Texas is making strides to improve mental health care access for children through the Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT) program, a state-funded initiative launched in 2019.
Mental health challenges among children and teenagers have been rising steadily over the past decade, with increasing rates of anxiety, depression, suicide, and substance use. Experts say these issues were already a growing concern before the COVID-19 pandemic, which only intensified the crisis by increasing isolation, stress, and uncertainty for young people.
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Licensed psychologist and assistant professor at UTMB, Kim Gushanas, explained that the program aims to reach as many children and adolescents as possible by partnering with school districts across the state.
“Any student in a school system in Texas has access to it, any school district has the ability to sign up for it,” Gushanas said.
TCHATT connects students in participating school districts with pediatric psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists via telemedicine. The program offers assessments, consultations, and therapy sessions designed to address a wide range of mental health issues—from test anxiety and peer challenges to trauma and abuse.
Despite growing awareness, many families remain unaware of TCHATT’s availability. However, word of mouth has helped spread knowledge of the program throughout the Gulf Coast region, which includes Houston.
The program is especially valuable for busy families and working parents, as it allows students to receive care without leaving school or home. Parents must consent to services and often participate in therapy sessions, particularly for younger children.
TCHATT also helps relieve the burden on school counselors, who are often overwhelmed and may not have the training to provide specialized mental health care. The program provides schools with iPads and trains staff to facilitate virtual appointments, ensuring students in rural or underserved areas can access services despite internet connectivity challenges.
Currently, 155 school districts in Southeast Texas participate in TCHATT, serving over 1 million students. Parents interested in learning whether their child’s school is enrolled can visit the TCHATT website or speak with their school counselor.
Mental health experts emphasize that the need for programs like TCHATT existed well before the COVID-19 pandemic, with rising trends in youth mental health crises, suicide rates, and substance use. The pandemic only underscored the urgency of expanding access to care.
For more information about the TCHATT program and participating school districts, visit https://tcmhcc.utsystem.edu/tchatt/.
