In December 2025, Virginia Beach City Public Schools partnered with Uwill, a national teletherapy company, to provide a new program of free, unlimited teletherapy for students in need in grades six through twelve.
“Mental health has been a growing concern over the last several years, and families have been struggling to access care,” said counselor Amanda Wagley. “Uwill removes many barriers students and families may face when they need a mental health provider.”
According to the Virginia Mental Health Access Program (VMAP), Virginia currently ranks 48th in the country for access to youth mental health care. As part of former Governor Glenn Youngkin’s “Right Help, Right Now” plan, a $250,000 state grant helps remove barriers, ensuring money or lack of transportation does not stop a student from getting help.
“I feel like the Uwill program is a fabulous service for students,” said counselor Tonya Egas. “Instead of having to schedule appointments that are sometimes months away or being put on a waiting list, this is a service that is available in a day or two’s time, or even available immediately in a crisis moment. It is convenient, confidential, and virtual. The student is in charge, not the parents.”
This program offers video, text, and/or phone counseling sessions. There is a crisis line called “Uhelp” where students can talk to a trauma-trained clinician in under thirty seconds, 24/7/365. They also offer a matching system called “Umatch” that lets students choose their own therapist based on gender, language, ethnicity, and specialties.
“There is no cost to students or families,” said Wagley. “Therefore, if the student does not have health insurance, they can still get care. There are no co-payments or financial obligations. Students can use their school-issued Chromebooks so they have access to an electronic device to use the service. Since it is telehealth, students do not need to have transportation. They will, however, need access to the internet.”
Service is immediate. Many times, students can get same-day appointments. There are no waiting lists or pre-approvals. Telehealth gives flexibility as well, as students can schedule appointments in the evenings, on weekends, holidays, etc. Students can also request a counselor who may be a good fit for them, such as a man or a woman, or someone who speaks another language.”
“I believe it is very beneficial for every student in Virginia Beach City Public Schools because the stresses high schoolers have to deal with are completely different from when their parents were in high school,” said Egas. “The convenience of being able to get counseling services in a timely manner is a wonderful benefit. And, the students are in charge of their own counseling plan. A person can schedule the number of visits per week and the time they would like to meet virtually after school.”
While this is not meant to replace school counselors, it is meant to supplement them. The counselors can refer students to Uwill if they need more intensive, long-term help than the school can provide during the day.
“Some of the things I hear all the time are ‘My therapist left the practice, and I haven’t found a new one,’ or ‘I want to see a counselor, but my parents have not yet made the appointment,’” said Wagley. “Students use their VBCPS student email address to create their account (this will connect the student to VBCPS and remove the pay wall). Students are then able to make their own appointments. Parent permission is required prior to the first appointment, but after permission is given, students have autonomy over their sessions.”
Virginia Beach is one of the first large districts in the state to use this specific state funding for “unlimited” sessions. The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services is the agency providing the money for the grant, and the district’s executive director of student support services, Robert Jamison, is the lead spokesperson for the project.
“It’s free, time efficient, easy to use, and completely confidential,” said Egas. “Counseling in any aspect is useful for everyone, not just those in crisis. Counseling helps people build new skills, build confidence, and work through any stress, problems, and concerns. Of course, I hope they will use the program, but some may be intimidated or worried that their parents will be told what’s being discussed. They should not be intimidated because it’s so easy to use! Parents would only be notified in extreme circumstances.”
For more information, you can ask Mrs.Wagley and/or check out Uwill’s Website.
