartwheel.
The initiative is funded by approximately $586,000 from Juul Labs settlement money, with the contract starting from April 1 and running through the 2026–2027 school year. MCDPH and Cartwheel will oversee the planning and coordination of the program.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to practical, community-based solutions that improve access to care and support student well-being,” explained Carmen Batista, MCDPH administrator for the Health Outreach, Partnerships, & Empowerment (HOPE) division. “By working closely with schools and families, we are building a system that is responsive, sustainable, and designed to meet the needs of our communities.”
Interested school districts in Maricopa County can explore this program further by contacting Cartwheel.
About Maricopa County Department of Public Health
Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) is the 3rd largest health jurisdiction in the U.S., striving to enhance health outcomes for over 4 million residents. It focuses on creating a healthy, thriving community by leveraging data-driven, partner-supported strategies to ensure equitable health resources.
About Cartwheel
Cartwheel is a leading telehealth provider for K-12 educational institutions, partnering with 350 school districts across 15 states to deliver comprehensive mental health services. Founded in 2022, it combines evidence-based care with technology to ensure accessible, high-quality mental health support for students, accepting all major insurance plans and providing care at no cost to uninsured families.
For media inquiries, contact Courtney Kreuzwiesner at MCDPH at 602-540-5473 or via email. For Cartwheel, reach out to Emily Paisner at emily.paisner@cartwheelcare.org.
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