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Wellness Wherever You Are: TAMU Wellness Series

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 Texas. Housed under Academic Affairs, the Institute is established to support our students through mental health-related programs as they receive a world-class education, informed by mental health research, advocacy, and instruction related to mental health issues affecting rural and remote South Texas, 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 Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas and other rural populations hoping to solve mental health issues. 

Goals:

1. Train Rural Mental Health Professionals – Equip graduate students with the knowledge, research experience, and clinical skills needed to effectively address mental health needs in rural communities.
2. Strengthen Community Partnerships – Increase collaboration with schools, faith-based organizations, and community groups to expand access to qualified counseling services in rural areas.
3. Support Rural Student Success – Enhance recruitment, preparation, and retention of rural students, especially those committed to serving their home communities.
4. Promote Rural Mental Health Access – Advocate for accessible, affordable, sustainable, and culturally responsive mental health resources across rural South Texas and beyond.
5. Secure External Funding – Pursue grants and donor support from state, federal, international, and private funding sources to advance program goals.

By partnering with South Texas 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 Texas. Together, we can make a positive impact on the mental well-being of rural communities! 

If you would like to learn more about the Institute or explore ways to 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

Texas A&M University – Kingsville

Student Health and Wellness

(Physical address) 1210 N. Retama Street

(Mailing address) 700 University Blvd, MSC 112

Kingsville, Texas 78363-8202

P. (361) 593-4471 

counselingservices@tamuk.edu 
renee.weiss@tamuk.edu
https://www.tamuk.edu/counseling-services/

Rural Area Mental Health Professional Enhancement & Development