Strengthening College Student Mental Health: A Practical Playbook for the State of Texas

The Texas Postsecondary Mental Health Coalition

Published March 2026

Executive Summary

Texas colleges and universities are expanding their efforts to support student mental health and well-being. Across the state, institutions, policymakers, and community partners are investing in programs, services, and partnerships that recognize the essential role mental health plays in student success. Strengthening College Student Mental Health: A Practical Playbook for the State of Texas builds on this progress by bringing together research, promising practices, and collaborative expertise to support the continued development of effective campus mental health systems. Developed by the Texas Postsecondary Student Mental Health Coalition, the playbook offers practical guidance for institutional leaders seeking to strengthen and coordinate their mental health strategies. It introduces five interconnected pillars that together form a comprehensive approach to supporting student well-being:

• Adopt a Public Health Approach to Overall Well-Being by integrating prevention, early intervention, and treatment across the student experience.
• Develop a Data-Driven Mental Health Ecosystem to better understand student needs and guide decision-making.
• Close Gaps in Student Access and Outcomes by reducing barriers and expanding early supports.
• Cultivate Caring Campuses and Communities that promote belonging and address students’ basic needs.
• Maximize the Mental Health Workforce by strengthening the pipeline and leveraging partnerships to expand capacity.

Together, these strategies provide a practical roadmap for colleges and universities to build sustainable, coordinated systems that support student well-being and academic success across Texas and nationwide. By aligning data, partnerships, and campus-wide leadership, institutions can create mental health ecosystems that help students thrive throughout their educational journeys and beyond.

Looking for Mental Health Support or Information?

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, Dallas College offers counseling services and resources for students, including guidance on how to access help.

Explore counseling services and mental health resources

If you’re interested in studying mental health, Dallas College offers academic pathways and program options to help you prepare for careers that support individual and community well-being.

Explore mental health programs and pathways

Accessibility

Dallas College is committed to ensuring accessibility of its digital technology and electronic documents. Should you experience any difficulty in accessing information on this webpage, please contact Navi Dhaliwal at NDhaliwal@DallasCollege.edu.