LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) students struggling during the pandemic and online learning have multiple services available to them.

The district announced students and families experiencing stress caused by COVID-19, online school, and/or isolation can call the CARE helpline at 313-CARE to talk to a retired school counselor. 

“We know these unusual times are putting a lot of strain on our students as well as their families,” said Dr. Alicia Averette, assistant superintendent of academic support programs. “We want every family to know there are a number of counseling options available to them through their school and JCPS.”

The helpline is available from 3-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday when school is in session.

Each JCPS school is also equipped with a student support team made up of school counselors, mental health practitioners, and Family Resource and Youth Services Centers coordinators. The team can identify and steer counseling services to students in need.

Other counseling and support services offered include:

• Classroom counseling lessons focused on mental wellness and positive coping skills;
• Individual counseling services;
• Small group counseling; and
• Family support.

“While it may be more difficult to identify students with mental health needs when we are not seeing them in person, our teachers, counselors and mental health practitioners are working overtime to meet with kids virtually and make sure they are getting the help they need,” Averette said.

JCPS has agreements with nearly 30 community partners to offer counseling and other mental health services to families.

Haeli Spears is a digital producer with Spectrum News 1 Kentucky. She is a University of Louisville graduate who started her career with Spectrum News in May, 2020.