School Mental Health Centers (SMHCs) are school-based therapy programs that operate in 17 campuses throughout Central Texas. A collaboration between Seton Healthcare Family, AISD Comprehensive Health Services, Austin Travis County Integral Care and Vida Clinic, SMHCs offer accessible, person-centered, culturally-inclusive, confidential, evidence-based mental health services and assessment to children and their families.
Each School Mental Health Center is staffed with at least one full-time licensed therapist. With parental consent, all students are welcome to utilize the services offered through the SMHCs. Therapy sessions or related support are conveniently held at the student’s school, and just like a therapist’s office in the community, SMHC services are billed to a student’s insurance. In the event that a child or family is uninsured, accommodations can be made. The school-based therapy program is open and accessible to all students. No family will be turned away due to an inability to pay.
Services Provided
SMHCs offer the following services:
- Clinical assessment
- Ongoing individual therapy
- Family counseling
- Access to psychiatry
- Crisis support
- Consultation and collaboration with school staff and community providers
Although therapists typically work during normal business hours, they do have some flexibility to accommodate parent schedules. SMHCs are open year-round, including the spring, summer and winter breaks.
Arranging for Services
If you’d like to coordinate mental health service or support for your son or daughter, you can talk with your child’s counselor, school nurse or administrator for a therapist referral. You will be provided with a SMHC intake application, which you’ll need to complete. You can also contact the SMHC therapist at your child’s school for more information.
SMHC Locations & Providers
Austin High School
Susan Thomas, LPC
512-841-1960
Bedicheck Middle School
Sergio Barrios, LCSW*
512-414-3809
Burnet Middle School
Stacey Metoyer, LPC
512-414-2194
Dobie Middle School
Donna Trahan, LCSW
512-841-4394
Eastside Memorial/International High School
Israel Espinoza, LPC*
512-841-5626
Fulmore Middle School
Kelly Mathabela, LCSW
512-841-4847
Garcia YMLA
Jeffery Healey, LPC*
512-841-9464
Lanier High School
Che Trillo, LCSW*
512-414-1939
LBJ/ LASA High School
Susan Palacios, LPC
512-414-7020
Martin Middle School
Kathryn Austin, LPC*
512-841-2821
McCallum High School
Karen McGarity, LPC, AT, BCAT
512-414-8058
Reagan High School
Vacancy
512-414-7664
Sadler Means YWLA
Susan Wondra, LPC
512-841-5788
Travis High School
Vacancy
512-414-3973
*Bilingual Therapist