Freeport schools to provide free mental health therapy

FREEPORT, Ill. (WTVO) — Freeport students will soon have access to mental health support through teletherapy.

“I’m glad the board approved it,” Freeport School District 145 Assistant Superintendent Shalonda Randle said.

The school district has partnered with Daybreak, an organization that provides mental health resources and therapy.

Students will receive access to support through referrals from teachers.

“We really wanted to change the mindset of our families, our community, and really start supporting our mental health organizations and connecting them through the school district,” Randle explained.

A Rockford area therapist said this is a necessary and important resource for students.

“It’s really important to be able to link up with somebody to be able to talk about these things,” said Greg Rupprecht.

Randle said it is sometimes hard to support students who have gone through trauma, but with the help of counselors at school and the newly implemented teletherapy, students can receive better treatment.

“If we have people who are trained to help students through those types of trauma, then ourselves, I think that’s a win,” Randle said.

The service is cost-free for the first three years and is covered by insurance.

Staff is expected to begin training with Daybreak in August.