Overton Schools Launch New Resource To Connect Individuals To Mental Health Care Providers

Overton County School System has a new mental health resource for teachers, students, and their families.

Care Solace is a program that works to connect individuals seeking care for their mental health with the right providers. Coordinated School Health Supervisor Jenny Smith said that the free service provides a wide number of options when it comes to service providers, both locally and through telehealth.

“We live in a rural area, sometimes our resources are limited,” Smith said. “And specifically whenever I think mental health, our resources are limited. And that’s not saying that we don’t have great service providers, but there is also a stigma that goes along with it.”

Smith said that stigma sometimes deters people from seeking help. She said that this is just another resource that can help those who need it by making them more comfortable and by making providers more accessible.

The program comes with tools that administrators and mental health staff have access to track progress and referrals. It also has a self-service option, where users can anonymously get matched with local providers or telehealth providers.

Care Solace Client Relations Manager Tyler Chamness said that the company does not diagnose individuals, but connects them with licensed professionals. He said that the service can be used when school-based services are at capacity, when needs exceed the scope or schedule of Overton’s services, and more.

Those looking to be connected to a provider can go to Overton’s personalized Care Solace website to start the process. Individuals can list what they need assistance with, choose an insurance type