KIPP Texas SHAC approves Integral Care partnership to provide on-campus counseling in Austin
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Summary
The School Health Advisory Council approved Integral Care as a KIPP Texas partner for Austin, authorizing on-campus counseling (with parental consent) and noting similar regional partnerships and ongoing vendor onboarding across the network.
The KIPP Texas School Health Advisory Council on Feb. 19 approved a partnership with Integral Care to provide on-campus counseling services to students in Austin.
Facilitator (SHAC organizer) described Integral Care as a local mental health community care center established in 1967 that supports Travis County residents with mental health challenges, substance use disorders and intellectual or developmental disabilities. "They provide high quality, low cost health care and social services to anyone affected by mental health conditions," the facilitator said, adding the group offers a 24-hour helpline for immediate support.
Under the proposed arrangement, Integral Care will receive referrals from school-based mental health teams (social workers and counselors). Students would undergo an intake assessment and, with parental consent, be eligible for counseling either on campus or at home throughout the year. The facilitator said the partnership model mirrors other regional arrangements and listed existing collaborations in Austin Independent School District, Pflugerville ISD, Manor and IDEA.
Madeline, who led the overview of partner onboarding across regions, said KIPP Texas staff and volunteers have approved roughly 15 organizations this school year and are moving those partners through contracts, background checks and MOUs so they can operate on campuses. She described telecounseling rollout in Dallas and an in-person model in Austin as complementary steps to expand access to mental health support.
The approval was conducted by a hands-up vote. The facilitator opened the vote and instructed members to raise their hands only if they opposed the inclusion; after votes were cast the facilitator stated the item "has gone through," indicating acceptance. The transcript does not include a roll-call tally or names of movers/seconders.
Council members and staff emphasized next steps will include tracking the quality of services provided by on-campus partners and reporting back to the SHAC. The facilitator said the council will provide further updates at the next meeting and may shift focus to surveys or other agenda items if no new partner approvals are scheduled.
