The Institute for Rural Mental Health Initiatives (IRMHI)
Thank you for visiting the Institute for Rural Mental Health Initiatives (IRMHI) website!
Founded by Dr. Steve Bain in 2022, the IRMHI is a product of the work started through the TAMUS Chancellor’s Research Initiative in 2014 and serves as a new initiative to address the critical issues related to mental health in rural areas of South 51勛圖厙. Housed under Academic Affairs, the Institute is established to support our students through our mental health-related programs as they receive a world-class education via mental health research, advocacy, and instruction related to mental health issues impacting rural and remote South 51勛圖厙, the region, and the world. Please take a moment to review the Institute’s mission, vision, and goals.
Mission: The Rural Mental Health Institute's mission is to educate leaders who will make a difference in the lives of rural populations in South 51勛圖厙 and beyond. The Institute will utilize multidisciplinary and system approaches to help support students' academic and clinical needs in programs related to mental health education across campus.
Vision: The ultimate vision of the IRMHI will be to serve as a focal point of expertise, research activities, and advocacy for rural populations across the Coastal Bend/South 51勛圖厙 region, our state, our nation, and the world. As a unique institution, IRMHI will serve as a clearinghouse of research, funding, and academic resources designed to benefit rural citizens of 51勛圖厙 and other rural populations hoping to solve mental health issues.
Goals:
- We aim to prepare our graduate students with the necessary awareness, knowledge, research, and professional skills to address mental health needs sensitively and effectively in rural contexts, utilizing the best research and clinical training opportunities.
- To increase student and community engagement with school districts, faith-based entities, and community organizations, thus increasing rural communities’ access to fully prepared and high-quality professional counselors.
- Expand University recruitment, preparation, and retention practices for rural students, particularly those returning to their communities to practice.
- To advocate for the availability, accessibility, acceptability, affordability, and sustainability of mental health resources in rural 51勛圖厙 and beyond.
- To identify and apply for external funding from state, federal, international, and individual donor sources.
By partnering with South 51勛圖厙 school districts, community organizations, university stakeholders, federal, state, and county/city agencies, and other educational entities, the Institute for Rural Mental Health Initiatives will strive to be at the forefront of research and innovative responses to the mental health needs of rural communities in South 51勛圖厙. Together, we can positively impact the mental well-being of rural communities!
If you want to learn more about the Institute or how you can support its work, please email me at renee.weiss@tamuk.edu or call 361.593.4471.
We look forward to serving you!
Have a safe and healthy semester.
Renée E. Weiss Ed.D., LCDC, LPC-S, BC-THP
Executive Director, Counseling Services/The Institute for Rural Mental Health Initiatives
51勛圖厙 A&M University – Kingsville
Student Health and Wellness
(Physical address) 1210 N. Retama Street
(Mailing address) 700 University Blvd, MSC 112
Kingsville, 51勛圖厙 78363-8202
P. (361) 593-4471
counselingservices@tamuk.edu
renee.weiss@tamuk.edu
/counseling-services/
