WV Department of Education launches new resource to help with mental health

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — During National Mental Health Awareness Month, the West Virginia Department of Education is now offering parents, educators, and caregivers a new tool to help navigate kids' mental health.

The website is called parentguidance.organd gives parents, caregivers and even educations resources to help guide them through tough situations relating to mental health.

"It gives them coaching - it gives them courses about various topics that might be of concern with their child - and it gives them an opportunity to ask an expert," said Melanie Purkey, Assistant Superintendent For Federal Programs and Support with the West Virginia Department of Education.

Purkey said West Virginia is the only state in the country to offer this resource state-wide and for free.

"I think we've all read the studies and seen the data that is out there about the issues with mental health our students are dealing with; depression, anxiety, substance abuse, suicide problems," said Purkey.

In October of 2021, The American Academy of Pediatrics decaled a national emergency in adolescent and child mental health, noting soaring rates of mental health challenges, with the Covid pandemic making it worse.

Purkey said there's a shortage of mental health providers in the state with more than 700,000 families living in areas with limited or no access to mental health services.

"This is a way for them to get online - they can get a coach that works one-on-one with them around their issues and to give them some immediate access when they're having issues in their home," said Purkley.

With school ending soon, Purkey said this summer gives a great opportunity to dive right in and start working with a coach.

"A lot of kids develop anxiety over the summer and they're afraid of going back to school, "said Purkey, "when it's time for school to start, parents can begin to help working through those issues this summer."

Purkey also said the site has great resources to help manage technology safely or child development.

The state has a three year contract with the non-profit the Cook Center For Human Connection to make the website available.

To access the coaches, all that's needed is the state, county, and school the child attends. Purkey said it's completely confidential, and does not track who is asking for help or make public.