Cardinal News reports that Virginia Health Care Foundation’s school-based program brought behavioral and medical care to more than 1,200 students in its first year.
School as a point of access
According to Cardinal News, the Virginia Health Care Foundation’s Nurture Now: Helping Children Shine program places licensed behavioral health professionals in schools with school and parental support. The initiative is part of the foundation’s Brighter Days Ahead mental health work. Cardinal News reports that the model is intended to let students access support at school rather than face delays associated with seeking care elsewhere.
Cardinal News says Virginia families can face long waiting lists, transportation challenges and a shortage of licensed mental health professionals when trying to obtain help for children. The article also reports that teachers and school counselors may notice changes such as withdrawal, anxiety, grief, stress or fear among students.
Need cited in the article
Cardinal News cites Mental Health America’s 2025 State of Mental Health in America report, which found that one in five Virginia youth experienced at least one major depressive episode in the prior year. According to the article’s account of that report, half of those young people received no treatment.
Cardinal News also cites a 2023 Pew Research Center survey in which 40% of parents said they were “very” or “extremely” worried about their children’s anxiety or depression. The article describes school-based care as one way to reduce access barriers for families, particularly where transportation or knowledge of available services may be limited.
First-year activity and rural focus
According to Cardinal News, Nurture Now placed therapists and counselors in schools during its first year, including in Appomattox County, Carroll County, Colonial Heights and Rockbridge County. The article says these are areas where access to care is often limited and where many students qualify for free or reduced-price meals or have Medicaid coverage.
Cardinal News reports that more than 1,200 students received medical and behavioral health care through Nurture Now in its first year. The article says most participating programs offer medical care as well as behavioral services, with the goal of supporting a range of children’s needs and reducing stigma. It also reports that the program is expected to expand to Grayson County in 2026.
What this means for Virginia patients
According to Cardinal News, school-based behavioral health programs may help families connect children with support where they already spend their day, while rural access needs remain significant. For families seeking treatment locally, the directory lists 79 published clinics in Virginia.
This is general information, not medical advice.
More Virginia reporting on youth & families.
This report is educational and is not medical advice. Coverage, availability and eligibility can change; verify details with the named source or your care team.