Introducing Let's Talk - a new free telehealth counseling service

Roanoke County Public Schools is proud to announce the launch of “Let’s Talk,” a new telehealth service available for elementary, middle and high school students and families.  Through this new service, families can receive up to five (5) free counseling sessions to receive mental health support for a variety of issues including:

• Relationships
• Stress
• Anxiety/depression
• Coping with grief or loss
• and any other difficult life situation

Like so many communities across the country, the Roanoke Valley faces a challenge when it comes to local availability of licensed mental health counselors due to overwhelming demand.  Let’s Talk helps bridge that gap and connects students and families to critical counseling services.  The Let’s Talk service, powered by Gaggle Therapy, is possible thanks to a grant from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

“This program will support students and families through direct counseling, prevention, and early intervention services delivered by a contracted mental telehealth provider.  We're working to improve access to care by reducing barriers such as transportation and scheduling challenges, supporting early identification and intervention for mental health concerns, and fostering a more supportive and responsive school environment that promotes wellness and academic success,” said Dr. Shawn Hughes, director of school counseling for Roanoke County Public Schools.

To schedule a counseling session, go online to the Let's Talk webpage or www.rcps.us/letstalk.

Let’s Talk is just one of several mental health support services offered by Roanoke County Public Schools.

For years, the district has provided SpeakUp – a confidential phone, text and email line where students and parents can report concerns related to safety, bullying or mental health concerns about another student. 

Students and parents can report concerns by calling or texting 540-595-0706, or emailing speakup@student.rcps.us.

At the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, the district launched ReachOut – a 24/7/365 mental health support and crisis

line for middle and high school students and parents to receive immediate assistance in dealing with urgent issues including emotional support, processing difficult circumstances, grief and loss, and suicidal ideation.

Students/parents can call or text 540-405-6650 to receive immediate support.

Since 2018, every middle and high school in Roanoke County Public Schools has a dedicated licensed mental health professional (called LIFE Counselors), who provide individual and group counseling to students.  LIFE Counselors also provide education on approved mental health, trauma, and substance topics to our students, staff, and parents.  LIFE counselors focus on prevention and intervention to promote academic, personal growth, and well-being.

Every school in Roanoke County also has one or more school counselors to provide academic and mental health supports and guidance to facilitate the healthy development of all students in their educational, career, and personal lives through intentional efforts of supportive quality services.