School board adopts policy allowing mental-health teletherapy on school property with safeguards

The Powhatan County School Board voted unanimously Aug. 11 to adopt a revised student health services policy (policy JHC) that permits students to schedule and participate in teletherapy mental-health services on school property under defined conditions.

Superintendent Dr. Teigen and other staff had presented a draft policy in response to state guidance encouraging school divisions to consider policies that improve access to telehealth and teletherapy. At the meeting trustees discussed supervision, space and parental notification as constraints on implementing school‑based teletherapy.

Trustees and staff agreed that the policy must preserve parent oversight and student privacy and that the school system does not intend to operate or employ outside teletherapy clinicians on site. Several board members said the division lacks the personnel and private space to host many therapy appointments and that, where needed, staff should instead help parents find off-site providers or community resources.

Despite those cautions, the board approved the policy 5-0. The adopted language permits teletherapy sessions on school property when scheduling and facility arrangements meet district standards and parental consent and notification procedures are followed.

The policy will be implemented by school administrators and the student-support services office. Staff said additional administrative guidance and safeguards — including consent forms, check-in protocols and privacy requirements — will be developed before broad roll‑out to schools.

Board members described the vote as a measured step to expand access for students who otherwise could not reach care, while preserving parental authority and clarifying school responsibilities.

The board’s formal motion to adopt the student-health-services policy passed by district roll call shortly after debate; the recorded vote was 5-0.