LSC Strengthens Mental Health for Students & Staff

HOUSTON, TX – Lone Star College is significantly expanding its mental health support system for its vast student body and thousands of employees across Harris and Montgomery counties, driven by a new strategic vision under Chief Mental Health Officer Shantha Stokes. Appointed in December 2023, Stokes is spearheading a series of new programs and staff enhancements designed to improve access to care, foster proactive well-being, and dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health challenges.

With a student population exceeding 80,000 and a workforce of over 7,000, LSC’s initiative addresses a critical need prevalent in higher education nationwide. “Our goal is to create a culture where seeking mental health support is as normalized and accessible as getting a physical check-up,” Stokes stated. “We’re moving beyond reactive crisis intervention to build a comprehensive system of early support and prevention that empowers our entire community.”

A cornerstone of this expansion arrived in Spring 2024 with the launch of **Therapy Assistance Online (TAO)**. This platform offers free, 24/7 access to self-guided modules focusing on mental health and well-being. Available to every student, faculty member, and staff across all LSC campuses – including LSC-North Harris, LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-Tomball, and LSC-University Park – TAO provides confidential, evidence-based tools for managing stress, anxiety, depression, and other common concerns.

Alongside TAO, LSC also introduced **Kognito** in Spring 2024. This innovative online simulation training program is initially equipping faculty and staff with crucial skills to recognize signs of psychological distress in students and engage in supportive, empathetic conversations. A student-focused version of Kognito is slated for future implementation, further extending its reach.

Looking ahead, an in-person **Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)** training program is scheduled to launch later in 2024. This vital initiative will train faculty, staff, and students to identify, understand, and appropriately respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders, providing an immediate layer of support within the college community.

Beyond digital tools and training, Lone Star College is significantly bolstering its professional counseling staff. The college is actively adding more licensed professional counselors (LPCs) across its various campuses, enhancing the robust telehealth services already available to all students. These virtual counseling options ensure flexible and confidential access to professional mental health care.

Stokes emphasizes a proactive approach through community engagement. The college is expanding outreach events such as “Chill & Chat” sessions, designed to create informal spaces for discussion and connection, and “Walk with a Doc” programs, promoting physical activity alongside mental well-being discussions.

“These initiatives reflect Lone Star College’s deep commitment to the holistic success of our students and the well-being of our dedicated staff,” said Dr. Mario K. Castillo, Chancellor of Lone Star College. “By investing in these critical resources, we are building a more resilient, supportive, and compassionate educational environment for everyone.”

For more information on mental health resources available at Lone Star College, students and staff are encouraged to visit the official LSC website or contact their campus student services office.