Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention
Pursuant to TEC §38.351 Section (b) and Sub-section (c-4) each school district may select programs related to this area of mental health promotion and intervention, substance abuse prevention and intervention, and suicide prevention for appropriate implementation in the district. Resources related to this area and component of school mental health help school staff recognize students at risk of suicide and intervene effectively by providing referrals or access to effective interventions to a parent or guardian as well as after an event that may increase suicide risk for students (e.g., a suicide attempt or death of a peer). Resources regarding suicide postvention are critical for school staff to know what to do following a suicide death to help students and staff cope with the loss and prevent additional tragedies that may occur.
To view resources on this component of school mental health you can visit the new Texas School Mental Health Website for the Mental and Behavioral Health Recommended Evidence-Based Programs and Research-Based Practices Repository. This repository is updated as resources are reviewed and approved.
Mental Health Best Practices and Programs List Competencies
The competencies outlined within this document serve as a foundational guide for selecting best-practices and research-based programs that meet the requirements of TEC §38.351, TEC §38.036, TEC §21.451, and TEC §21.4515. School systems may use these competencies when evaluating programs or practices not currently on the list established by TEC §38.351, ensuring that locally selected approaches are aligned with statutory requirements. By addressing multiple areas of school mental health, these competencies support a comprehensive and integrated implementation strategy.
The list of best-practice-based programs and research-based practices are not exhaustive, and approaches for fulfilling the competencies are not limited to the examples provided below. The competencies and examples below may be considered when establishing local training and implementation procedures based upon the recommendations of the SBEC Clearinghouse.
| Competency | Examples of Fulfilling Competency |
|---|---|
| Addresses suicide prevention strategies for students at risk of attempting suicide: including students who may be the victims of bullying, engage in bullying, or students displaying a possible need for early mental health or substance abuse intervention. |
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| Addresses suicide intervention strategies for students identified as at risk of suicide or displaying early warning signs for the need of early mental health or substance use interventions. |
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| Addresses suicide postvention strategies to promote the healing necessary for those affected by a death by suicide. |
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| Addresses strategies to assist students in returning to school following treatment of a mental health concern or suicide attempt. |
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Dr. LaTrenda Watson, Director of Mental and Behavioral Health
Tammy Gendke, Mental Health Program Coordinator
Ashton Millet, Project A.W.A.R.E State Coordinator