As Mental Health Awareness Month shines a national spotlight on emotional well-being this May, Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS) stands at the forefront of advocacy and action — ensuring that the mental health needs of Houston-area students are met with compassion, professionalism, and critical resources.

Aligning with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and this year’s national campaign theme, “In Every Story, There’s Strength,” CIS is harnessing the power of personal narratives to raise awareness, break stigma, and highlight the critical importance of mental health in schools. Through school-based services and innovative community partnerships, CIS has become a lifeline for thousands of students navigating mental health challenges across the Greater Houston area.

 Sandra Chirino Morfin with student Angel at Spring Branch Middle School
 

 

A Trusted Leader in School-Based Mental Health Services

For over four decades, CIS of Houston has been dedicated to creating safe, supportive, and nurturing school environments where every student — regardless of their circumstances — has the tools to thrive academically and emotionally. Thirteen years ago, CIS formally established its Mental Health Initiative (MHI), an ambitious program designed to meet the growing emotional and behavioral health needs of students in real-time.

Today, CIS proudly serves 135 campuses across five Houston-area school districts, three charter systems, and the Lone Star College System, deploying full-time Student Support Specialists on each campus. These specialists provide direct support to students and families — offering counseling services, connecting them to vital resources, and addressing basic needs — while also working to cultivate a campus culture that prioritizes mental well-being.

 People doing yoga in Stratford.
 

The Rising Demand for Mental Health Care in Schools

The need for student mental health services has never been more urgent. According to Shubhra Endley, LCSW-S, Director of Mental Health & Wellness at CIS of Houston, students are facing mounting pressures on multiple fronts — from the lingering effects of adverse childhood experiences and academic stress to cyberbullying and pandemic-related trauma.

"Mental health challenges among students are rising in Harris County, across Texas, and nationwide," Endley shared. "Our mission is to bridge those gaps in support, helping students develop tools for resilience and hope."

During the 2023–2024 school year alone, CIS’s licensed mental health professionals provided care to 7,569 students across 100 campuses, with an additional 642 students served through trusted mental health partner organizations. In total, over 25,000 hours of mental health support were delivered, underscoring CIS’s commitment to ensuring no student faces emotional challenges alone.

Addressing the Mental Health Crisis in Texas Schools

The significance of CIS’s work is amplified by sobering statistics from the 2023 Children at Risk "Growing Up in Houston" report, which reveals that Texas leads the nation in untreated youth depression, with over 73% of young people in need going without mental health care.

Additionally, the report highlights alarming gaps in school counseling access: Harris County schools average 919 students per counselor — nearly four times higher than the recommended ratio of 250-to-1.

These disparities leave countless students without the tools or support to cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief, placing them at higher risk of absenteeism, social isolation, and academic failure. CIS’s mission is to change that trajectory by embedding mental health support directly within the educational environment.

A Multi-Layered Model of Mental Health Care

The CIS Mental Health Initiative uses a dynamic, three-tiered model that connects students to licensed care both on and off campus:

CIS Campus-Based Licensed Mental Health Professionals

CIS Licensed Mobile Mental Health Team

Collaborative partnerships with renowned local agencies, including Bo’s Place, DePelchin Children’s Center, Family Houston, Nick Finnegan Counseling Center, re:MIND, and The Council on Recovery.

This multi-pronged approach ensures that no matter the depth of a student’s need, there is a responsive and empathetic support system ready to step in.

Turning Awareness Into Action

As Mental Health Awareness Month unfolds, CIS staff across the Houston region are spearheading campus-wide activities designed to foster emotional resilience, community conversations, and greater mental health literacy for students, educators, and families alike.

"At CIS, we believe every student deserves the chance to be heard, understood, and supported," Endley emphasized. "Mental health care is not a luxury — it’s a lifeline."

Donations made during Mental Health Awareness Month directly fund CIS’s growing mental health efforts, ensuring thousands more students will have access to the care they need to succeed, both in and beyond the classroom.

To learn more about the CIS Mental Health Initiative or to make a contribution, visit www.cishouston.org/mental-health-initiative.

For general donations and volunteer opportunities, visit www.cishouston.org.