Indiana Expands Access to Youth Telehealth Services
New funding allows families across the state to access remote behavioral health support for children ages 5 to 18.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Teens
Live Poll
Do you believe expanded telehealth access will significantly improve youth mental health in your community?
The Villages of Indiana has secured a $500,000 grant to expand its statewide behavioral health telehealth program. This initiative will provide remote mental health services to youth ages 5 to 18 across at least 40 counties over the next three years.
Why it matters
Expanding remote care options aims to address significant mental health challenges in Indiana, where suicide attempts among high school students climbed from 11.8% in 2021 to 15.7% in 2023. Telehealth provides a vital bridge for families in rural areas who otherwise face lengthy travel times to access in-person therapy.
Recent state data shows suicide attempts among Indiana high school students rose to 15.7% in 2023 compared to 11.8% in 2021. The full impact of the expanded telehealth program on these rates remains to be determined.
The players
The Villages of Indiana
A social services agency headquartered in Terre Haute that provides therapy and behavioral health support.
Indiana Youth Institute
An organization that promotes the healthy development of children and provides grant funding for youth programs.
Lilly Endowment Inc.
A private philanthropic foundation that provides funding for community development, education, and health initiatives.
The details
The program utilizes licensed therapists trained specifically to treat the behavioral health needs of children and adolescents. By delivering care through a secure telehealth platform, the service removes geographic barriers, allowing youth in remote regions to connect with providers from their own homes. The funding from the Indiana Youth Institute, supported by the Lilly Endowment Inc., will facilitate the hiring of additional counselors to support the goal of serving 350 youth annually.
Timeline
2021: Suicide attempt rates among Indiana high school students were 11.8%.
2023: Suicide attempt rates among Indiana high school students rose to 15.7%.
2024: The Villages of Indiana launched a pilot telehealth program.
October 22, 2026: The agency announced receipt of the $500,000 grant.
Next 3 years: The grant will fund the expansion of telehealth services.
Health Landscape
This expansion aligns with the Strengthening Youth Programs in Indiana initiative, which seeks to improve outcomes for children across the state. It represents a shift toward digital-first mental health delivery to address the growing demand for specialized pediatric care.
Families across 40 counties can now access specialized therapy for youth ages 5 to 18 without the need for extensive travel. If you are concerned about a child's mental health, you may consider asking your pediatrician about available telehealth options for local youth.
The takeaway
Telehealth is increasingly bridging the gap for youth mental health care in underserved areas of Indiana. If you are seeking support, contact your primary care physician to discuss whether a virtual behavioral health program is an appropriate option for your family.
Further reading
For more information on navigating youth mental health resources, visit our Teens section.
More information
To learn more about current offerings, visit the Telehealth program sign up and careers page.
Live Poll
Do you believe expanded telehealth access will significantly improve youth mental health in your community?
