TAMIU Community Mental Health Grant Helping Students Get Needed Care
A Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) Mental Health Grant is helping students get mental health services through a collaborative service program delivered by its Student Counseling Services, Border Region Behavioral Health Center, and Serving Children and Adults in Need (SCAN).
The $1.1 million Grant was awarded in 2020 by Texas’ Health and Human Services Commission’s Community Mental Health Grant Program supporting mental health services and projects.
Dr. Marivic Torregosa, Dean of the TAMIU College of Nursing and Health Sciences, directs the program and said a range of services are provided to students, including virtual services.
“The Grant aims to provide increased access to evidence-based mental health and substance use services to TAMIU students. This Grant funding is timely given the stress COVID-19 has brought upon our students and members of the TAMIU community. Evidence-based interventions on effective coping and substance use prevention delivered virtually are important as we adjust to the new normal way of living.
“In an age of social distancing and face-coverings, our students can access mental health services through the comfort of their home, cell phone, or computer from licensed professional counselors. I am proud to note that to date we’ve enrolled 213+ students in interventions funded by the Grant,” Dr. Torregosa said.
TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz said support for the program helps affirm the University’s commitment to students and their well-being.
“We were honored to lead this collaborative effort that will help so many. As I say often, truly great universities always provide students with the innovative support and resources they need to be well and to succeed. This Grant is such an effort and measurably benefits students’ lives. We continue to commend Dr. Marivic Torregosa and her Grant partners on their commitment to this collaboration,” Dr. Arenaz said.
Torregosa explained that the Grant works with on-campus Student Counseling to determine services needed, elevating to additional Grant partners as needed.
“For example, Student Counseling’s licensed counselors can teach participants mindfulness and effective ways of handling stress. If additional interventions are needed, we are partnered with SCAN’s licensed counselors and, for advanced care needs, with the Border Regional Behavioral Health Center. All interventions are case managed,” she explained.
The TAMIU Grant is one of 53 statewide entities receiving $45 million in funds appropriated by the 86th Legislature in 2019 to continue the Community Mental Health Grant Program.
For additional information, contact Roxanne Mejia, Grant Program manager, at roxanna.mejia@tamiu.edu, or call 956.326.3276.
More information on accessing behavioral health services in Texas is available at https://mentalhealthtx.org. Texas residents can dial 2-1-1 to learn about programs and services.
