After the mass shooting Dec. 14 at Sandy Hook Elementary School
in Newtown, Conn., TISD school nurses asked an East Texas
Medical Center Behavioral Center therapist to lead a seminar on
how to detect and deal with students’ mental problems. In the
wake of a national tragedy, experts across the nation say
learning about mental health is crucial. Some local experts said
the state of Texas needs to put more effort into supporting
mental health patients. “In East Texas right now, it takes up to
six months or longer to get an appointment with a child
psychiatrist. Many psychiatrists do not accept insurance,
they’re cash only,” said Brenda McBride, a licensed social
worker with ETMC Behavioral Health. She said many kids who need
help don’t get it or their problems go unnoticed. The seminar
was designed to give school nurses more resources and “help them
understand the needs of children and adolescents with mental
health problems,” Ms. McBride said. Ms. McBride said school
personnel should look for children who are