We commit to promote, provide, and develop a robust continuum of care through the convergence of policy creation, behavioral health services, multi-tiered systems of social and emotional support, restorative practices, and community partnerships to advance an equitable culture of mental health and wellness across the district.
Expanding Mental Health Services for CPS Students
As a District, our goal is to provide students with the resources they need to thrive, not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. That’s why we're excited to announce that all CPS high school students will now have access to free, high-quality online therapy and counseling through a new partnership between CPS, United Health Care, and Hazel Health, nation’s largest school-centered provider of telehealth services.
The program will start with students accessing counseling and therapy sessions from home with permission from their parents or guardians. Then, as things move forward, they will have the option to access these virtual appointments while at school. School-based appointments will be carefully scheduled so that students do not miss instructional time in their core classes.
Hazel Health therapists specialize in supporting students with mental health needs that are unique to adolescents. These include:
- Mood/behavior change, motivation
- Grief and loss
- Anxiety, worry, fear
- Social skills, bullying
- Peer and family relationships
- Academic and/or transitional stress
Families can learn more about our Hazel Health partnership in this informational flyer or by visiting getstarted.hazel.co/district/cps.
New Administration Wellbeing Guidance
CPS is committed to ensuring that our schools remain safe, inclusive, and welcoming educational environments that embrace and celebrate everyone in our diverse school communities. The Office of Student Health and Wellness has compiled a list of additional resources and guidelines on supporting the mental well-being of staff, students, and families amid policy changes from the new presidential administration.
Mental Health Resources
Supporting Priority Student Groups
Our commitments to equity and meeting all students are reflected within the targeted supports available to high-need student groups.
With LGBTQ+ youth facing mental health challenges at higher rates than their peers, our District employs a comprehensive set of strategies to enhance school climate and make schools safer and more welcoming to LGBTQ students. For more information, please view our LGBTQ+ Supportive Environments page.
CPS is also committed to supporting the mental health of our students in temporary living situations (STLS). CPS schools and networks provide assistance in removing barriers to qualified students, including the provisions of services such as transportation, school uniforms, school supplies, fee waivers, and referrals to community resources. For more information, please review our STLS page, call 773-553-2242, or email STLSInformation@cps.edu.
School Policy
CPS adopted the Comprehensive Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Policy in March 2022. This policy establishes a comprehensive approach to mental health, suicide awareness, and prevention that is applied consistently throughout the district.
Our students' well-being and mental health are our top priority at CPS. That is why, since 2022, every student has been allowed five mental health days for each school year. Mental health days are excused absences. Parents and guardians can enter their student’s mental health days into the Aspen Parent Portal via E-Absence, just like any other excused absence.
CPS adopted the Comprehensive Student Substance Use Prevention and Intervention (K-12) Policy in July 2024. This policy ensures schools are in compliance with Illinois laws, ISBE standards, and best practice strategies for prevention education, student substance use intervention, and school opioid intervention procedures.