Indiana School Telehealth Mental Health Access Expanded
A new partnership aims to help students access care via virtual sessions for families in eight school districts.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Mental Health
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Cartwheel Care has partnered with Anthem to expand telehealth mental health services for K-12 students in Indiana. The initiative aims to serve 12,500 students across eight partner school districts.
Why it matters
This program addresses significant access barriers for Indiana families, as 57% of caregivers report difficulty obtaining mental health services for their children. It seeks to resolve common obstacles such as long waitlists and provider shortages.
State data indicates that 30% of Indiana youth report persistent sadness, highlighting the need for increased mental health support. While the program targets 12,500 students, the total efficacy of these interventions remains under ongoing evaluation.
The players
Cartwheel Care
A mental health organization that provides virtual clinical services to K-12 students across 16 states.
Anthem
A health insurance provider that facilitates access to healthcare services and issued a $250,000 grant.
The details
Cartwheel Care delivers mental health support by connecting K-12 students, families, and school staff with licensed clinicians through virtual platforms. The program integrates with existing school systems to coordinate care while accepting major insurance plans and Medicaid to reduce financial barriers. This model bypasses traditional geographic limitations and transportation issues by bringing care directly to the student.
Timeline
September 22, 2026: Cartwheel Care and Anthem announced the expansion and grant.
Health Landscape
This effort follows the established pattern of integrating telehealth into the National School-Based Health Alliance service models to address pediatric care gaps. It represents a shift toward school-integrated care delivery to reach populations historically excluded by traditional in-office systems.
Families in participating districts should contact their school administration to determine if these services are available for their children. If you are seeking mental health support, it is worth discussing with your pediatrician whether virtual care is an appropriate option for your family.
The takeaway
Telehealth services offer a practical path for students to bypass waitlists and access consistent professional support. Families concerned about youth mental health should track signs of persistent sadness and consult with a school counselor about available local resources.
Further reading
Learn more about local initiatives for Mental Health.
More information
For more information on program access, visit the school district enrollment information.
Live Poll
Do you believe telehealth services improve mental health access for students in your local school district?
