By: Elizabeth Ann Miller, health and wellness student reporter
Montgomery County Public Schools is offering students free access to 24/7 mental health counseling through a new pilot program called Reach Out by Gaggle, providing around-the-clock support via call or text.
Why it matters: Reach Out by Gaggle reduces mental health barriers for students, aiming to improve holistic wellbeing.
- By ensuring support is available beyond school hours, the program addresses crises in real time, catering to the urgency of mental health concerns.
- When a serious issue arises, professionals can quickly intervene and notify school staff or law enforcement, offering a level of immediate support that was previously unavailable to students.
- This initiative removes physical and logistical obstacles to care, ensuring students can seek help anytime, anywhere. As mental health challenges continue to rise among young people, school officials hope the program will provide critical, life-changing support and set a new standard for student well-being.
The big picture: Students need strong mental health support not only to thrive but to learn and perform at their best, both in and out of the classroom.
- Identifying and addressing mental health concerns early can prevent crises. With immediate access to professional support, students can receive real-time guidance and coping strategies to manage challenges before they escalate.
- This proactive approach enhances student safety while fostering a culture of mental health awareness and prevention across Montgomery County Schools.
- “MCPS supports the whole person and recognizes that mental health impacts learning. We desire that students have the resources they need during school hours with school counselors, and outside of school hours with Gaggle Reach Out,” said Jane Greenough, Montgomery County Public Schools Supervisor of School Counseling.
Zoom in: Students spend much of their time in school, making access to mental health support critical to their overall well-being and success.
- Parents and educators see the initiative as a vital step in addressing student mental health concerns, ensuring help is available when and where it’s needed.
- “I think this program will provide a proactive approach to students mental health and is a great step towards fostering a supportive environment for our children’s growth and success,” said Lindsey Hamden, former school counselor and Montgomery County Schools parent.
What we’re watching: Montgomery County Public Schools will evaluate the program’s effectiveness at the end of the academic year, analyzing student usage, counselor response times, and overall impact.
- If successful, officials may extend the service to middle school students, recognizing the increasing need for early mental health intervention.
- Feedback from students, parents, and educators will shape future improvements, refining the program to better serve Montgomery County’s youth.
- “We hope to see our students flourish and grow in confidence with the resource provided by Gaggle Reach Out. It is our desire that students who are in need will be identified and connected to additional resources so that they can gain resilience. We want them to know that someone is always available to talk with them and they do not have to struggle alone,” Jane Greenough said.
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