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Mental Health Resources

UT Tyler University Academy believes that mental health is an important component of a person and student’s general well-being. Here are some important resources:

Emergency Resources:

Immediate Emergency: 

  • 911 - For immediate life-threatening emergencies
  • 988 - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (24/7)


National Crisis Hotlines: 

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • Crisis Text Line: Text 988
  • SAMHSA's National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
  • Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (Press 1)
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233


Local Crisis Line/Website: 

  • Andrews Center Hotline: 877-934-2131
  • East Texas Crisis Center Hotline: 800-333-0358
  • SAFE-T-Crisis Center: 903-575-9999
  • Cherokee County Crisis: 903-723-5858
  • 903help.org


Suicide Awareness

Suicide is death caused by self-directed injurious behavior with an intent to die as a result of the behavior. It is the 10th-leading cause of death in the United States and the second-leading cause of death for ages 10-24. More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza and chronic lung disease combined. 

Teen Suicide Prevention

 

Suicide Awareness Information

Warning Signs
Risk Factors
Know the Facts
What to Do
Warning Signs

Observable behaviors that may signal increased risk in the short term (minutes, hours, days). Warning signs may be seen as a “cry for help” or “opportunity to intervene” and require direct questions about thoughts.

  • Threat or desire to hurt or kill oneself
  • Suicide notes and plans
  • Hopelessness, sadness, helplessness
  • Rage, uncontrolled anger, revenge seeking
  • Withdrawing from friends, family, society
  • Anxiety, sleep disturbance
  • Dramatic mood changes
  • Acting reckless or engaging in risky behavior
  • Making final arrangements (giving away possessions, texting or posting plans)
Risk Factors

Observable behaviors that may signal increased risk in the long term (months, years, lifetime). Alone, these factors are not signs of suicidal thinking but do signal the need for additional support.

  • Difficult or stressful life events (loss, negative relationships, gender identity issues, getting in trouble at work or school)
  • History of depression, substance or alcohol misuse/abuse
  • History of suicide in the family or close friend
  • History of mental illness in the family
  • Access to means (medication, firearms, knives, etc.)
  • Exposure to suicide of peer
Know the Facts
  • Myth: Talking about suicide or asking someone if they are thinking about suicide will put the idea in their head and cause them to act on it.
    • Fact: Talking or asking about suicide does not plant the idea. In fact, asking someone if they are suicidal can actually help by giving them an opportunity to open up and share. Asking can help alleviate pain and isolation. It can begin the journey to help the person be open to solutions.
  • Myth: Most suicides happen without any warning signs.
    • Fact: There are almost always warning signs, but awareness helps us know what to look for and how to recognize those warning signs. Most people who die by suicide have communicated intent beforehand.
  • Myth: Someone who makes a suicidal threat is just looking for attention.
    • Fact: Individuals who talk about suicide or express thoughts about wanting to die are at risk and need attention. All threats should be taken seriously. A “cry for help” is that—please be a lifeline and help.
  • Myth: Talk therapy and/or medications don’t help a suicidal individual.
    • Fact: Finding the best treatment can take time, but the right treatment can greatly reduce the risk of suicide. Treatment for mental illness like anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse is one of the best ways to prevent suicide.
What to Do

Remain calm and rational. People of all ages, races, faiths, cultures and income levels who are depressed or have trouble coping with feelings may consider suicide if they don't have other coping skills. People who are popular, well-connected and even those who are less well-off die by suicide. It is important to know that suicidal behavior knows no boundaries. Listen without judgment. If you hear something concerning, ask for more information by saying, "Tell me more." You can also say:

  • "I'm sorry."
  • "I didn't know you were hurting so much."
  • "I never thought we would be talking about suicide. It's a topic I've never really understood or been comfortable with."
  • "We are going to get help."
  • "Thank you for sharing."
  • "I love you and cannot imagine my life without you."
  • "Trust that you are going to be OK."
  • "I will make sure you get the help you need."
  • "Please let me know what you need and how you feel."
  • "I will do my part to make sure we are all healthy again."
  • "We can get through anything together."
  • "You are not alone."
  • "Please keep sharing how you feel."
  • "You are brave and capable. You will get the help you need to be even stronger."


Steps to follow if you're concerned:

  • LISTEN non-judgmentally and ask open-ended questions
  • TELL them you are concerned and want to help
  • Stay with the individual until help arrives
  • Contact counselor, intervention specialist, LPC, LSSP, administrator
  • Contact an administrator, student support services personnel or crisis hotline (988) after hours
  • Call 911 if the threat is imminent

 

Suicide Awareness Resources

Hotline Numbers:
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
  • Teen Suicide Hotline: 1-866-628-7494

Local Crisis Line/Website: 
  • Andrews Center Hotline: 877-934-2131
  • East Texas Crisis Center Hotline: 800-333-0358
  • Cherokee County Crisis: 903-723-5858
  • 903help.org

Emergency Rooms Tyler: 
  • UT Health Tyler, 1000 S. Beckham Ave. Tyler, TX 7570, 903-597-0351
  • UT Health North Tyler, 11937 US Hwy 271 Tyler, TX 75708, 903-877-7000
  • Christus Mother Frances, 8389 S Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX 75703, 903-606-6500
  • Christus Mother Frances, 800 E Dawson St, Tyler, TX 75702, 903-593-8441
Emergency Rooms Longview: 
  • Christus Good Shepherd, 323 E Hawkins Pkwy, Longview, TX 75605, 903-544-6700
  • Christus Good Shepherd, 700 E Marshall Ave, Longview, TX 75601, 903-315-2000
  • Longview Regional, 2901 Fourth St, Longview, TX 75605, 903-232-3670
Emergency Room Palestine: 
  •  Christus Palestine, 3201 TX-256 Loop, Palestine, TX 75801, 469-282-2000
  • Palestine Regional, 2900 TX-256 Loop, Palestine, TX 75801, 903-731-1000

 

University Academy Contacts:

Keren Acuña LPC-S, RPT-S 
Mental Health Coordinator and Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S)
kacuna@uttyler.edu

Dimas Rodriguez LPC-Associate
School-Based Mental Health Counselor
dimasrodriguez@uttyler.edu 

Katie Bouis LPC-Associate
School-Based Mental Health Counselor
kbouis@uttyler.edu

Counseling Records Request

UT Tyler University Academy is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of student mental health records while ensuring that parents and guardians have appropriate access to information about their children. Our licensed counselors maintain counseling records in accordance with state and federal laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

As a parent or legal guardian of a student receiving mental health counseling services in our district, you have the right to:

  • Request access to your child's mental health counseling records
  • Receive a copy of mental health records within 15 business days of submitting a written request
  • Be informed of the confidentiality protections that apply to mental health records
  • Receive written notice if access to records is denied for clinical reasons

Step 1: Complete the Authorization Form
Download and complete the Authorization to Release Mental Health Records form. This form is available:

  • At your child's school counseling office
  • At the district administrative office
  • By calling or emailing to request a copy at: counseling@uttia.org 


Step 2: Submit the Completed Form
Submit your completed and signed authorization form to:

UT Tyler University Academy Attn: Mental Health Records Email: counseling@uttia.org or deliver in person to your child's campus counseling office.

Step 3: Receive Your Records
Records will be provided within 15 business days as required by Texas Health and Safety Code §611.008. You will be contacted regarding:

  • When and where to pick up records
  • Any concerns or questions about the request

Mental health counseling records may include:

  • Initial intake information
  • Treatment plans and goals
  • Progress notes and case notes
  • Dates and duration of counseling sessions
  • Crisis intervention documentation
  • Consultation notes with parents, teachers, or other professionals

Mental health records are protected by:

  • Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 611 (Mental Health Records) - Provides confidentiality protections for mental health communications and records
  • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) - Protects the privacy of student education records
  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) - May apply in certain circumstances 

 Under Texas Health and Safety Code §611.0045, a licensed mental health professional may deny a parent's request to access records if the professional determines that disclosure would be harmful to the student's physical, mental, or emotional health. If access is denied:

  • You will receive written notification explaining the reason for denial
  • You have the right to petition the district court for review of the denial
  • You may request that records be provided to another licensed mental health professional of your choosing

The district may charge a reasonable fee for:

  • Copying records (cost per page)
  • Retrieval costs in limited circumstances

You will be notified of any fees before records are released. The district cannot withhold records due to unpaid fees for services but may require payment of copying and mailing fees before release.

Mental health professionals are required by law to break confidentiality and disclose information without parental consent when:

  • There is a reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect
  • The student presents an imminent danger to themselves or others
  • Disclosure is required by court order or subpoena
  • Other circumstances required by law

If you have questions about mental health counseling services, record access procedures, or confidentiality protections, please contact the Counseling staff at University Academy at counseling@uttia.org or contact your child's school counselor directly.

This section provides general information about mental health records request procedures. For specific legal advice, please consult an attorney. The district reserves the right to update these procedures as required by changes in state or federal law.

Bullying

UT Tyler University Academy aims to provide a learning environment free from bullying. The district utilizes the STOPit app, a reporting tool that allows students, parents, teachers, and others an anonymous safe way to report inappropriate behaviors, communicate concerns with administrators, and document all incidents. Users can communicate anonymously with school administrators through the STOPit Messenger feature. Learn more about UTTUA's Bullying Plan and the STOPit app.

More Information

Coping
Crisis Response
Grief and Loss