HOUSTON, TEXAS — UTMB Health has joined forces with school districts across Texas in a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing access to mental health support for students. The Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT) program, which offers free, virtual mental health services, is now available statewide.
Community Impact spoke with Dr. Claire Kirk, a licensed clinical psychologist with TCHATT and an assistant professor in UTMB Health’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Kristina Ford, interim director of counseling and student services at Clear Creek ISD, to discuss the program’s impact.
Overview of the TCHATT Program
Dr. Kirk explained, “The TCHATT program aims to provide high-quality, free mental health care to students across Texas. UTMB Health covers several districts, including Clear Creek ISD. The program operates via telehealth, utilizing iPads in schools to facilitate virtual sessions. Students can attend these sessions at school with a caregiver present or from home using their own devices, such as smartphones or tablets.”
Clear Creek ISD’s Involvement
Ford detailed Clear Creek ISD’s participation: “We launched this partnership at the start of the 2023-2024 school year. Our counselors are trained to refer students and families to TCHATT services. Once a referral is made, counselors assist families with paperwork and ensure it is correctly submitted. This partnership has significantly improved access to mental health services, allowing families to receive support either at home or at our Counseling and Student Services building.”
Facilitation by UTMB Health
Dr. Kirk described UTMB Health’s role: “Our administrative staff support school districts in implementing the program and address any technological issues. Once a referral is made by a school counselor, I conduct a psychological evaluation, gathering background information from both the child and their parent. We address a range of issues from inattention and hyperactivity to anxiety, depression, and PTSD. After assessment, we provide evidence-based treatment and schedule follow-up sessions.”
Funding for the Program
“The TCHATT program is funded by the state through a Senate bill passed a few years ago,” Dr. Kirk noted. “It is part of the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium, which oversees the grant that supports our services.”
Impact on Students
Ford highlighted the program’s benefits: “TCHATT provides essential access and removes barriers for families seeking mental health support. We can identify mental health concerns and connect with families swiftly, often within a week. The immediate support provided to both students and parents is remarkable, fostering a collaborative environment.”
Dr. Kirk added, “The program allows us to intervene early, helping students and families develop positive coping strategies. It’s especially valuable for families facing barriers to traditional treatment, including recent migrants from Central and South America. We offer live interpreter services to ensure effective communication during sessions.”
The TCHATT program exemplifies UTMB Health’s commitment to expanding mental health support, ensuring that students across Texas receive the care they need.
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