In the sprawling landscapes of West Texas, the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah Independent School District (PBTISD) faces a unique set of challenges. With the nearest mental health practice located an hour away, the district’s 2,800 students, spread across five schools, often find themselves in need of support that’s difficult to access.
Of these students, 90% belong to minority groups, and 52% live in poverty, further compounding the barriers to mental health care. Over time, the district observed that students were increasingly uncomfortable with face-to-face interactions, preferring to communicate through their phones or other devices. Recognizing this trend, PBTISD sought out innovative solutions to bridge the mental health gap.
MEDIA SPOTLIGHT: Local News Visits PBTISD
A New Approach to Student Support
PBTISD's superintendent Brent Jaco, along with his team, decided to pilot Alongside with a small group of students in the fall of 2023. The results were promising. The app, which allows students to connect with counselors, access mental health resources, and develop coping strategies, quickly proved to be a valuable tool.
"They can use it on Chromebooks in the classroom, so it complements everything we do as counselors," the district's Lead Counselor Lynn Price explained. Encouraged by positive feedback from the pilot, the district expanded the program, purchasing licenses for three schools. By the end of the 2023-2024school year, 1,300 students were actively using the app.
Alongside’s flexibility is one of its greatest strengths. Students can use it not only during school hours but also after school, over weekends, and even during breaks. Price noted that many students used the app over winter break when school-based support was otherwise inaccessible. Alongside helps students manage their emotions, set personal goals, and develop essential coping skills. For those needing more intensive support, the app can alert counselors during school hours and notify emergency responders after hours.
Addressing the Challenges of Rural Mental Health Care
In rural communities, school counselors are often the only accessible mental health professionals. Nationally, only 50% of youth with treatable mental health conditions receive adequate care, and of those, 90% receive it within the school system. In rural settings, the lack of local mental health resources, combined with significant distances to the nearest services, creates a precarious situation for students in need.
"Most young people just really don't like talking to an unfamiliar adult about their struggles ... therefore, teletherapy remained an imperfect solution for us."
For residents of Pecos, the closest counselor practice facility is 75 miles away, and access to care is even farther if a hospital is required. The local mental health authority may rely on crisis workers who can take 45 minutes to an hour to arrive. With the added challenge of unreliable transportation, families are often left without viable options. And while teletherapy is often held up as a solution, Price says that does not work for everyone. "Most young people just really don't like talking to an unfamiliar adult about their struggles," Price said. "Therefore, teletherapy remained an imperfect solution for us."
The Impact of Alongside on Student Engagement
The introduction of Alongside has resulted in a noticeable shift in how students at PBTISD engage with mental health resources. The app is available to students in grades four through twelve, with 80% of them having used it at least once and many becoming repeat users.
Price highlighted how the app enables students to set up plans and share them with their counselors, which fosters a collaborative approach to their mental well-being. "One thing that’s worked really well is making sure our SEL leads understand the app, have used the app, and are able to fully introduce it," she shared. This integration has empowered counselors to better support students, reinforcing their progress and providing timely interventions.
A Tool in the Toolbox
PBTISD’s experience with Alongside offers valuable insights into the potential of digital tools to bridge the mental health gap in rural communities. While the app is not a panacea, it has become an essential part of the district’s mental health strategy, complementing existing resources and extending support to students who might otherwise fall through the cracks. As Price noted, "We use Alongside; it is part of our toolbox. It’s not the only resource we use, but it is an important one."
The success of Alongside in PBTISD underscores the importance of innovative approaches to mental health care, particularly in underserved areas. By meeting students where they are—on their phones and devices—the district has found a way to provide meaningful, accessible support that resonates with students. As the district continues to refine its use of the app and expand its reach, it serves as a model for other rural communities facing similar challenges.
