School Health, Safety, and Counseling Services
September is Suicide Awareness Month
Suicide is a serious concern that affects students, families, and the entire school community. Many different factors can contribute to a student feeling hopeless or at risk. As educators, our role in suicide prevention is to help reduce the risks students may face while also strengthening protective factors such as connection, support, and resilience.
Each September, states recognize Suicide Prevention Month as a time to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time.
Our goal is to ensure that you feel comfortable supporting, listening and recognize warning signs, and to provide support for those to seek help.
This two day summit will give you the confidence to start a conversation and be the difference.
With one conversation, asking someone how they’re really doing — and being ready to truly listen — can save lives. Because here’s what we know: No one has to face this alone. Help exists. Healing is possible. And all it can take is for one person to start a conversation.
Join us on
September 22-23, 2025 for this in-person session.
Session ID: 111992
ESC-20
1314 Hines Ave
San Antonio, Texas 78208
8:30-4:00PM
Cost is free for ALL!
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.
ESC-20 Behavioral Health Partnership Program Liaison
House Bill 19 (HB 19) directs that Local Mental Health Authorities collaborate with Education Services Centers through the role of the Behavioral Health Partnership Program Liaison (BHPP). The BHPP serves as a vital mental health and substance use resource for school districts served within region.
The School Districts and Charter Schools in Region 20 are spread throughout 19 counties that are served by the following LMHAs:
- Bluebonnet Trails Community Services
- Camino Real Community Services
- Center for Health Care Services
- Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Centers
Click the flyer to learn more about BHPP services and upcoming sessions.
HB3 Mental Health Training
The Commissioner’s Rule for House Bill 3 (88R) Mental Health Training (TEC § 22.904) has been adopted as of December 2, 2024. This rule, identified as 19 TAC § 153.1015, mandates that school district employees who regularly interact with students complete an evidence-based mental health training program. Currently, the primary recognized training programs identified are Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA). However, local education agencies (LEAs) can offer a locally selected course if it meets the requirements of subsection (d)(3)(A)(J). This alternative course can be developed and provided by a partnering organization, such as a mental health agency or an ESC.
View the House Bill 3 (88th) Mental Health Training FAQs Sheet on the Mental Health and Behavioral Health webpage.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid is an international training program that has proven to be effective through peer-reviewed and evidence-based research. Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth. This course is free through your Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA). To bring the Youth MHFA course to your campus or re-certify previously trained staff in the new curriculum, please contact your LMHA MHFA Coordinator. MHFA Coordinator contact information can be found in the flyer below. Youth Mental Health First Aid is listed on Governor Abbott's School Safety Initiative.
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, School Mental Health Supports
