Students in Round Rock ISD have not stepped foot in a classroom since March 13. As school closures were extended from spring break through the end of the spring semester due to the coronavirus pandemic, RRISD counselors have seen a spike in the number of students reaching out with mental health concerns.

At this time, 78 students are receiving virtual mental health services, according to Amy Grosso, RRISD’s director of behavioral health. Of this, 43 are new clients who had not received counseling services prior to spring break. This represents an increase of just over 81% in seven weeks.

During the academic year, RRISD partners with Bluebonnet Trails Community Services to provide therapy on school campuses. As a result of extended school closures, Bluebonnet Trails is conducting therapy via a virtual telehealth platform.

A total of 208 virtual sessions have been conducted since spring break, Grosso said in an April 30 presentation to the board of trustees.

As it stands, Bluebonnet Trails continues to accept new referrals from RRISD counselors. In fact, an additional 104 students are in the referral process at this time, Grosso said. “We still have capacity,” Grosso said. “So we’re still able to take new referrals.”

For more information or to discuss a desire for a referral, parents are encouraged to contact their child’s RRISD counselor, who will work with parents to determine options and next steps, according to the district’s website.