WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 1130

School-based mental health teletherapy services; policies and requirements.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Russet Perry

SB 1130 establishes requirements for Virginia schools to implement teletherapy mental health services, expanding student access to remote counseling while raising questions about data privacy, service quality standards, and clinical liability.

Incorporated by Education and Health (SB1037-Pekarsky) (15-Y 0-N)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1130

Legislative bill overview

SB 1130 establishes policies and requirements for delivering mental health therapy services to students through telehealth platforms within Virginia schools. The bill creates a framework for implementing school-based teletherapy to increase access to mental health support for students who might otherwise lack these services.

Why is this important

Mental health crises among school-age children have increased significantly, yet many schools lack sufficient on-site mental health professionals. Teletherapy can extend limited school counselor capacity and reach underserved student populations, though implementation quality depends heavily on how policies are designed and funded.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and data security concerns: Telehealth platforms require handling sensitive student mental health information; questions remain about data protection standards, parental consent requirements, and who can access records
  • Quality and equity standards: Without clear licensing requirements and credential specifications, teletherapy quality may vary; rural vs. urban schools may have different broadband access, creating disparate outcomes
  • Liability and supervision: Unclear whether schools or teletherapy providers bear responsibility for clinical outcomes, and whether remote therapists can adequately supervise crises or safety concerns in real-time school settings

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.