Rutherford County Schools has invested in a mental health service to link students, families and employees with therapists and counselors.

The service provider is known as Care Solace and provides a stress-free way of finding an appropriate provider for a variety of mental health needs.

Rutherford County Schools is funding the service through federal pandemic relief money, and there is no cost for employees and families to use the service.

“It’s an opportunity for you to connect with mental health or behavioral services. You don’t have to do all kinds of searching on your own,” said Amy Baltimore, RCS school counseling supervisor.

One thing to remember about Care Solace is the workers are not licensed therapists or counselors, Baltimore said. Instead, the platform provides users a bridge to professional services.

One of the best things about Care Solace is the ease in which you can use it. There is no need to call multiple providers and to schedule an appointment. Care Solace will find and book appointments with providers who match insurance, have openings and specialize in areas of need which you select.

“You can also search through the database (of providers),” Baltimore said. “Or just let Care Solace do it for you. The idea being that you need to let them do it because you can spend hours trying to track down a provider that matches all the things you want.”

The entire process starts with an anonymous 10 question survey. After completing the questionnaire, you can call, email or video chat with a Care Solace adviser, who will then connect you with a professional.

“Care Solace is open to all RCS individuals including school-based workers, district workers, parents and students,” Baltimore said.

There is no registration and no need to sign up. Services are available 24/7. To get started you can visit the following website: https://caresolace.com/site/rcschools