Middle school students at Langston Hughes can now connect with a licensed therapist from home, free of charge, following a landmark expansion that prioritizes student mental health.
Fairfax County Public Schools teamed up with Hazel Health to create a virtual mental health program for all FCPS middle schools at the beginning of July.
The expansion means a Reston middle schooler no longer needs to wait for a school referral or a spot on a community therapist's waitlist. Parents can enroll directly, and students can access sessions via secure video on a computer, tablet or phone.
FCPS launched the Hazel Health partnership during the 2023-24 school year for high school students only. The July 1 expansion is the first time the district has extended the service to middle schoolers.
"Let's get your child feeling better – without missing school," says their website.
What Hazel therapists treat
Hazel's locally licensed clinicians work with students on mood and behavior changes, motivation, grief and loss, anxiety, social skills, bullying, sexual identity questions, peer and family relationships and academic stress.
Hazel Health says 50 percent of its providers identify as BIPOC, and 40 percent are bilingual, speaking more than 15 languages.
How to enroll
The service launched during summer break, so families can start sessions before the 2026-27 school year begins Monday, August 24. No school referral is needed.
FCPS said parents should contact Hazel Health directly if they are seeking mental health support, have noticed changes in their child's mood or behavior, or are having difficulty connecting with a therapist in the community.
"Whether as parents or guardians, school staff, or community members, we have an opportunity to foster assets in youth to help them manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits," says the FCPS website.
A separate proposal still pending
The Hazel Health expansion is distinct from a separate student representative proposal that would let students self-book school-based mental health appointments. That initiative remains a pending policy discussion and has not been adopted by the School Board.
Local contacts at Langston Hughes
Families who need help connecting to Hazel Health can also reach Langston Hughes student services staff directly:
- Marissa Brooks, Director of Student Services
- Lea Fadden, Mark Blocker, Karen Bach, Holly Arnaud — school counselors
- Melissa Norris — school psychologist, 703-715-3620
- Brianna Smalls — school social worker, 703-715-3655
Langston Hughes Middle School's main office number is 703-715-3600.
