Expanding school-based behavioral health services in North Carolina
Mental health challenges can begin early in life and affect a child’s ability to learn, build relationships and succeed in school. In North Carolina, about one in four children ages 3-17 have been diagnosed told by a health care provider or educator that they have ADHD, depression, anxiety, or behavior challenges, ranking the state 32nd nationally for children’s mental health conditions.1
Children’s mental health in North Carolina
32nd:
North Carolina’s national ranking for children’s mental health conditions
23%
of children ages 3–17 have been told they have ADHD, depression, anxiety, or behavior or conduct problems
30th:
North Carolina’s national ranking for adolescents ages 12–17 receiving needed mental health treatment or counseling
When a mental health need is identified, many families still face barriers to care, including transportation and availability of local behavioral health professionals. Offering services at school helps connect children with care in a familiar setting where they already spend much of their day.
Incorporating behavioral health in school-based telehealth
Cone Health’s School-Based Telehealth Program, launched in partnership with Guilford County Schools, brings care to students on campus so they can return to class sooner. In 2024, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina invested $1 million to add behavioral health services to the program in Guilford and Rockingham counties.
The behavioral health services began at Alderman, Hunter and Jones elementary schools in Guilford County and Moss Street Elementary School in Rockingham County. During the first year, students participated in 76 behavioral health sessions. A distinguishing feature of the model is that a community health worker stays with each student during telehealth sessions to provide support.
“We see students facing challenges that affect their focus, behavior and overall well-being. Having behavioral health services at the school has helped connect students and families with support sooner."
Expanding services to more schools
Building on these results, the program is expanding to 24 additional schools this year. In September, Anita Bachmann, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina, joined leaders from Cone Health and Guilford County Schools at Hunter Elementary School in Greensboro to discuss the program’s impact and plans for expansion.
Cone Health plans to reach all 50 high-poverty elementary schools in Guilford County within the next two years, with a long-term goal of making school-based telehealth available statewide.
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina’s investment in Cone Health reflects its approach to expanding access to care through collaboration with local health systems and school districts, helping more children receive behavioral health support where they learn.
