In rural areas, access to mental health professionals is often limited, creating challenges for school districts like Kelseyville Unified School District (KVUSD). Despite employing school counselors and psychologists, the growing mental health needs of their 2,000 students put a strain on available resources.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these issues, as students and staff experienced social and emotional losses due to the lack of in-person connections. Many families in the district faced financial barriers to accessing mental health care, with 80% of students receiving free or reduced lunch.
To address these challenges, KVUSD sought alternative solutions that could provide affordable, accessible care for their students and staff. They discovered Gaggle Therapy, a teletherapy service that integrates seamlessly with existing remote learning environments.
Gaggle Therapy offered the perfect solution for KVUSD, providing enough therapists to service all students in need, despite the district's rural location and budget constraints.
Dr. McQueen emphasized that Gaggle Therapy is just one of many tools educators can use to support student success. By offering accessible, affordable mental health care, KVUSD continues to prioritize the well-being of their students, fostering a healthier learning environment for all.
Gaggle Therapy proved to be a game-changer for KVUSD students and families, especially for those who previously had no access to counseling. The immediate availability of support eliminated long wait times often experienced in rural areas, leading to countless expressions of gratitude from parents.
District counselors and psychologists also appreciated the benefits of Gaggle Therapy, as it relieved their caseloads and ensured timely help for all students in need.
Dr. McQueen explained that KVUSD found Gaggle Therapy helpful in two distinct ways, both of which opened up new opportunities for their students to thrive. Take a closer look at their full case study to reveal the impact they experienced.
“Before Gaggle Therapy, I couldn’t help every kid. I feel like now I can help every kid. I’ve got something for every kid and it’s well worth it. It makes sense financially and emotionally. I wouldn’t hesitate giving my recommendation for this program at all.” — Dr. Dave McQueen, Kelseyville Superintendent