PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Back-to-school season often brings excitement, but for many families, it also brings stress, and local schools are stepping up to meet students’ mental health needs.

“There’s always a bit of a spike in anxiety,” said Lorraine Schlichte, Director of School Counseling for Portsmouth Public Schools. “Whether it’s the social aspect of coming back to school or even separation anxiety with our younger children coming into school for the first time, this time of year is when we see the biggest need.”

In Portsmouth, school counselors are the first line of support. This year, the school division is expanding access to care with a new partnership that offers on-demand telehealth therapy for middle and high school students, both during the school day and at home.

“All of our seco

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