TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – Dr. Angela Preston, a professor of nursing at The University of Texas at Tyler, will be addressing the mental health of rural children after receiving a grant from the Texas Children's Mental Health Care Consortium.
“There's a huge gap when it comes to kids who are nine months or more away from seeing a long-term counsellor and who have already been diagnosed with depression or suicidal thoughts,” Preston said.
According to Mental Health America, 65% of rural counties lack access to a psychiatrist.
Dr. Preston works with schools across East Texas to help children identify their strengths.
“A lot of young people don't have a sense of purpose or meaning so they're left with only the negative aspects, so instead we can help them develop a sense of self by dispersing their mental energy,” Preston said. “Young people have a lot of good in them so we need to mentor them, support them and help them see the positives instead of focusing on the flaws.”
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