ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Allentown School District students and families will be able to connect with licensed therapists online at all 26 district schools this fall under a new partnership with Cartwheel, a virtual mental health provider, the district announced days before classes begin Aug. 24.
District officials said the partnership is designed to close gaps that often keep students from receiving timely mental health care — including long waitlists, transportation barriers, and cost — by offering individual therapy for students, as well as parent guidance and family therapy.
According to the district, services are free for families with Medicaid or without insurance, while families with private insurance can use their in-network benefits. Sessions are available virtually before, during, and after school hours and on weekends, with care offered in more than 20 languages, including Spanish.
The district’s 2026-27 student handbook states that the partnership also includes psychiatric evaluations when appropriate and that Cartwheel guarantees that a licensed Pennsylvania provider will begin treatment within 15 days of a referral.
Allentown School District, one of the largest in Pennsylvania, serves about 16,700 students.
District officials said the initiative aligns with several priorities in Allentown’s “Lighting the Way 2030” strategic plan, including cultivating safe, nurturing learning communities; partnering with families to support physical, social, and mental wellness; and reducing chronic absenteeism.
“In alignment with our Strategic Plan: Lighting the Way, A Blueprint to Innovation & Excellence 2030, we recognize that when we focus on supporting the whole child, they are more likely to excel socially, emotionally, and academically,” said Carol D. Birks, superintendent and chief executive officer of the Allentown School District. “This strategic partnership with Cartwheel allows us to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every student feels safe, valued, empowered, and loved.”
Parents and caregivers can request support by completing an interest form on Cartwheel’s website. School staff can also refer students directly for care or work with a designated student support staff member to make a referral.
“Cartwheel gives our counselors, social workers, and families another partner to turn to for support,” said Brian Siket, executive director of special education at the Allentown School District. “We are excited for this new partnership and encourage students and families to take advantage of these opportunities.”
Cartwheel said care will be tailored to each student and family, with focused programs addressing three common challenges: school avoidance, for students who struggle to attend school regularly; screen and social media use, for families navigating digital stress; and intense emotions or behaviors that affect daily life at school or at home.
“Every student experiences mental health challenges differently, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting them,” said Juliana Chen, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and Cartwheel’s chief medical officer. “Our goal is to meet students and families where they are, with practical support that helps them build skills, strengthen relationships, and feel more confident navigating challenges at school and at home.”
Cartwheel’s care model is short-term, typically lasting two to six months, according to the company, which says its care coordinators help families find longer-term or specialized care in the community when needed.
The partnership builds on the district’s recent efforts to expand mental health resources. In 2024, the district said it became the first in Pennsylvania to partner with telehealth provider Hazel Health to offer virtual therapy to students. Later that year, the school board approved a partnership with the Cook Center for Human Connection to host mental health workshops for parents and caregivers.
Cartwheel, which works with school districts nationwide, says it serves more than 325 districts in 16 states.
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