CIS expands mental health programs to help educators address crisis

(HOUSTON) – With parents and educators concerned over the pandemic’s impact on students' mental health, Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS)—the nonprofit that partners with education leaders and community organizations to provide comprehensive services for students and families in need—is expanding its mental health support.

From crisis intervention, trauma and mental health counseling to providing basic necessities and other resources to families who may be struggling, CIS student support specialists work in schools to help educators surround students with a community of support. CIS is seeing record demand for mental health services, and the calls for help are growing as students return to class—many for the first time in more than a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

CIS of Houston student support specialists were called to help more than 125,000 students last school year at campuses in Aldine Independent School District, Alief ISD, Fort Bend ISD, Houston ISD, Spring ISD, Spring Branch ISD, Southwest Schools and Lone Star Colleges. For 2021-22, CIS is boosting its presence in Aldine and Spring ISDs as well as adding Texas Connections Academy, a virtual learning public school.

CIS also is expanding its Mobile Mental Health Team and increasing their presence on more school campuses this fall. Whether a student is struggling with anxiety over the return to classes, recent loss, or dealing with other forms of trauma or any number of pressing issues, the CIS Mobile Mental Health Team—comprised of licensed mental health professionals—works closely with CIS student support specialists and educators at select schools to provide intensive mental health support to those students who need it most.

“As students return to campuses and the demand for additional CIS mental health support continues to increase, we will do whatever it takes to identify and provide—at a moment’s notice—needed support to students who may be struggling through issues on their own,” CIS of Houston CEO Lisa Descant said. 

CIS is a 501c3 nonprofit that has consistently earned the 4-star fiscal responsibility distinction from Charity Navigator and is funded, in part, by generous donations.  CIS’ student mental health initiative expansion is made possible, in part, with funding from The Brown Foundation, Inc., John S. Dunn Foundation, Harris County Children’s Safety Fund, Harris County Hospital District Foundation’s Children’s Health Fund and the Texas Legislature.

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HOUSTON CHRONICLE: Nonprofit expands mental health services for area students