Roanoke County Public Schools launches new free telehealth mental health program for students and families
Roanoke, Virginia – In a significant step toward addressing the growing mental health needs of students and families, Roanoke County Public Schools has launched “Let’s Talk,” a new telehealth service offering free counseling sessions to all students across elementary, middle, and high schools. Through this initiative, students and their families can now receive up to five free counseling sessions for support with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges.
The service is powered by Gaggle Therapy and made possible through a grant from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, reinforcing the school division’s commitment to mental health access, early intervention, and student wellness.
Addressing a Growing Mental Health Need
“Like so many communities across the country, the Roanoke Valley faces a challenge when it comes to local availability of licensed mental health counselors due to overwhelming demand,” the school district stated. The Let’s Talk program seeks to bridge this critical gap by connecting students and their families to licensed therapists for short-term support in navigating challenges like stress, anxiety, depression, grief, loss, relationship issues, and more.
“This program will support students and families through direct counseling, prevention, and early intervention services delivered by a contracted mental telehealth provider,” said Dr. Shawn Hughes, director of school counseling for Roanoke County Public Schools. “We’re working to improve access to care by reducing barriers such as transportation and scheduling challenges, supporting early identification and intervention for mental health concerns, and fostering a more supportive and responsive school environment that promotes wellness and academic success.”
Families can sign up for sessions through the program’s official webpage at www.rcps.us/letstalk.
Part of a Broader Mental Health Support Network
Let’s Talk is just one part of Roanoke County Public Schools’ growing portfolio of mental health support programs. Over the years, the district has introduced several resources aimed at providing help to students dealing with emotional or safety-related concerns.
One of these services is SpeakUp — an anonymous reporting system that allows students and parents to report safety, bullying, or mental health concerns about other students. Reports can be made by calling or texting 540-595-0706, or by emailing [email protected].
Additionally, the district launched ReachOut at the beginning of the 2025–2026 school year. This service operates as a 24/7/365 mental health support and crisis line for middle and high school students and their parents. ReachOut provides immediate help for urgent concerns such as emotional distress, grief, loss, and suicidal thoughts. Support is available by calling or texting 540-405-6650.
On-Campus Mental Health Professionals and School Counselors
Roanoke County Public Schools also employs LIFE Counselors — licensed mental health professionals placed in every middle and high school since 2018. These counselors provide both individual and group counseling, along with education for students, staff, and parents on issues like trauma, mental health, and substance use. Their primary focus is prevention and intervention that supports students’ personal growth, academic performance, and emotional health.
In addition to LIFE Counselors, every school in the district has at least one school counselor who plays a vital role in providing both academic and mental health support. These counselors guide students through educational challenges, career exploration, and personal development, ensuring comprehensive support across the student body.
Commitment to Wellness and Academic Success
With the launch of Let’s Talk and its continuing mental health initiatives, Roanoke County Public Schools is reinforcing its dedication to student wellness, early intervention, and accessible mental health services. The district recognizes that emotional health is essential to academic success, and through these services, it aims to create a school culture where every student can thrive — both inside and outside the classroom.
