Chattooga County students will soon have expanded access to school-based mental health care thanks to a $430,000 investment from Atrium Health Floyd, funded by the Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation. The initiative is aimed at strengthening timely, high-quality mental health services for students—addressing needs tied to anxiety, depression, stress, and overall well-being.

The funding will extend school-based teletherapy services that were launched through Georgia Department of Education grants awarded earlier this year. By expanding those services, Atrium Health Floyd says it will be able to provide virtual mental health care for middle and high school students during school hours, while also making it easier for parents and guardians to participate without missing work.

“Our mission is to champion work that truly transforms lives,” said Dan Bevels, president of the Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation. “Expanding access to mental health services for students is exactly that. This effort isn’t just changing lives — it has the potential to save lives.”

Beginning January 2026, the expanded services will include Chattooga County Schools, along with Rome City Schools and Walker County Schools, through Atrium Health’s School-based Virtual Therapy Program. District leaders in Chattooga County say the partnership will strengthen student support systems and improve access to care.

“We are excited to partner with Atrium Health Floyd to expand access to high-quality mental health services for all students in our school community,” said Dr. Michelle Helie, superintendent of Chattooga County Schools. “This collaboration supports our commitment to ensuring every student receives the best counseling, care and resources possible.”

Atrium Health notes the program already operates across 17 counties in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina—impacting more than 250 schools and nearly 200,000 students—with additional school partnerships expected to be announced soon.