School clinics get a tech boost with telehealth in Hampton Roads

Many schools in Hampton Roads are now using telehealth to help students get medical and mental health care without leaving campus. In Newport News and Portsmouth, a program run by Sentara gives families a quick way to see doctors through video calls set up right in the school building. A nurse first checks basic health details like height and temperature, then connects the student to a doctor via screen. Parents can join the visit or give permission ahead of time. Meanwhile, Chesapeake schools teamed up with a local therapy service that offers free virtual counseling after school, on weekends, and during breaks—no sessions held on school grounds. The technology behind these clinics includes special devices that can check a student’s heart, lungs, and throat remotely. This means doctors can examine kids almost as if they were in the room, even if they’re miles away. School leaders say these services help families who struggle to take time off work or schedule doctor visits. For most students, this isn’t meant to replace their regular doctor but to fill gaps when quick care is needed. Still, parents receive the usual bills for these visits just like any other medical appointment.Mental health support is another big part of these programs. Chesapeake’s free teletherapy service lets students talk to counselors online anytime outside of school hours. The sessions are parent-led, meaning families sign up first and details stay private. Since schools often don’t have enough therapists, these extra options can make a real difference. Some students might use it for a quick check-in, while others need more urgent help. The service even offers group sessions and isn’t limited to a set number of visits. Not all families can access these programs equally. While telehealth removes some barriers, like travel or scheduling, it still relies on internet access and working devices at home. Schools acknowledge that technology can’t fix every gap in care, but they see these tools as a step toward better health and attendance. The goal is to keep expanding where help is needed most, ensuring more students get the support they require without extra hassle.