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Launching a New Student Mental Health Partnership with Cartwheel

Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, Belmont Public Schools will launch a pilot partnership with Cartwheel as the district's primary mental health partner for students and families seeking outpatient mental health support. As student mental health needs continue to grow, Cartwheel will provide expanded access to therapy, parent coaching, psychiatric care, and specialized programs that support student well-being and school engagement. Through collaboration with families and school teams, this partnership is designed to improve access to care, reduce barriers to support, and help students thrive both in and out of the classroom. 

Cartwheel is a trusted mental health partner to schools, helping students get back on track when they are struggling while strengthening coordinated systems of support within the school community.

Cartwheel Services

Cartwheel offers a comprehensive range of services aligned with the needs of our students, families, and schools:

  • Individual therapy

  • Family therapy

  • Parent coaching and consultation

  • Psychiatric evaluation and medication management

  • Specialized programs focused on school avoidance, attendance challenges, social media and technology use, and significant behavioral needs

  • Support for uninsured students at no cost to families

  • Multilingual and culturally responsive services

  • Dedicated clinical partnership with schools that supports coordinated care

  • Faster access to services, with appointments often available within days

  • Licensed clinicians who are employed, trained, and supervised by Cartwheel

  • Free mental health resources for families, including live workshops, webinars, and guidebooks

Addressing Student Well-Being and School Engagement
Cartwheel addresses key challenges affecting student well-being and academic engagement, including:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • School avoidance

  • Chronic absenteeism

Through a comprehensive model that integrates clinical services, family support, and close collaboration with school teams, students receive timely care that promotes both emotional well-being and academic success.

School Avoidance Program
Cartwheel’s evidence-based School Avoidance Program identifies and addresses the underlying causes of attendance challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. These factors can significantly impact a student’s academic progress, social development, and overall well-being.

Through individual therapy, parent coaching, psychiatric support when appropriate, and partnership with school staff, the program helps students re-engage with learning and build skills for long-term success.

Click here to Connect with Cartwheel

What Does This Mean for Students and Families?

During the pilot year, eligible students and families will have access to:

  • Individual therapy

  • Family therapy

  • Parent coaching and consultation

  • Psychiatric evaluation and medication management

  • School avoidance and attendance support

  • Specialized clinicians trained to address emerging student mental health needs while supporting parents and caregivers

Cartwheel works closely with school teams to support student success while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and clinical standards.

This partnership is designed to:

  • Expand access to care

  • Reduce barriers to services

  • Eliminate long waitlists

  • Provide timely, coordinated support when it is needed most

Connect with Cartwheel

Families can learn more or get started by visiting: https://www.cartwheel.org/