Lockhart ISD Social Workers

Starting the 2022-22 school year, Lockhart ISD has created new positions for campus-based Licensed Master Social Workers to provide free, weekly one-on-one or group therapy services to students. Alexandra Schell, LMSW, will be working with us at Clear Fork this year. Parents may contact Ms. Riedel or contact Ms. Schell directly for more information. alexandra.schell@lockhart.txed.net

Bluebonnet Trails

Offers counseling, screening/testing for disorders, crisis intervention, medication management, case management/skills training, autism program, intellectual disability program, and substance abuse help. Ask Ms. Riedel for a referral or contact BBT on your own. 

• • web: http://bbtrails.org/

  • intake line: 844-309-6385

  • 24/7 crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255

  • address: 2060 S. Colorado St., Lockhart, TX 78644

Connections Counseling Lockhart

Free individual counseling for 6 months, but counselor must meet with the family each month. Sometimes counseling sessions can be held at school. Offers “STAR” program for kids and parenting classes. Connections cannot see children with open CPS cases.

• • web: www.connectionsnonprofit.org

  • phone: 512-398-6833 ex. 250

  • crisis hotline: 800-532-8192

  • address: 1022 State Park Rd. Lockhart, TX 78644

Texas State University Assessment and Counseling Clinic

Offers counseling for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Pay what you can, or free—no one is turned away based on payment. Counseling provided each semester by Master's level counselor interns, supervised by professors. Leave a message on the phone line and someone will contact you to schedule an appointment.

• • web: https://www.txstate.edu/clas/Professional-Counseling/counseling-services/Assessment-and-Counseling-Clinic-SM.html

  • phone: 512-245-8349

  • address: Education Building, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX

Psychology Today online

Psychology Today magazine offers a searchable database of mental health professionals. Click "Find a Therapist" to search. You can narrow search results by location, accepted insurance providers, age of child, specific areas of concern (grief, anxiety, depression, etc.), and much more. 

• • web: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us

Insurance Providers

If your family is covered by medical insurance, you can go online or call or your provider and ask about "behavioral health" benefits. "Behavioral health" refers to mental health counseling/therapy. Your insurance provider may even be able to give you a list of local preferred professionals who are covered in your network. 

Association for Play Therapy

The Association for Play Therapy offers a directory of credentialed Registered Play Therapists, searchable by location and/or credential. Registered Play Therapists (RPT) have completed specific education, training, and supervision in Play Therapy. Play therapy is an evidence-based model of counseling and mental health therapy utilized with children ages 3 to 12+. 

• • web: https://www.a4pt.org/page/TherapistDirectory

Inclusive Therapists

This searchable database of therapists allows you to narrow results by location, cost, and specialties. Inclusive Therapists are "social justice-oriented professionals that strive to be: anti-discrimination, anti-oppression, anti-stigma, anti-racist & anti-ablest". Find a mental health professional that fits your unique needs. 

• https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/ 

Potential questions to ask when deciding if a therapist would be a good fit for you or your child

• What kind of approach do you use in counseling?

• How would you explain your style?

• Are you more directive (therapist-led) or indirective (client-led)?

• I’m looking for someone who __________________. (will listen, can give me direction, is hands-on, etc.)

• What kind of license do you have and what does that mean? *More on that below*

• What special training or certifications do you have and how could that help me?

• What settings have you worked in? (psychiatric hospital, treatment center, private practice, schools, etc.)

Explanation of acronyms and common terms

• LPC= Licensed Professional Counselor

  • LPC-Intern= Master’s degree complete, but still under post-graduate supervision

  • LPC-S= Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor

• LCSW= Licensed Clinical Social Worker

• LMFT= Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

  • LMFT-A= Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist-Associate- Master’s degree complete, but still under post-graduate supervision

(All of the above licenses are capable of providing psychotherapy. You can verify current licensure online here.)

• psychotherapy = counseling = therapy = mental health therapy

• Sliding scale= fees for counseling services can be adjusted based on need or income. Ask the provider if they offer sliding scale if you need financial assistance.

• CBT= Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (a theory of counseling)

• Play therapy= the therapist is trained to use toys and play in therapeutic ways that allow the child to communicate thoughts and feelings without words. 

In case of emergency, call 911

988 is the new national mental health crisis line

Hotlines

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

• • Call 24/7: 1-800-273-8255 or dial 988

  • Chat online: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/

Bluebonnet Trails Caldwell County Crisis Hotline for mental health emergency assessment

• • Call 24/7: 1-800-841-1255

Report Suspected Abuse or Neglect of Children, Elderly, or Disabled

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

• • Call 24/7: 1-800-252-5400

"Aunt Bertha" Resource Database

The social care network-- search for free and reduced cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more.

• • web: https://www.auntbertha.com/

Food Assistance in Lockhart

Free food available the third Monday of each month. Located at the First United Methodist Church.

• • phone: 512-376-6661

  • address: 901 Bois D'Arc Street

Online Mental Health Support Groups

NAMI Texas' online support groups are a place for people affected by a mental health condition - whether it's a person who lives with a mental health condition or a family member, friend or caregiver whose loved one is living with a mental health condition. Participants can discuss challenges, share coping skills, and offer one another support, regardless of where they are in Texas. The groups are led by trained peers and family members; people who understand firsthand the challenges we face.

• • web: https://namitexas.org/online-support-groups/

Homework Help & Tutoring

The Eugene Clark Library in downtown Lockhart offers a free Homework Club from 3:30-5:30, Monday-Friday. No registration required. Don't forget to get a free library card while you're there!

• • web: https://www.clark-library-lockhart.org/kids-teens/homework-club.html

  • phone: 512-398-3223

Child Development Information

Information from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention on: developmental milestones, children's mental health, positive parenting tips, and more.

• • web: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/index.html

No Drama Discipline

This book can be helpful for parents curious about new ways to implement effective consequences at home. Authors Dr. Dan Siegel and Dr. Tina Bryson have researched and written several books about child and adolescent brain development.

• • web: https://www.drdansiegel.com/books/no_drama_discipline/

Autism Speaks

Support, information, and resources related to Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

• • web: https://www.autismspeaks.org