East Austin Schools Get $4.5M For Mental Health Services

EAST AUSTIN, TX — Twenty-two elementary schools in East Austin will have new access to mental health services as the district was given $4.5 million to open mental health centers starting next semester, according to reports.

The Statesman reported 18 middle and high schools currently have mental health centers. The program, which includes giving kids access to mental health services, also provides funds for identifying victims, social services and teacher development. Two staff members will be assigned to each of the 22 elementary schools.

Gov. Greg Abbott approved the funds, which are part of a one-year pilot program in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the programs funded. “This grant will help ensure that these young students’ lives are not defined by the crimes they have experienced but with the right help move on to be happy and productive,” Abbott said in a news release.

All of the 22 schools the district has chosen feed into Akins, Lanier and LBJ high schools, the Statesman reported, because those schools are in need. A 2012 study by the Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas and children's Optimal Health found those schools to have high rates of child abuse and neglect. These areas experience high crime and have poor transportation and social services.

“By providing mental health services on campus, we are able to identify, support, and efficiently provide clinical treatment for our students experiencing a variety of mental health issues,” Tracy Spinner, assistant director of comprehensive health services for the district, said, according to the Statesman.

Vida Clinic was given the contract. They have operated in Bowie, Anderson and Crockett high schools, the Statesman reported.

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