LSC Rolls Out New Mental Health Programs

**Lone Star College Launches Major Mental Health Initiative Under New Leadership**

**HOUSTON, TX –** Lone Star College (LSC) is significantly expanding its mental health services across its sprawling North Houston system, spearheaded by its new Chief Mental Health Officer, Shantha Stokes. Stokes, who took on the pivotal role in January 2024, is overseeing a comprehensive suite of programs designed to destigmatize mental health challenges and enhance student well-being for over 80,000 students across seven campuses and ten centers.

Operating from her office at the University Park campus, Stokes is leading efforts that rolled out two cornerstone programs in Fall 2024. The first is **Therapy Assistance Online (TAO)**, a free, confidential, self-guided digital mental health platform. Available 24/7, TAO provides students with access to a wide array of therapeutic modules, mindfulness exercises, and psychoeducational content aimed at addressing common mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and stress.

“In today’s fast-paced world, students need flexible, accessible resources that fit their schedules,” said Stokes. “TAO offers an immediate, private pathway for students to engage with mental health tools at their own pace, whenever and wherever they need support.”

Concurrently, LSC launched a robust **Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)** training program for faculty and staff. This initiative equips employees with crucial skills to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and substance use disorders, and to respond effectively in crisis situations. The ambitious goal is to train 1,000 LSC employees in MHFA by the end of 2025. Initial trainings for this vital program have been made possible through a state grant, underscoring Texas’s commitment to student well-being in higher education.

“Our faculty and staff are often the first point of contact for students,” Stokes explained. “By empowering them with Mental Health First Aid skills, we’re building a network of support that can identify concerns early, connect students to help, and ultimately create a more compassionate and responsive campus environment.”

Further enhancing its mental health infrastructure, Lone Star College also introduced **peer-to-peer programming** this past fall. These student-led initiatives aim to foster supportive networks, encourage open dialogue about mental health, and reduce stigma by demonstrating that students are not alone in their experiences. The college also established an **annual mental health symposium**, with its inaugural event held in Fall 2024. This symposium brought together experts, students, and community partners to share insights, resources, and best practices in mental health care.

Looking ahead, LSC plans to expand its **telehealth partnerships**, a move expected to significantly broaden access to professional therapy and counseling services for students, particularly those in remote areas or with challenging schedules.

These comprehensive initiatives come at a time when college students nationwide are reporting increasing levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Lone Star College’s proactive approach is designed to meet these evolving needs, focusing on accessibility, early intervention, and a culture of support.

“Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every student at Lone Star College knows that their mental health is paramount to their academic success and overall well-being,” Stokes affirmed. “We are building a system where seeking help is not just accepted, but encouraged, and where resources are readily available to help them thrive.”

Students seeking more information about mental health services at Lone Star College can visit [Lone Star College Mental Health Services Website] or contact their campus student services office.