Lone Star College System has been launching new and expanded mental health and wellness programs for students and employees, with the next services slated to roll out in stages over the next few months, according to a May 7 presentation from system leaders.
Major takeaways
In March, LSCS mental health services were instituted, expanded or brought in-house for a soft launch of the programming, according to a presentation from Kristy Vienne—LSCS chief financial officer and vice chancellor for finance and administration—during LSCS trustees’ May 7 meeting. Walk-in and scheduled appointments were introduced for students during the soft launch period.
According to the presentation, current mental health services offered in-person and virtually by LSCS are:
- Short-term individual counseling
- Group counseling
- Career counseling
- Consultations for students, staff, parents and families
- Resources and referrals
Mental health services offered only in-person are:
- Crisis intervention
- Diagnoses and assessments
LSCS’ mental health programming changes are “budget-neutral,” Vienne said. More services will be offered by LSCS employees, but third-party professionals will still be utilized for some services, such as providing long-term therapy, she added.
A sneak peek
In June, the soft-launched mental health programs will become fully operational, with more services rolling out in August and in the fall, according to the presentation. The June launch will expand services by implementing:
- 8 a.m.-5 p.m. service hours
- More walk-in availability
- Higher campus presence to increase awareness of services
In August, new mental health services will be debuted, including:
- Telepsychiatry services
- A crisis phone line for 24/7 help
In the fall, additional services will include:
- Financial wellness help
- Student legal services
On May 7, LSCS Chancellor Mario Castillo said some services are designed to help the underlying causes of students’ stress and mental health distress.
“You can’t just manage a mental health episode or a mental health incident, and then wish people well. … If you’re getting evicted, for example, and that’s what’s creating the stress, then we need to help you with that eviction, and that’s the point of the student legal services,” Castillo said. “If you are in financial disarray, or you’re having financial struggles, that’s the point of financial wellness [help].”
The impact
From the fall of 2024 to the spring of 2026, LSCS received 7,898 requests for help from 5,106 students for various mental health and wellness resources, according to the presentation. Top areas in which resources were desired included:
- Finances
- Food
- Housing
- Technology
By 2030, LSCS leaders are hoping to see 65% of students, not including dual-credit high school students, using mental health and wellness support services, according to the presentation.