During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine became a convenient way for individuals to get direct access to healthcare without having to leave home. While the pandemic has been declared “over,” there are those who may still benefit from telehealth – those who don’t have transportation, for instance. This summer, the University of Mississippi Medical Center is providing free telehealth services to students enrolled in one of the state’s 138 public school districts.
Primarily, this program is chiefly intended to provide medical services for “minor illnesses and injuries.” However, behavioral health issues may also be addressed.
According to a press release from UMMC, “Children (in grades K – 12) can (virtually)see a caregiver by appointment only for a variety of medical issues including flu and stomach bugs, rashes and skin irritations, insect bites and head lice, coughs and colds, asthma and allergies, pink eye, headaches, sore throat and fever. They also can see a licensed counselor for mental health challenges including anxiety and depression.” They also can see a licensed counselor for mental health challenges including anxiety and depression.” The release goes on to state, “Childhood depression is more likely to persist into adulthood if gone untreated.”
This is especially important in the wake of the pandemic, when caregivers noticed a marked increase in mental health issues in school-aged children. Mississippi ranks second, according to Mental Health America statistics, in the number of children reporting at least one major depressive episode. The Magnolia State falls behind the District of Columbia statistically. MHA states, “Childhood depression is more likely to persist into adulthood if gone untreated.”
Many young people today experience unprecedented anxiety disorders as well. The Centers for Disease Control found that approximately 5.8 million children between three and seventeen were diagnosed with anxiety between 2016 and 2019. The American Psychological Association states that, during the pandemic, 20.5 percent of children and teens (globally) struggled with anxiety symptoms.
How can parents access the free service for their children? First, they should visit umc.edu/k12 or call 601-815-2020 for scheduling. It’s important to note that all visits must have the consent of a parent or guardian, and the consenting adult must be present during the virtual visit. Once the visit has taken place, the caregiver will recommend treatment. In the instance the virtual provider believes the child needs further care, a referral can be made.
Those children seeking behavioral counseling may do so for non-crisis situations, including behavioral difficulties, coping skills, trouble expressing feelings, and anxiety or depression.
UMMC noted that while virtual visits are free, families may have to pay for prescription medications or for follow-up visits with a primary physician.
Students who are not enrolled in a public school system may also take advantage of telehealth visits, but they may have to pay a fee for treatment.
