As mental health issues continue to rise across West Virginia and the United States, officials are actively seeking ways to support families in caring for their loved ones, particularly children.
This year, West Virginia became the first state to offer free mental health coaching resources to parents. In July, WVU Medicine Children’s and the Cook Center for Human Connection announced a partnership aimed at providing mental health resources for children and families statewide. During a recent news conference, officials detailed the initiative’s offerings.
The program includes free one-on-one parent coaching, an on-demand course, and “Ask a Therapist” videos, all available in both English and Spanish through ParentGuidance.org. Since its soft launch just two days ago, around 200 families have already signed up for the resources.
Anne Brown from the Cook Center for Human Connection emphasized the value of having accessible support: “Having someone to talk to who can help navigate a difficult situation or answer parenting questions is invaluable.”
The initiative also involves the State Department of Education and QB United, which promotes the expansion of mental health resources. This includes former WVU quarterback and two-time Super Bowl champion Jeff Hostetler, who spoke at the news conference about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.
Hostetler stated, “It’s important to help others feel more comfortable knowing that they aren’t the only ones who struggle.”
According to the 2022 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report, nearly 20% of children and young people aged 3 to 17 in the United States experience a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder. The report also noted a more than 40% increase in suicidal behaviors among high school students in the decade leading up to 2019.
Amanda Newhouse from WVU Medicine highlighted the challenges families face in discussing mental health: “These are difficult and scary conversations, and reaching out for help can be daunting. Initiatives like this encourage families to seek assistance sooner, reducing stigma and promoting early intervention. The earlier we can intervene, the better for our kids.”
This multi-year program allows families to receive coaching as frequently or infrequently as needed. Coaches can also serve as liaisons if families require additional care. Brown stated that the primary goal of the program is to make mental health care proactive and equip families with the necessary tools for success. Educators are also encouraged to utilize the available resources.
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