Somerton school district to offer free mental health resource

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Somerton School District has a program where students and their families can go in dealing with students' mental health.

The program is called ParentGuidance.org and it is the digital equivalent of seeing an actual licensed therapist but in the privacy of your home, and on your time.

ParentGuidance.org was implemented one year ago during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is for the students to access mental health resources virtually. However, the school district added the program to their schools' websites for students and parents to acquire information with everyday problems students face at school.

The program has a variety of topics students deal with like bullying, suicide prevention, depression, LGBTQ+ and more.

"It can have topics on mental illness. Anything you might need support or answers to, even the uncomfortable questions you might run into sometimes. They will give you that guidance," Somerton Middle School Principal Jose Moreno said.

While students and their families continue to use the program, the school district still advises them to continue seeking help in person. However, should they have issues acquiring the resources needed in person, Moreno says that the program will be a supplemental resource.

Even though the program is geared towards Somerton Middle School, the other schools in Somerton can have access to the program.