Special to the NEWS
RIO HONDO, TX—Five area school systems, including Rio Hondo ISD, are receiving support to expand the number of credentialed school psychologists through the U.S. Department of Education’s Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP) Demonstration Grant Program.
As previously reported, Region One Education Service Center was recently awarded $4,790,545 over four years through the program to directly support schools and implement a strategic, evidence-based Mental Health Career Pathway designed to train, place, and hire credentialed school psychologists.
Region One officials more recently announced that those school systems include Mercedes ISD, Raymondville ISD, Rio Hondo ISD, Roma ISD, and Zapata County ISD.
A total of 15,975 students across 34 campuses will be supported by these efforts, according to Region One officials.
The initiative will be carried out in partnership with The University of Texas RGV, National University, and additional key partners to offer practicum, internships, fieldwork, credit hours, and related training applicable toward degree or credential completion.
According to a Region One press release, the project focuses on recruiting and onboarding new school psychologists (10 initially, with two added each year).
The project also entails training educators to support an expanded pool of highly skilled and prepared school psychologists through fieldwork and credit-bearing learning experiences.
Another grant detail is strengthening clinical practice through technical assistance, professional development, and targeted skill-building in behavioral and mental health services.
The program also involves increasing placements for school psychologists in practicum and internship settings
These efforts build on Region One ESC’s ongoing work to strengthen mental health service capacity in schools, according to the press release.
The Region One ESC Counseling & Mental Health team is currently implementing two additional U.S. Department of Education grants that expand the school-based mental health workforce by preparing individuals for roles as licensed professional counselors, social workers, school psychologists, and school counselors.
“Families, students, and communities can expect sustained, high-quality mental health support rooted in early identification, evidence-based intervention, and responsive care,” said Yovann Salinas, Region One ESC Counseling & Mental Health Director.
“By expanding access to highly trained and credentialed school psychologists within our rural schools, Region One ESC is strengthening local capacity to ensure students receive timely, comprehensive mental health services that promote well-being, engagement, and academic success,” Salinas remarked.
This award enables Mercedes ISD, Raymondville ISD, Rio Hondo ISD, Roma ISD, and Zapata County ISD to expand access to school-based mental health services for their students.
With additional training and hiring of credentialed school psychologists, these districts will be able to strengthen early intervention, screening, assessment, and intensive mental health supports for students with high-risk needs.
Region One Education Service Center (www.esc1.net) serves over 422,000 students and educators in seven South Texas counties, according to the press release.
Region One assists school systems in enhancing student performance, operating efficiently, and implementing initiatives assigned by the legislature or the Commissioner of Education.
In other Region One news, Region One hosted its Human Trafficking Youth Prevention Education Summit on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, featuring a full day of learning designed to help educators, counselors, mental health professionals, and the community recognize, prevent, and respond to youth human trafficking.
In recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the summit convened survivor voices, mental health experts, and prevention specialists to share strategies and trauma-informed practices.
The conference featured a keynote presentation by Amanda Garza, offering a survivor-informed understanding of human trafficking and its impact on youth, along with sessions led by Ransomed Life, Houston Crime Stoppers, Houston Methodist Hospital, Region One ESC Mental Health, and Parent & Family Engagement specialists.
Over 200 participants were expected to attend. Informational sessions covered topics such as recognizing trafficking indicators, digital safety, and trauma-informed responses.
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