MENTAL HEALTH
District seeks to provide affordable care
HUTTO — The Hutto Independent School District is partnering with Care Solace to provide mental health care for students, staff and their families, according to a news release.
Care Solace is a mental health care coordination service for K-12 school districts and will help Hutto ISD connect those struggling with mental health, substance misuse or social-emotional issues with local counselors and other resources.
Hutto ISD community members interested in the free and confidential service can contact a campus counselor for a referral or use the service anonymously by calling 888-515-0595 or going to caresolace.com/site/huttoisd.
“As educators, we know that the needs of our students are greater now more than ever. In addition to ensuring our teachers and leaders have the tools necessary to create a strong, well-rounded instructional program that will accelerate student learning, we need to support the well-being of our community,” Associate Superintendent of Instruction and Innovation Brittany Swanson said in a release. “Too often, limited access to care and resources makes it more difficult for students to reach their fullest potential in school and creates barriers for family members and other adults wishing to support them. We are looking forward to the positive benefits this partnership will bring to our entire community.”
Care Solace’s team is available around the clock every day of the year and can support clients in any language. The team connects families to providers who accept insurance, are low-cost or free.
“After conducting a needs assessment in our district, we recognize the significant impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our community. Students and families are still grappling with the lasting effects of social isolation, including increased anxiety, depression and substance abuse,” Director of Student Services Teresa Hill said in a release. “We understand that connecting with a licensed provider can feel overwhelming for families. Care Solace simplifies this process and helps bridge the gap between school-based services and families seeking community resources.”
The company has a team of over 500 Care Companions and a network of 560,000 licensed mental health and substance use treatment providers to help community members navigate the mental health care system and find the perfect fit for their needs “Care Solace is proud to support Hutto ISD in prioritizing the well-being of its community,” Care Solace Founder and CEO Chad Castruita said in a release. “Care Solace exists to calm the chaos that often surrounds mental health crises, providing a supportive and compassionate framework to help individuals regain control of their lives.”
Officials would like to remind community members to call 911 in any case of emergency.