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Contains symptoms, behaviors, facts, educational implications, and instructional/classroom strategies and accommodations for common mental health disorders seen in school setting. Could be helpful when communicating with parents about childs behavior and discussing supports.

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PreK-12 Curriculum focused on kindness in (and outside of) school.

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PreK-12 Curriculum focused on kindness in (and outside of) school.

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Formatted as 36 week curriculum plans, but can be used more short term/event based. Includes lesson plans and activities, posters, etc.

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237,408 educators have signed up on our website so far to download lesson plans and other kindness resources. Thank you!

1+ M

Our lessons have been downloaded more than 1 million times since we introduced them in 2006.

Our lesson plans have been downloaded from 195 countries and have been translated into 12 different languages.

0

Our lessons have been downloaded from educators from over 35,000 schools & school districts.

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FREE K-8 Kindness in the Classroom® Curriculum

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Download our NEW K-8 Kindness in the Classroom® lesson plans today!

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Anxiety, Self-harm, and Bullying Webinar (46 minutes) by Region 15 ESC

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Anxiety, Self-harm, and Bullying Webinar (46 minutes) by Region 15 ESC

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Educators, administrators, and school safety professionals have the strenuous task of caring for students and staff, in addition to caring for their own families and themselves. Utilizing a light-hearted, engaging approach, this presentation explores the ways in which our work impacts us as helping professionals. Participants will be given tools to decrease risk for compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, secondary traumatic stress, and burn-out.

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Virtual Lunch and Learn

The Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) is partnering with the Trauma and Grief Center at The Hackett Center for Mental Health to bring Beyond Burnout: Exploring the Cost of Caring Lunch and Learn virtual events.

Educators, administrators, and school safety professionals have the strenuous task of caring for students and staff, in addition to caring for their own families and themselves. Utilizing a light-hearted, engaging approach, this presentation explores the ways in which our work impacts us as helping professionals. Participants will be given tools to decrease risk for compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, secondary traumatic stress, and burn-out. Discussion will then focus on enhancing compassion satisfaction and resilience through individualized strategies. This presentation seeks to reframe the way we think about self-care and will include a live Q&A with the Director of School and Community Engagement for The Trauma and Grief Center at The Hackett Center for Mental Health.

Please Note: This training is open to public ISDs, open-enrollment charter schools, junior colleges, school-based law enforcement, and state agencies that support Texas schools. Due to limited space, vendors and contractors are not permitted to register for this event.

Not eligible for TCOLE training credit.

Special Accommodations:

Please submit all special accommodations request(s) via email to txssc_bb@txstate.edu no later than two weeks prior to the virtual event.

To pre-install the Zoom meeting software click the "Download" button under All virtual trainings will be provided through the Zoom online meeting platform.
Zoom Desktop Client or click the following link to watch a video tutorial on Joining a Zoom Meeting. Once you are registered and confirmed, a direct Zoom link will be sent to you 1-2 days prior to the training date.

All times listed below are in the Central Time Zone.
Please Note: All lunch and learn events feature the same content. We recommend each individual attend one event.
To begin registration, select any date tile labeled "OPEN".

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Beyond Burnout: Exploring the Cost of Caring Lunch and Learn | Texas School Safety Center

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The Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) is partnering with The Hackett Center for Mental Health to bring Beyond Burnout: Exploring the Cost of Caring Lunch and Learn virtual events.

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ELEMENTARY Trauma Informed Care in the Classroom

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ELEMENTARY Trauma Informed Care in the Classroom

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The Trauma-Informed Care Workshop for Educators focuses on providing an overview of trauma, and its impact on student behaviors in the elementary (K-5) classroom.

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Trauma-Informed Care Workshop - Elementary | Texas School Safety Center

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The Trauma-Informed Care Workshop for Educators focuses on providing an overview of trauma, and its impact on student behaviors in the elementary classroom.

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SECONDARY Trauma Informed Care in the Classroom

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SECONDARY Trauma Informed Care in the Classroom

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The Trauma-Informed Care Workshop for Educators focuses on providing an overview of trauma, and its impact on student behaviors in the secondary (6-12) classroom.

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Trauma-Informed Care Workshop - Secondary | Texas School Safety Center

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The Trauma-Informed Care Workshop for Educators focuses on providing an overview of trauma, and its impact on student behaviors in the secondary classroom.

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SEL Check-In Templates (Daily or Weekly). 

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SEL Check-In Templates (Daily or Weekly). 

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SEL check-ins, with visual cues and creative images, foster self-awareness, emotional vocabulary, and classroom support. Easily integrated into daily routines, they create a stable, engaging environment that bolsters instruction and student emotional growth.

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I first experienced an SEL (social-emotional learning) check-in during the pandemic at one of our virtual staff meetings. We were all working from home at the time, and our executive director, Lori Gracey, kicked off the meeting with one. Though the theme didn't stick in my memory, the check-in concept became a fixture for me. I also started noticing an uptick of presenters using them in their virtual workshops.

What is an SEL Check-in?

Visual cues, whether faces, characters, memes, or symbols, are a common thread for most SEL check-ins. These visuals should be instantly recognizable shorthand for feelings. Since imagery resonates with people more than abstract numbers or words, it's easier to quickly convey complex emotions by relating them to an image. A touch of humor or pop culture helps connect people to the scale, too!

You can also use an check-ins in the classroom with students. Students can be given the opportunity to share and reflect on their emotional state at any point throughout the school day. Some teachers keep SEL check-ins in their calming corners as tools for helping students identify their emotions.

Why are SEL check-ins important?

SEL check-ins are important for several reasons. Let's take a look at a few ways these check-ins support students' social-emotional development.

Incorporating SEL check-ins can:

Promote self-awareness: Checking in helps students become more aware of their emotions by giving them a way to identify them.

Develop emotional vocabulary: Checking in builds students' ability to articulate a range of feelings using proper vocabulary.

Foster classroom community: Sharing emotions regularly builds connections, empathy, and trust among classmates.

Inform instruction: Teachers can gauge student readiness to learn and adjust instruction accordingly based on check-in data.

Support at-risk students: Check-ins help identify students who may be struggling socially or emotionally and need extra support.

Teach emotion regulation: Checking in helps students reflect on feelings before reacting and manage their emotions in a healthy way.

Encourage sharing safely: Students learn it's safe and healthy to share feelings when given the space to do so.

Provide consistency: Daily check-ins become a predictable routine that adds stability.

Tools for Creating Your Own

I guess you could say that SEL check-ins are one of the silver linings of COVID-19. As a presenter, they are a great way to start off a workshop and check in with attendees as the workshop progresses. And with all the fun and creative tools available to us now, making one is easy. I used free images from Pixabay to create my first check-ins. If you are looking for copyright-free images, check out this blog. More recently Emoji Kitchen and Canva provide the fodder for my creative appetite. Remember, Canva is free for educators!

SEL check-ins, with visual cues and creative images, foster self-awareness, emotional vocabulary, and classroom support. Easily integrated into daily routines, they create a stable, engaging environment that bolsters instruction and student emotional growth. If you are considering incorporating emotional well-being into your classroom, I certainly hope this slide deck can help you out. And if you have an SEL check-in to share with the world, please drop the link into the comments.

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From LEGO heads to llamas, grab some themed SEL check-in templates! Plus, learn how they benefit students' social-emotional development.

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Join the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and Kaiser Permanente Thriving Schools for a monthly professional learning series dedicated to prioritizing staff well-being.

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Join the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and Kaiser Permanente Thriving Schools for a monthly professional learning series dedicated to prioritizing staff well-being.

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During these one-and-a-half-hour sessions, participants will share their experiences, practice strategies, and use implementation resources that can be applied back in their work settings.

Mar 14, 2024 03:00 PM

Apr 11, 2024 03:00 PM

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Video Conferencing, Web Conferencing, Webinars, Screen Sharing

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Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, conference, huddle, and training rooms, as well as executive offices and classrooms. Founded in 2011, Zoom helps businesses and organizations bring their teams together in a frictionless environment to get more done.

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Building Bridges—A Bereavement Program offered through Hospice of San Angelo

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Building Bridges—A Bereavement Program offered through Hospice of San Angelo

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Building Bridges is a unique support group that offers help to grieving children (grades K-12) and their families.

No Cost to Participate

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Strategies for students experiencing grief

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Strategies for students experiencing grief

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How to identify warning signs of substance misuse in children and students. 

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How to identify warning signs of substance misuse in children and students. 

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March 21, 2024 5:30-7:00p

*Food provided

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Participants will learn about the different types of substances commonly used by young people, the physical and behavioral signs of substance misuse, and effective communication strategies for discussing substance abuse with children. Through interactive activities , attendees will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and address substance abuse concerns in a supportive and effective manner. Teachers/parents/ adults ONLY! Youth and young adolescents will not be allowed in this presentation due to content.

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Helping Kids Who Struggle With Executive Functions

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Helping Kids Who Struggle With Executive Functions

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Executive functions are the essential self-regulating skills that we all use every day to plan, organize, make decisions, and learn from past mistakes.

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Helping Kids Who Struggle With Executive Functions - Child Mind Institute

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Learning specialists discuss how to help kids who have problems with executive functions stay organized and on top of their responsibilities.

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Intensive Outpatient Group Therapy for Adolescents at Oceans Abilene

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Intensive Outpatient Group Therapy for Adolescents at Oceans Abilene

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Offered after school Monday-Friday beginning at age 9.

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Runnels/Tom Green Community Counselor List 

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Runnels/Tom Green Community Counselor List 

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Outpatient, community counselors in both Runnels and Tom Green County.

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Trauma-Informed Care Workshop for Educators- Elementary

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Trauma-Informed Care Workshop for Educators- Elementary

# data[].attributes.body
The Trauma-Informed Care Workshop for Educators focuses on providing an overview of trauma, and its impact on student behaviors in the elementary (K-5) classroom. Attendees will learn about the role of mental health in daily functioning, how trauma impacts the brain, the importance of unrecognized executive function deficits, and the role neuro diverse complexities play in student behavior. Throughout the workshop, participants will be provided with concrete strategies that can be implemented in a school and/or classroom setting to support all learners through a trauma informed lens.

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Trauma-Informed Care Workshop - Elementary | Texas School Safety Center

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The Trauma-Informed Care Workshop for Educators focuses on providing an overview of trauma, and its impact on student behaviors in the elementary classroom.

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2024 Texas Mental Health Creative Arts Contest

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2024 Texas Mental Health Creative Arts Contest

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Entries must be original artwork, writing, or photography with this years theme being: “Why does Mental Health Matter To You?”

Texas students and adults of all ages are eligible to participate in four age groups—elementary, middle, or high school, and adult. Submissions will close on March 1, 2024.

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Students write/draw positive aspects of themselves as a reflection of who they are.

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Brain Cap Activity (best for JH/High Students)

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Brain Cap Activity (best for JH/High Students)

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Utilizes anatomy of brain and facilitates conversation about cognitions--emotions, decisions, behavior, etc.

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Region 15 Lunch & Learn Flyer (Spring 2024)

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Region 15 Lunch & Learn Flyer (Spring 2024)

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What to Do About Mental Health Lunch & Learns

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Parents as Teachers-Free Home Based Services through Childrens Advocacy Center

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Parents as Teachers-Free Home Based Services through Childrens Advocacy Center

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FAMILY ENRICHMENT SERVICES

Family Enrichment Services (FES) provides services to build stronger families in Tom Green county through these free programs.

Parents as Teachers® is a home visitation program that addresses child development and encourages positive parent-child relationships for children from prenatal to five years of age. The program screens for developmental delays and health issues. Additional services include referrals to community resources, and free fun monthly Play and Learn family event, often open to the public not just program participants.

Parent as Teachers Referral Form

Parent Mentor Program is a referral program for families involved with the Juvenile Justice System to provide parenting tips or guidance. This program provides parent education, resource coordination, and case management to help parents meet the needs of children and prevent child maltreatment. Case managers meet with families weekly and create a tailored plan to identify and build upon strengths.

Parent Mentor Program is for anyone seeking parenting tips or guidance. This program provides parent education, resource coordination, and case management to help parents meet the needs of children and prevent child maltreatment. Case managers meet with families weekly and create a tailored plan to identify and build upon strengths.

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Family Enrichment Services - Children's Advocacy Center of Greater West Texas, Inc.

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FAMILY ENRICHMENT SERVICES Family Enrichment Services (FES) provides services to build stronger families in Tom Green county through these free programs. Parents as Teachers® is a home visitation program that addresses child development and encourages positive parent-child relationships for children from prenatal to five years of age.

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Contains link to anon reporting website

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Digital Well-Being: JUNIOR HIGH. 4 lesson, grades 6-8

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Digital Well-Being: JUNIOR HIGH. 4 lesson, grades 6-8

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Support students' digital well-being with this set of evidence-based lessons. Each is designed to help them build agency, reduce anxious thoughts, and increase mindfulness related to their tech habits.

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Research-based lessons to support students' social-emotional learning and digital well-being.

Media and tech have a way of magnifying the stress that young people face on a daily basis. But why is that the case? And more importantly, what can they do about it (besides just taking a break from their phones)?

Support students' digital well-being with this set of evidence-based lessons. Each is designed to help them build agency, reduce anxious thoughts, and increase mindfulness related to their tech habits.

The middle and high school lessons in this collection were co-developed by Common Sense Education and the Center for Digital Thriving at Harvard Graduate School of Education. Check out our Digital Well-Being Pacing Guide for implementation tips, curricular connections, and FAQs.

Digital Well-Being: Evidence-Based Lessons for the Classroom

Top Tools for Building Mindfulness in the Classroom

Help students increase mindfulness with these hand-picked apps and websites.

Emotional Intelligence Apps and Games

Help students identify and manage their emotions.

The lessons in this collection were co-created by Common Sense Education and the Center for Digital Thriving at Harvard Graduate School of Education.

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Digital Well-Being Lessons for Grades K-12 | Common Sense Education

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Research-based lessons to support the digital well-being of middle school students.

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1. All Episodes

2. Back to School: Parental Mental Health

School counselor and social justice advocate Steve Sharp joins us to discuss parental mental health , and how school counselors and providers can support students and parents as we approach starting a new school year. Steve shares his first-hand experience in responding to the needs of students and parents experiencing mental health crises and his experience helping to pilot a suicide prevention program in his state. Whether you are a parent, school counselor , or mental health provider, this episode will leave you with nuggets of information on the importance o f working in a community with others t o strengthen car e and the equity of care provided in different settings . The transcript for this episode can be found here .

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School counselor and social justice advocate Steve Sharp joins us to discuss parental mental health, and how school counselors and providers can support students and parents as we approach starting a new school year. Steve shares his first-hand experience in responding to the needs of students and parents experiencing mental health crises and his experience helping to pilot a suicide prevention program in his state.

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Teacher led Activity..."Right Now"-- 7 minutes

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Teacher led Activity..."Right Now"-- 7 minutes

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Students will be able to center themselves in the present moment by answering questions about how they are feeling and what they are thinking right now. *Script for teacher included in PowerPoint notes*

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Speaking to your child about the death of a pet

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Speaking to your child about the death of a pet

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Death of Pets: Talking to Children

No. 78; April 2017

For many children, their first real experience with loss occurs when a pet dies. When this happens, children need consolation, love, support, and affection more than they need complicated medical or scientific explanations.

Children's reactions to the death of a pet will depend upon their age and developmental level. Children 3 to 5 years of age see death as temporary and potentially reversible. Between ages 6 and 8, children begin to develop a more realistic understanding of the nature and consequences of death. Generally, it is not until 9 years of age that children fully understand that death is permanent and final. For this reason, very young children should be told that when a pet dies, it stops moving, doesn't see or hear anymore, and won't wake up again. They may need to have this explanation repeated several times.

There are many ways parents can tell their children that a pet has died. It is often helpful to make children as comfortable as possible (use a soothing voice, hold their hand or put an arm around them) and to tell them in a familiar setting. It is also important to be honest when telling children that a pet has died. Trying to protect children with vague or inaccurate explanations can create anxiety, confusion, and mistrust.

Children often have questions after a pet dies, including: Why did my pet die? Is it my fault? Where does my pet's body go? Will I ever see my pet again? Does my pet have a soul? If I wish hard and am really good, can I make my pet come back? Does death last forever? It is important to answer such questions simply, but honestly, using terms and concepts the child understands. You may wish to offer an explanation based on your family's belief system or religious back ground. Children may experience sadness, anger, fear, denial, and guilt when their pet dies. They may also be jealous of friends with pets.

When a pet is sick or dying, spend time talking with your child about his/her feelings. If possible, it is helpful to have the child say goodbye before the pet dies. Parents can serve as models by sharing their feelings with their children. Let your child know it is normal to miss pets after they die and encourage the youngster to come to you with questions or for reassurance and comfort.

There is no best way for children to mourn their pets. They need to be given time to remember their pets. It helps to talk about the pet with friends and family. Mourning a pet has to be done in a child's own way. After a pet has died, children may want to bury the pet, make a memorial, or have a ceremony. Other children may write poems and stories, or make drawings of the pet. Other children might want to pray for their deceased pet. It is usually best not to immediately replace the pet that has died.

The death of a pet may cause a child to remember other painful losses, or upsetting events. A child who appears to be overwhelmed by their grief and not able to function in their normal routine may benefit from an evaluation by a child and adolescent psychiatrist or other qualified mental health professional.

There are a number of books which can help a parent talk to their child about the death of a pet. These include:

The Dead Bird by Margaret Wise Brown (HarperCollins)
Badger's Parting Gift by Susan Varley (HarperCollins)
The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst (Aladdin)

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For many children, their first real experience with loss occurs when a pet dies.

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Secondary (Student) Crisis Resource Handout

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Secondary (Student) Crisis Resource Handout

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Made for students.

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How to talk to and care for children after a death.

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For educators to use in evaluating their own self-care. For use with teachers exposed to secondary trauma or any school staff.

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Passive, Aggressive, and Assertive Communication

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Passive, Aggressive, and Assertive Communication

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Salamander Yoga! | 5-minute Yoga Break | Scratch Garden

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Goal to help students identify things that block them from having healthy relationships.

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IGNORE LAST PAGE-Resources not relevant to our location.

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Youtube Video-Anna Freud Foundation Intro to Mental Health

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Youtube Video-Anna Freud Foundation Intro to Mental Health

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An animation designed to help begin conversations about mental health in the classroom and beyond.

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"Device Advice" 4 lesson, K-5 Material to promote media balance and well-being.

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"Device Advice" 4 lesson, K-5 Material to promote media balance and well-being.

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If it's a students first-ever school-issued device or they're seasoned tech wizards, it's always helpful to remind students about responsible tech use. From device care to practicing active listening and avoiding device distractions, these quick lessons will help you set up a positive culture for learning with tech in the classroom.

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Help students get ready to use tech for learning in the classroom.

Whether it's their first-ever school-issued device or they're seasoned tech wizards, it's always helpful to remind students about responsible tech use. From device care to practicing active listening and avoiding device distractions, these quick lessons will help you set up a positive culture for learning with tech in the classroom.

Check out our Device Advice Pacing Guide for implementation tips, curricular connections, and FAQs.

Teachers' Essential Guide to Teaching with Technology

How do I get the most out of using tech in the classroom?

Free Back-to-School Templates for Teachers and Families

Help students and their families lay the foundation for a positive, successful school year.

Family Engagement Toolkit

Digital Citizenship Resources for Family Engagement

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Device Advice: Onboarding for School-Issued Devices | Common Sense Education

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Common Sense Education provides educators and students with the resources they need to harness the power of technology for learning and life. Find a free K-12 Digital Citizenship curriculum, reviews of popular EdTech apps, and resources for protecting student privacy.

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Group-Book Questions to encourage emotional intelligence 

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Group-Book Questions to encourage emotional intelligence 

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Emotion Flashcards with "I Can..." Statements

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Emotion Flashcards with "I Can..." Statements

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16 emotion flashcards for students to write up to two choices they can make when feeling the associated emotion.

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Family mindfulness interventions to use throughout the day to promote management of anxiety and stress.

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Depression in Adolescents and Children Information 

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Depression in Adolescents and Children Information 

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Children and teenagers also may have depression, as well.

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ADHD & the Brain

No. 121; February 2017

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition where people have difficulty with inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, regulating their mood, and organization. For example, a child or teen with ADHD may have trouble in school and home with paying attention, concentrating, losing things, following directions, sitting still, acting without thinking, or getting mad and frustrated easily.

ADHD is a brain disorder. Scientists have shown that there are differences in the brains of children with ADHD and that some of these differences change as a child ages and matures.

Brain Structure
Research has shown that some structures in the brain in children with ADHD can be smaller than those areas of the brain in children without ADHD.

The brain is an organ that controls thinking, feeling, and behavior. The brain is divided into sections called lobes.

The front of the brain behind the forehead is the frontal lobe. The frontal lobe is the part of the brain that helps people to organize, plan, pay attention, and make decisions. Parts of the frontal lobe may mature a few years later in people with ADHD.

The frontal lobe is the area of the brain responsible for:

Problem Solving

Memory

Language

Motivation

Judgment

Impulse control

Social behavior

Planning

Decision-making

Attention

Ability to delay gratification

Time perception

Networks
The brain is made up of nerve cells called neurons that transmit signals in the brain. Signals travel through the brain in groups of nerve cells called "networks." Researchers have identified several major networks that work differently in people with ADHD. These networks are involved in reward, focus, planning, attention, shifting between tasks, and movement.

Neurotransmitters
There are chemicals that help to transmit signals from one nerve cell to the next throughout the networks in the brain. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters. Dopamine and norepinephrine are two neurotransmitters that may play a role in ADHD.

While scientists have shown that there are differences in the brain size, networks, neurotransmitters, and brain development of children with ADHD, they do not fully understand how these differences lead to the cause and the symptoms of ADHD. Treatments for ADHD are thought to work in part by altering the levels of the neurotransmitters and changing how the networks function.

If your child has problems with attention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity, talk to your pediatrician or family doctor. They can perform an evaluation and start treatment or help with a referral to a qualified mental health professional.

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition where people have difficulty with inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, regulating their mood and organization.

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30 seconds of silence will allow students to "do nothing" with LeBron James. See more of series and others at Calm Channel on Youtube (guided relaxations, deep breathing, etc.)

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Brief activity to be used in class.

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Allows students to identify ways they prefer to calm down and supports they may need from teachers. Encourages students to consider other options for emotional regulation.

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Helps students identify strengths and areas of growth.

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Meant to help students identify and begin talking about their worries. Worries can sometimes be wriggly and hard to pin down. The student can place them in a can of worms (a decorated Pringles can) to help contain their worries. The worries can stay in the can until the client is ready to battle them. The “worry worms” can be removed as the client conquers.

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Social Awareness/Relationships...The Key to Being A Good Friend

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Social Awareness/Relationships...The Key to Being A Good Friend

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To be used with "How To Lose All Of Your Friends" by Nancy Carlson--See Youtube for free video/book.

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Created via interactive in Rubber Gym Hallway.

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Students will learn and be able to identify natural consequences from their behavior.

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A four-part, on-demand training with tools and resources to help school staff focus on their own well-being in and out of school. 

# data[].attributes.subject
A four-part, on-demand training with tools and resources to help school staff focus on their own well-being in and out of school. 

# data[].attributes.body
Free log-in required to access trainings and downloadable tools.

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Action Center | Alliance for a Healthier Generation

# data[].attributes.headline
Info Handout... Impact of Trauma on Elementary Students

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Info Handout... Impact of Trauma on Elementary Students

# data[].attributes.headline
Info handout... Impact of Trauma on HS Students

# data[].attributes.subject
Info handout... Impact of Trauma on HS Students

# data[].attributes.headline
Info Handout... Impact of Trauma on JH Students

# data[].attributes.subject
Info Handout... Impact of Trauma on JH Students

# data[].attributes.headline
Info Handout...Adolescent Suicide Prevention 

# data[].attributes.subject
Info Handout...Adolescent Suicide Prevention 

# data[].attributes.headline
Info Handout...Role of High School Teachers in Preventing Suicide

# data[].attributes.subject
Info Handout...Role of High School Teachers in Preventing Suicide

# data[].attributes.body
A self-paced workbook for those who work with others.

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Contact information for local crisis intervention and various hotlines.

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Through this program, rapid access to therapy is provided to individuals who are experiencing overwhelming depression, suicidal thoughts/intentions, self-harm, or a mental health crisis hindering one’s safety.

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-NOT ONE MORE - What are Zero Suicide Services at WTCG?
The Zero Suicide (ZS) program is based on the foundational belief that suicide deaths for individuals under the care of health and behavioral systems are preventable. Through this program, rapid access to therapy is provided to individuals who are experiencing overwhelming depression, suicidal thoughts/intentions, self-harm, or a mental health crisis hindering one's safety. WTCG has licensed therapists trained in suicide prevention available Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm, with the last appointment at 4pm. To make an appointment, call the main office at 325-486-TALK (8255) or walk into any WTCG location and request assistance.

Unfortunately, no individual or family is immune to suicide in one way or another. Suicide does not differ between ages, race income, gender, or social standing. With this in mind, Zero Suicide services are offered to all eligible individuals regardless of demographics or ability to pay.
Why is WTCG doing Zero Suicide in Tom Green County?
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US, the 2nd leading cause for individuals between the ages of 10 to 34, and the 4th leading cause for individuals ages 35 to 54. From 1999 to 2018, U.S.'s suicide rate had an increase of 35% from 10.5 per 100,000 people to 14.2 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). Tom Green County (TGC) is no stranger to this epidemic.

Although Texas has a lower suicide rate than the nation, TCG surpasses the state and national averages. As a matter of fact, between the years 2000 and 2015, suicide rates in the county far exceeded the state and national averages. In 2018, 14.2 for every 100,000 persons living in the U.S. died by suicide, while Texas had a ratio of 13.7 suicide deaths for every 100,000 persons (CDC). However, during that same year, TGC had 26 deaths by suicide (CDC). With an estimated population of 118,189, this leaves the suicide rate for TGC 22 suicide deaths for every 100,000 people.

WTCG believes that every life matters, and so we consider it our mission to provide evidence-based suicide prevention for our clients and community. While zero suicides might sound a goal beyond reach, we believe that with proper screening, assessment, and treatment, it is possible to put an end to death by suicide in our community.
Who is involved in the Zero Suicide Initiative in Tom Green County?
The collaborative partners involved include MHMRCV, River Crest Hospital, Shannon Behavioral Health, Tom Green County Sheriff's Office, Mental Health Deputy program, Shannon Medical Center, Community Medical Center, La Esperanza Clinic, all local Justices of the Peace and, in certain cases, the San Angelo Police Department.
For more information, please contact the Director of Zero Suicide Services, Nicole Elliott, LMSW, via phone at (325) 486-TALK (8255) or via email at [email protected]

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Zero Suicide Services providing rapid access for crisis care and suicide prevention. -NOT ONE MORE - What are Zero Suicide Services at WTCG? The Zero Suicide (ZS) program is based on the foundational belief that suicide deaths for individuals under the care of health and behavioral systems are preventable.

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Psychiatric, Medication, and Crisis Referrals

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Psychiatric, Medication, and Crisis Referrals

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Teacher led Activity... "Three Wins"-- 5 minutes

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Teacher led Activity... "Three Wins"-- 5 minutes

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Students will be able to intentionally cultivate positive thinking by listing three wins they can claim for the day. *Script for teacher included in PowerPoint notes*

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Digital Well-being: HIGH SCHOOL 4 lesson, grades 9-12

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Digital Well-being: HIGH SCHOOL 4 lesson, grades 9-12

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Support students' digital well-being with this set of evidence-based lessons designed to help them build agency, reduce anxious thoughts, and increase mindfulness related to their tech habits.

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Research-based lessons to support students' social-emotional learning and digital well-being.

Media and tech have a way of magnifying the stress that young people face on a daily basis. But why is that the case? And more importantly, what can they do about it (besides just taking a break from their phones)?

Support students' digital well-being with this set of evidence-based lessons designed to help them build agency, reduce anxious thoughts, and increase mindfulness related to their tech habits.

This collection was co-developed by Common Sense Education and the Center for Digital Thriving at Harvard Graduate School of Education. Check out our Digital Well-Being Pacing Guide for implementation tips, curricular connections, and FAQs.

Digital Well-Being: Evidence-Based Lessons for the Classroom

Top Tools for Building Mindfulness in the Classroom

Help students increase mindfulness with these hand-picked apps and websites.

The lessons in this collection were co-created with the Center for Digital Thriving at Harvard Graduate School of Education.

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Digital Well-Being: High School Lessons | Common Sense Education

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Common Sense Education provides educators and students with the resources they need to harness the power of technology for learning and life. Find a free K-12 Digital Citizenship curriculum, reviews of popular EdTech apps, and resources for protecting student privacy.

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Teacher led Activity... "Permission Slip"-- 7 minutes

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Teacher led Activity... "Permission Slip"-- 7 minutes

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Students will be able to take a step toward becoming their most authentic selves by writing permission slips. *Script for teacher included in PowerPoint notes*

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Teacher led Activity...Breathing Body Scan-- 4 minutes

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Teacher led Activity...Breathing Body Scan-- 4 minutes

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Students will be able to reduce stress by identifying and releasing tension in their bodies. *Script for teacher included in PowerPoint notes*

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Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT)

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Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT)

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Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT)

Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT) formerly CATR is one of the four main programs developed by the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium (TCMHCC).

In 2019 the Consortium was created by the 86th Texas Legislature to leverage the expertise and capacity of the 13 state-funded health related institutions of higher education in Texas. The goal of the Consortium is to improve mental health and the mental health care system for children and adolescents across the state.

The TCHATT program creates and builds off existing telemedicine programs to assist public school districts with identifying mental health care needs and services across the state of Texas.

Within our region in Texas, the TCHATT program allows for expansion across a larger region.

How it Works

A collaboration is developed between schools and our team.

Counseling services and telepsychiatry are delivered to children and adolescents within public schools.

School personnel are guided in assessing, supporting, and referring students experiencing mental health challenges.

Our Team

Our multidisciplinary team is made up of licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, clinical child psychologists, licensed vocational nurses, advanced practice psychiatric mental health practitioners, and child and adolescent psychiatrists.

We work collaboratively to effectively assess, refer, and treat students. We focus on the larger context of the student is situated in, including their current circumstances, and work together with the school counselor and family members to gain an informed understanding.

We value individualized care and work with the student, family, and school to ensure adequate access to services. We strive to establish coordination between student, family, school, and community health providers to better meet the needs of the student while maintaining a family centered approach.

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About Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center TCHATT program

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PsychHub (for students, staff, parents, etc.)

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PsychHub (for students, staff, parents, etc.)

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An online library of engaging videos to help support your mental health and educate.

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Video resources on various topics to boost your mental health knowledge

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Types of Mental Health Professionals Explained

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Types of Mental Health Professionals Explained

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Which mental health professional is right for me? There are many types of mental health professionals. Finding the right one for you may require some research. Below is a listing of types of mental health treatment professionals to help you understand the differences between the services they provide.

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Mental Health & the Holidays Handout 2023

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Mental Health & the Holidays Handout 2023