Q: What types of mental health services are currently available for students in the district?
A: Plano ISD, as part of our commitment to students’ mental health and well-being, has access to qualified staff and multiple partnerships that provide mental health services to students and families. Licensed social workers and counselors are able to provide individualized and small group support for students. Outside agencies allow us to also provide, with parent permission, telemental health services for a variety of mental health concerns. In addition, our outstanding partnerships with community organizations help us match families with the services they may need.
Q: How can students or parents request access to mental health services?
A: Parents and students can request mental health support through their school counselors, who serve as vital resources in connecting families with needed services. School counselors are equipped to assist in submitting referrals for mental health services, ensuring students receive the appropriate support to address their needs.
Q: What mental health education or awareness programs are provided for students and staff?
A: Plano ISD promotes mental health awareness and support through collaboration with impactful programs and initiatives. One such partnership is the Hope Squad program, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention and awareness initiative.
Plano ISD and the City of Plano collaborate on designating an annual “Day of Hope.” This year’s “Day of Hope” will be held on February 13, 2025, when campuses across the district will host various activities and programs aimed at fostering awareness and encouraging practices to support self-care and mental health.
To further support schools and the community, Plano ISD offers monthly workshops focused on increasing mental health awareness. These evening workshops are open to parents, students, staff and community members, providing valuable resources and education. A complete list of these workshops can be found here.
Q: What kind of training do teachers and staff receive to recognize and respond to signs of mental health challenges in students?
A: Plano ISD provides Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training for all school staff. YMHFA is an evidence-based educational program designed to build awareness and preparedness among school personnel. Through this program, staff members gain valuable skills to assess situations, provide immediate support and connect students with appropriate resources for further assistance.
Q: Do you partner with any community mental health organizations or providers? If so, can you explain how the partnership works? If not, are there any plans to find partnership opportunities?
A: Plano ISD collaborates with various community partners to enhance mental health services for students and families. These partnerships allow the district to provide support and reduce barriers to accessing care.
- LifePath Systems, the Collin County Behavioral Health Agency, assists parents and guardians in obtaining mental health services for their children. Plano ISD assists families with intake forms to ensure timely access to care.
- Communities In Schools (CIS) collaborates with Plano ISD staff to address targeted behavioral health, academic support, and social service needs for students on various elementary campuses.
- Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT) program offers students free, individualized virtual therapy sessions with licensed mental health clinicians along with parent mental health training.
- Journey of Hope equips Plano ISD school counselors and social workers with training and resources to support students dealing with grief and trauma.
