Mental Health Resources: Community and General Resources

This page includes information and resources that may be useful in implementing a variety of mental health and student supports in communities affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Texas Suicide Prevention and Best-Practice Mental Health Resources For Schools

Organization:  The Texas Education Agency, Regional Education Service Centers and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission collaborate annually to develop the best-practice mental health resources for schools that are listed or linked on this webpage.
Description: Resources include early mental health intervention, mental health promotion and positive youth development, substance abuse prevention, substance abuse intervention, suicide prevention and resources for educator preparation programs.
Area(s): Statewide 
Eligibility & Access: N/A

For more information visit: http://www.dshs.texas.gov/mhsa/suicide/Suicide-Prevention.aspx

Community Youth Services: 2016-2017 Resource Directory for Harris County

Organization: Harris County Protective Services for Children and Adults 
Description: This directory includes several nonprofit, United Way, faith-based, and government resources available to the public and youth workers.  It is not intended to be a complete directory of all services available in the community.  
Area(s): Harris County 
Eligibility & Access: Designed for agencies serving youth and families.

For more information visit: http://hcps.harriscountytx.gov/Portals/41/Publications/CYS%20Resource%20Directory/CYS_Resource_Directory.pdf

Hurricane Housing Portal

Organization: Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs 
Description: There are several ways for displaced households to find possible housing opportunities. This database was designed for displaced households seeking affordable, reduced-rent housing options; it may include properties that observe rent and income limits and may or may not accept Section 8 Vouchers. Households are encouraged to contact each property for vacancy and income eligibility information, and to apply for occupancy.
Area(s): Statewide
Eligibility & Access: Varies by authority.

For more information visit: http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/disaster-resources 

Hurricane Harvey Resources for Texas Schools

Organization: Texas State University, Texas School Safety Center
Description: This resource provides a list of trusted organizations and timely resources to assist schools and communities during this difficult phase and to help districts, school personnel, and students begin the recovery process.
Area(s): Statewide
Eligibility & Access: N/A

For more information visit: https://txssc.txstate.edu/topics/emergency-management/articles/hurricane-harvey

MMHPI Strategies and Tips for Teachers, Parents, and Caregivers

Organization: Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI)
Description: The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI) has developed the following documents with strategies and tips that teachers, parents and caregivers can use to support children in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

• Tips for Teachers to Help Children Cope with Hurricane/Tropical Storm Harvey: (PDF 72 KB) This document lists strategies for teachers to support students in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. 
• How Parents and Caregivers Can Help Children Cope After a Natural Disaster Such as Hurricane/Tropical Storm Harvey. (PDF 106 KB) This document provides information for parents and caregivers. It describes how children respond to natural disasters such as Hurricane/Tropical Storm Harvey. 
• Tips for Parents and Caregivers to Help Children Cope with Hurricane/Tropical Storm Harvey (PDF 116 KB)This document is for parents and caregivers. It lists important tips on how to effectively support their children in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. 

Area(s): Statewide 
Eligibility & Access: N/A

Top 10 Considerations for Mental Health Professionals Working in Schools After a Disaster

Organization: Terrorism and Disaster Coalition for Child and Family Resilience, National Child Traumatic Stress Network, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center 
Description: This resource, Considerations of Mental Health Professionals (PDF 494 KB) lists recommendations for mental health professionals partnering with schools to serve children after a disaster. 
Area(s): Statewide 
Eligibility & Access: N/A

Name: Helping Children after a National Disaster - Information for Educators and Families

Organization: National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

Description: This article and printable PDF from NASP provides information for parents and teachers about actions to take immediately following a natural disaster. Issues with specific disasters and possible reactions of children and youth at various ages are also outlined.

Area(s): Statewide

Eligibility & Access: N/A

Contact / Link: http://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources/school-safety-and-crisis/natural-disaster

Helping Children after Natural Disasters 

Organization: Colorín Colorado

Description: Colorín Colorado is a bilingual site for educators and families of English Language Learners based in Washington, D.C. that has specific, updated resources posted to offer guidance to families and schools related to natural disasters and some posted specific to Hurricane Harvey listed under Featured Resources.

Area(s): Statewide

Eligibility & Access: N/A

Contact / Link: http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/helping-children-after-natural-disaster

Helping Kids Cope with National Disasters 

Organization: National Wildlife Federation

Description: This is a website from the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) based out of Virginia. They provide resources for educators about all subjects connected to the environment; they have a section focusing on how to help kids cope with national disasters.

Area(s): Statewide

Eligibility & Access: N/A

Contact / Link: http://www.nwf.org/Eco-Schools-USA/Become-an-Eco-School/Hurricane-Sandy/Helping-Kids-Cope.aspx

Center for School Behavioral Health Disaster Relief Resources 

Organization: Mental Health America of Greater Houston

Description: MHA has compiled resources that offer Houston treatment options, hurricane/flood specific documents and general disaster supports for children (including Spanish versions).

Area(s): Greater Houston Area

Eligibility & Access: Varies

Contact / Link: http://mhahouston.org/disaster-relief-resources

Natural Disasters: Brief Facts and Tips 

Organization: National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

Description: This link also features a printable PDF (available in Spanish) from the NASP.

Area(s): Statewide

Eligibility & Access: N/A

Contact / Link: https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources/school-safety-and-crisis/natural-disaster/natural-disasters-brief-facts-and-tips