In Eastern Williamson County, students and families are fortunate to have access to free, professional mental health services that are more than just supportive, they’re transformative. Since 2007, My Community Catalyst (formerly Interagency Support Council of Eastern Williamson County) has partnered with Impact Counseling Services to ensure that comprehensive mental health care is available to school communities in Hutto, Taylor, Granger, Bartlett, Jarrell, and Thrall. As of April 2024, Impact Counseling has provided approximately 6,500 service encounters this school year alone, reaching over 600 individuals in East Williamson County.
Comprehensive, Accessible Mental Health Support
Impact Counseling Services offers a team of certified social workers, counselors, a family therapist, a parent coach/family liaison, and a mental health nurse practitioner, all dedicated to supporting the unique needs of students, families, and staff. These services, provided free of charge, include counseling, family therapy, and psychiatric services delivered by Mental Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner Kendall Altaffer of Balcones Psychiatry and Mental Health. This collaborative approach ensures that students not only receive therapy and guidance but also gain access to advanced psychiatric care when needed.
Community Collaboration for Mental Health
For rural communities, accessibility to mental health services is often a barrier. However, through collaboration with My Community Catalyst (formerly Interagency Support Council of Eastern Williamson County), Impact Counseling Services brings these resources directly to schools, removing barriers and reducing stigma by normalizing mental health care within a familiar setting. Local school districts contribute by covering a portion of program costs and providing essential in-kind accommodations for school-based mental health professionals. This funding is supplemented by federal, foundation, and local grants, making these critical services sustainable.
The Benefits of School-Based Mental Health Services
- Early Intervention and Proactive Support
Early intervention is vital in helping young people address challenges before they escalate. With a team of accessible mental health professionals in place, students can receive the help they need when they need it most, reducing the long-term impacts of untreated mental health issues. - Reducing Stigma
Embedding mental health services within schools sends a powerful message: mental health care is essential, and seeking help is a positive step. This visibility breaks down stigma, creating a supportive environment where students, families, and staff alike feel comfortable reaching out for assistance. - Holistic Family Support
Beyond individual counseling, Impact Counseling Services includes a family therapist and a parent coach/family liaison, offering support that extends beyond the student. When families receive guidance on navigating challenges together, the benefits of mental health care become even more impactful, creating resilient families who can face life’s challenges as a unit. - Building Resilience and Success
Mental health services are directly linked to students’ academic success and social development. By providing coping tools, emotional support, and self-regulation strategies, Impact Counseling Services enables students to thrive academically and personally. - Addressing a Spectrum of Needs
The involvement of Kendall Altaffer, Mental Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner, further expands Impact Counseling Services’ reach, offering psychiatric services as needed. This comprehensive care model ensures that students with diverse needs have access to appropriate and specialized support.
Ensuring a Brighter Future for Eastern Williamson County
With the dedicated support of My Community Catalyst (formerly Interagency Support Council of Eastern Williamson County) and Impact Counseling Services, our community is not only addressing mental health needs but building a culture of resilience, awareness, and compassion. These services are a critical investment in the future of Eastern Williamson County, fostering a generation of young people who are equipped to face challenges and find success in their lives.
By maintaining this commitment to accessible, high-quality mental health support, we’re not only helping individuals but strengthening the fabric of our entire community. Every service encounter, every counseling session, and every family meeting brings us closer to a community where well-being is a shared priority.
Together, let’s continue to support, sustain, and expand these invaluable resources for the youth, families, and staff who make Eastern Williamson County such a vibrant place to live, learn, and grow.
