AUSTIN, Texas – Just over a month after the deadly Santa Fe shooting, state leaders are continuing to look for ways to address mental health problems in schools, and they’re seeking the help of health professionals.
The Texas House of Representatives held a hearing on Thursday on the issue. There were three separate panels that included mental health experts, licensed psychologists, and counselors, who all came forward and presented their ideas to house members on how to address mental health.
Many of the speakers talked about the need for schools to address mental health problems early on, instead of after it’s too late, which means making sure students feel comfortable reporting to their counselors.
One of the panelists worked in a Texas school district. She said it’s all about building relationships with students and doing a better job of connecting them to health professionals when they need it.
“They’re more likely to come to a person when they already have an established relationship if they feel a trust level, if they feel a comfort level,” said Lara Hulin, school social worker with Houston ISD.
Hulin said her district has student-led mental health awareness groups to help reduce the stigma. Others also mentioned connecting counselors to doctors when they see a student with a severe mental health problem.
Several students, primarily from Houston, also attended the hearing to address the House about why they need safer schools. The students said they’d like to have counselors checking in and building a relationship with them - so if a mental health problem did arise, that student would feel comfortable talking to them. They also said there are too many students and too few counselors available.
One of the students in particular told KVUE he’s personally dealt with depression and anxiety, but he didn’t seek help at school because he felt the counselors were too busy dealing with schedules and had no time to address his mental health concerns. He said that needs to change.
“We need more counselors because we do need people to figure out schedules and college stuff but the fact is if they’re having to do that for something like 350 students each which is what it’s like at my school than that’s just horribly impractical and they can’t help kids out with you know the mental health issues they need,” said Jacon Tate, a student.
House members said they recognized there won’t be a one size fits all solution, but they’re hoping to get as much as possible accomplished on this issue before school starts next fall.