Greetings from the Mental and Behavioral Health Team!

 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time for school communities across Texas to come together in support of mental well-being. Throughout the month, educators and students will engage in trainings, prioritize wellness, promote uplifting messages, and participate in various activities that underscore the importance of mental health and overall well-being. 

 

Our team encourages you to be intentional about your own wellness and to practice self-care strategies that resonate with you. Whether it’s taking a walk, enjoying a hobby, or simply pausing to breathe, self-care is vital to sustaining the energy and dedication required to serve students each day. 

 

We extend our sincere appreciation to all school personnel for your leadership and commitment to fostering safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for Texas students. 

The Texas Education Agency’s Student Supports Division, and our Project AWARE Texas partners will host the final MHBH webinar session of this school year. As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, this session will cover practical

best-practices strategies for universal school mental health support and mental health promotion. The session will be held from 11:00am to 12:30pm CST. Participants attending the live webinar sessions are eligible to receive CPE credit from TEA. 

 

May 8th, 2025 - TIER 1 Mental Health Promotion 

Register Here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3Kj2T9HwS6CXQkv6c1uVAg 

 

Did you miss a Webinar session? You can review TEA’s past Texas School Mental Health Webinar recordings posted here: Recorded TEA School Mental Health Webinars  

8/7/25 8:30am-12:30pm 

 

To register for a free training or learn more email suicide.prevention@hhs.texas.gov.

Save the Date: July 15-17, the Texas System of Care (TxSOC) and Community Resource Coordination Groups (CRCG) Conference is an event for children, youth, family members, state and community leaders, and child-serving providers. The conference will have virtual and in-person options in Austin, TX. Topics will include:  

• Accessibility
• Voices of lived experience 
• Systems integration 
• Workforce development and wellness 

Click Here to Register

For more details, email info@txsystemofcare.org

School systems across the state have made significant strides in ensuring their employees who regularly interact with students complete an evidence-based training program to improve mental health awareness. While this required training was established by House Bill 3 of the 88th Texas Legislature, many school leaders have recognized the importance of having adults on a campus who can recognize and respond to mental health issues among students.  

 

Many school systems have partnered with their Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA) or other community partners to provide trainers and materials in Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) to meet their staff training goals. Some school systems have taken the approach to train as many staff in YMHFA at a time as possible. For example, Tornillo ISD partnered with Emergence Health Network to train 182 staff members, San Marcos CISD partnered with Hill Country MHDDC to train 740 staff members, and Ector County ISD partnered with PermiaCare to train 1,800 teachers and staff for the largest single day of YMHFA training in Texas history.  

 

When considering the Texas School Mental Health Framework, implementing evidence-based training programs to address mental health awareness addresses multiple components of a comprehensive school mental health system including early mental health prevention and intervention as well as professional development and training. 

 

Click here to learn more about YMHFA instructors boosting mental health awareness in Texas schools.  

Summer break is an anticipated time for both students and families. While this season is filled with fun and much needed relaxation, this can also be a time for mental health challenges among children. The shift in routine can cause feelings of uncertainty and decreased opportunities for social interaction can cause isolation. Below are 3 tips for how parents and caregivers can support the mental health of their children during the summer.  

• Model healthy social interactions: Adults can model healthy social interactions by limiting their own isolation and encouraging in-person interactions. Caregivers can help facilitate opportunities for their child to spend quality time with family and friends including organizing play dates, enrolling their kids in summer camp, or encouraging them to join clubs or classes that align with their interests.  

• Emphasize self-care: Caregivers can encourage children to engage in activities that promote relaxation, such as reading, journaling, mindfulness exercises or spending time in nature. Emphasizing the benefits of physical activity and spending time outdoors is also important to self-care. These activities can significantly contribute to positive mental health. 

• Adress the challenges of social media: Finding a healthy balance for social media use is important to supporting the mental health of children. Caregivers can do this by taking an active role in monitoring their children’s social media activities and encouraging face-to-face interactions. Promoting offline activities, hobbies, and spending quality time with family and friends will also help contribute to a well-rounded summer experience.   

Excerpts from: “Supporting Children’s Mental Health During Summer Break” by Sylvia Muzquiz, MD, Medical Director for MH Services at the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD