Community Impact reports that, according to a May 7th presentation from system leaders, the Lone Star College System has implemented new and expanded mental health and wellness programs for students and employees. There’s a plan to get the next services underway in stages over the next few months.
During the May 7th LSCS trustees meeting, according to a presentation from LSCS Chief Financial Officer and Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Kristy Vienne, in March, the system’s
LSCS mental health services were instituted, expanded or brought in-house for a soft launch of the programming. During the soft launch’s time frame, walk-in and scheduled appointments were introduced to students.
According to Ms. Vienne’s presentation, at present mental health services offered in-person and virtually by LSCS are:
–Individual counseling on a short term basis
–Counseling for groups
–Counseling for careers–Students, staff, parents and families consultations
–Referrals and Resources
Services offered only on an in-person basis, include:
–Intervention in a crisis
–Assessments and diagnoses
LSCS’ mental health programming changes, according to Vienne, are “budget-neutral.” LSCS employees will be offering more services, but third-party professionals will still take on some services, like offering long-term therapy.
According to the presentation, the soft-launched mental health programs will become fully operational in June, with additional services being implemented in August and in the fall.
Expanded services implemented in June include:
–Service hours of 8 AM to 5 PM
–More campus presence to cause an increase in awareness of services
In the May 7th presentation, LSCS Chancellor Mario Castillo said dating from the fall of 2024 to spring of 2026, LSCS got 7,898 requests from 5,106 students for mental health and wellness help.
