Connect students to mental telehealth care through your school.

TCHATT supports students and their families by providing access to licensed mental health clinicians through secure telehealth services delivered in coordination with their schools

Timely mental health support in a trusted location
Training opportunities for school staff
Vetted referrals and resources for families
All evidence-based and at no cost

Key Benefits

Referring students to TCHATT provides them with timely access to licensed mental health clinicians and care in the school setting.

Free, focused, and timely mental health services for students (no insurance required)
Virtual care delivered through school-based referrals
Focused support that helps students miss fewer classes
All evidence-based and at no cost

TCHATT operates within a statewide network of experts from 12 health-related institutions (HRIs) across Texas who are building capacity, developing best practices, and training the next generation of clinicians.

Contact the TCHATT team in your region.

Find your TCHATT health-related institution

Enter your zip code or city name to find your TCHATT health-related institution.

When to Refer a Student

School staff can refer a student for a range of mental or behavioral health concerns, including:

Changes in mood or behavior

such as outbursts, isolation, or declining school performance.

Anxiety or high stress

including social anxiety or sleep difficulties.

Challenging relationships

at school or home.

Thoughts of suicide or self-injury

(TCHATT is not for active crises.)

1

Identify a student who needs mental health support.

2

Begin the referral process

Notify the student’s school counselor/designated TCHATT liaison.

3

School liaison obtains parent/guardian consent

to submit the referral and collects basic referral information.

4

School liaison submits referral

via TCHATT portal.

5

Licensed TCHATT clinician provides

a virtual assessment with student and family.

6

Licensed TCHATT clinician provides a virtual

assessment with student and family.

7

Possible services:

Student has focused, virtual sessions with TCHATT clinician.
TCHATT may connect the family to additional community services if needed.

8

Important Program Basics

Sessions must take place in a quiet, private space with internet access.
A parent or guardian must participate in the initial assessment.
TCHATT is not a crisis service. Students with active self‑harm plans or attempts require immediate attention through the school’s crisis response protocol.

Committee Composition and Role

In its mandate from the Texas Legislature, the Consortium and its Executive Committee are structured to include:

Who Can Access TCHATT

Any public school in Texas can have TCHATT on its campus once a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is in place with the school district.

On the map above, you can see if your school or school district is enrolled or soon to be enrolled. The definitions below are designed to help you navigate the map.

How to read the map:

Active - TCHATT services are currently available at the school.
Onboarding - The school has signed an MOU and is preparing to launch services.
Pending - A draft MOU has been sent to the school district and is awaiting signature.
Planned - The school is scheduled to receive TCHATT services, but an MOU has not yet been initiated.
Inactive - The school previously participated in TCHATT but no longer receives services.
Declined / Unresponsive - The school or district has declined services or has not responded to outreach.

School districts that wish to change their TCHATT status should contact their local team or email us at: tcmhcc@utsystem.edu.

Why TCHATT?

Students with mental health care often do better in school, have more self-confidence, and learn to handle stress, anxiety, tough feelings, and other challenges.
We provide timely access to licensed mental health clinicians in the school setting, allowing students to receive care without leaving campus.
TCHATT supports early identification and intervention.
The virtual format reduces barriers for families who may struggle to find or travel to mental health services.
Anchored in regional health-related institutions (HRIs) across the state, TCHATT strengthens the system of care for children and adolescents across Texas.

Resources for School Counselors and School Staff

Program Materials for Schools, Students, & Families

Explore TCHATT program flyers & information for school counselors and liaisons, adolescents and parents/guardians.

Clinical Resources

Program Consent Forms

Access a sample TCHATT services consent form.

Download Sample Form

Our Key Collaborators

TCHATT is grateful for our collaboration with the Texas Education Agency, Education Service Centers across the state, and local collaborators including school districts working to change the system of mental health care in Texas with us.

Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT)