Superintendent announces CARES mental health clinic pilot with ReferralGPS award and free therapy referrals starting in October

Superintendent Dr. Talley told the District 204 board Sept. 22 that ReferralGPS, a partner in the district's CARES mental health clinic initiative, was recognized by Partnership for Connected Illinois with a 2025 award for excellence in telehealth leadership. He said the award recognizes ReferralGPS's role arranging therapy for district children and families and that CARES clinic services will start in October.

"It is because of ReferralGPS we have been so successful in arranging therapy for our children and families," Dr. Talley said, noting the clinic will begin in October and operate at Granger, Longwood, Georgetown, Neuqua Valley and Mattia High School. He said parents should contact their schools' social workers for referrals to the free therapy sessions.

Dr. Talley also encouraged parents and staff to join local PTAs and cited the CARES program as an example of partnership between the district and outside providers. No contract or detailed program budget was read into the record at the meeting; Dr. Talley described the announcement as an operational update and thanked ReferralGPS and partners for their work.

Why this matters: The CARES clinic offers district families additional mental health resources and the telehealth award highlights the district's use of an external provider to expand access to therapy. School-based mental health services can increase access for students who might otherwise face barriers to care.

Discussion vs. action: This announcement was informational. Board members and staff referenced the district's mental health symposium and IPEF support for related events, but no new board action or contract vote was recorded on the CARES program at this meeting.