The TCHATT program was approved by the 86th Texas Legislature allowing for school districts to participate in the mental health care consortium and provide counseling through video chats, according to SCUCISD Chief Academic Officer Kelly Kovacs.
Kovacs told trustees that 56 Texas-area school districts are already participating in the free program with UT Health San Antonio. UT Health San Antonio serves Bexar County and 34 other Texas counties, she said.
Students are referred to the program by their school counselor and must have parental consent. All referrals are reviewed within 72 hours so that students can access counseling quickly, Kovacs said. The program is open to all SCUCISD students with no other requirements needed for care, she said.
The program is set up to provide short-term treatment of up to 10 sessions. Sessions are scheduled during school hours or after hours depending on the student’s schedule. Students age 8 and younger will be treated only with a parent present, Kovacs said.
If more treatment is needed beyond 10 sessions, referrals can be made to other health care providers by UT Health San Antonio, Kovacs said.
Students can be seen for depression, anxiety, anger, mood swings, self harm or suicidal thoughts, trauma, and other issues, Kovacs said. However, the program does not treat emergency situations, such as life-threatening situations, assessments for child custody or disabilities, psychological testing, and other conditions.
The program also offers parent-child interactive therapy and a substance-use concern clinic to provide early intervention on substance abuse disorders.
