School Health, Safety, and Counseling Services
Mental Health First Aid
Best Practice-Based Programs
The Texas Education Code §38.351 requires the Texas Education Agency, in coordination with the Health and Human Services Commission and regional education service centers, to provide and annually update a list of recommended best practice-based programs and research-based practices for implementation in public elementary, junior high, middle, and high schools within the general education setting. Each school district may select from the list of programs appropriate for implementation in the district.
The list of best practice resources can be found on the TEA website at the following web address:
Mental Health and Behavioral Health | Texas Education Agency
* This is a required posting of information.
Suicide Prevention Resources
The Texas Suicide Prevention initiative is the result of a collaborative effort throughout the state of Texas of community-based organizations, state and local agencies, academic institutions and many others who work together to reduce suicides in Texas.
Texas Suicide Safer Schools: Advancing Suicide Safer Schools Roadmap
Texas Suicide Safer Schools Roadmap is intended to be used as a planning guide for suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention by Texas school districts. This Roadmap provides public health information based on best practices for suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. It is recommended that each Element be used in the order presented to ensure a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention planning.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
AFSP is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health by engaging in the following core strategies:
- Funding scientific research
- Educating the public about mental health and suicide prevention
- Advocating for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention
- Supporting survivors of suicide loss and those affected by suicide
As students, caregivers, and educators, it’s essential to keep mental health at the forefront of your school planning. In a world of managing to-do lists, relationships, and post-COVID stress, Crisis Text Line is here to help you keep your mental health top of mind. Crisis Text Line provides free 24/7 mental health support to anyone in crisis. And, we’ve partnered with states, schools, and universities to provide direct access to 2.5 million middle school, high school, and college students across the country. Anyone in crisis can text SCHOOL to 741741 to reach a volunteer Crisis Counselor.
Grief Resources
Substance Use Resources
National Institute on Drug Abuse: Drugs of Abuse
National Institute on Drug Abuse: Drugs of Abuse
(en español)
National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens: Drug Facts
National Institute for Teens: The Science Behind Drug Abuse Parent Resources
ReadyKidSA Substance Abuse Services
Parents are the Key to Safe Teen Drivers: Resources for Parents
The Center for Motivation and Change: 20 Minutes Parent’s Guide
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Parent Resources
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Parent Resources
(en español)
Get Smart About Drugs: A DEA Resource for Parents, Educators & Caregivers
Family Checkup: Positive Parenting Prevents Drug Abuse
A Parent’s Guide to Preventing Inhalant Abuse
Texas Health and Human Services Audiovisual Library on Substance Abuse Topics
Substance Abuse Guide for Parents
Teen Drug and Alcohol Abuse: A Guide for Caring Parents
Vaping 101--Health Relation, Benefits, Dangers, Fun Facts, and More
Texas Health and Human Services Substance Abuse Resources
Parent Further: Talking About Alcohol and Tobacco
Recovery Village: Teen Drug Abuse Statistics & Facts
National Crime Prevention Council Drug Abuse
Mental Health Resources for Parents/Guardians
A series of free, evidence-based video and print resources that caregivers and educators can use to teach their kids critical mental health and coping skills. The project was born of an innovative partnership between the state of California and the Child Mind Institute.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network - Families and Trauma