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Programs and Services » School Health, Safety, and Counseling Services » School Health, Safety, and Counseling Services

School Health, Safety, and Counseling Services

 
The School Health, Safety, and Counseling Services Team includes includes consultants for School Counseling, School Health, and School Safety as well as a School Safety Program Manager, a Project AWARE consultant, and a Behavioral Health Partnership Program Liaison from the Center for Health Care Services. They work closely together to provide training and resources that support the physical and mental wellness of all students in schools that are safe and healthy. 

Sign up for Youth Mental Health First Aid at Region 20!

Flyer sharing information on upcoming ESC 20 Mental Health First Aid sessions

For additional MHFA training opportunities, see the flyer below!

Youth Mental Health First Aid

 

Mental Health First Aid is an international training program that has proven to be effective through peer-reviewed and evidence-based research. Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth. This course is free through your Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA). To bring the Youth MHFA course to your campus or re-certify previously trained staff in the new curriculum, please contact your LMHA MHFA Coordinator. MHFA Coordinator contact information can be found in the flyer below.  Youth Mental Health First Aid is listed on Governor Abbott's School Safety Initiative.
 
Youth Mental Health First Aid Flyer

 

HB 3 Mental Health Training Commissioner’s Rule Adopted

The Commissioner’s Rule for House Bill 3 (88R) Mental Health Training (TEC § 22.904) has been adopted as of December 2, 2024.  This rule, identified as 19 TAC § 153.1015, mandates that school district employees who regularly interact with students complete an evidence-based mental health training program. Currently, the primary recognized training programs identified are Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA). However, local education agencies (LEAs) can offer a locally selected course if it meets the requirements of subsection (d)(3)(A)(J). This alternative course can be developed and provided by a partnering organization, such as a mental health agency or an ESC.

 

 

Texas Health and Human Services Commission School Mental Health Supports
 
This interactive map allows districts to identify their ESC as well as their Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA). By clicking the photo below, you will be redirected to the website of the interactive map. 
 
Interactive map that crosswalks districts to their ESC and LMHA

The Texas Education Code §38.351 requires the Texas Education Agency, in coordination with the Health and Human Services Commission and regional education service centers, to provide and annually update a list of recommended best practice-based programs and research-based practices for implementation in public elementary, junior high, middle, and high schools within the general education setting. Each school district may select from the list of programs appropriate for implementation in the district.