El Paso, Texas (KFOX) \u2014 As Borderland families prepare for a new school year, Emergence Health Network is encouraging parents and caregivers to pay attention to how children handle the transition from summer break back to the classroom.<\/p>\n
Crystal Wingate, deputy chief of Child and Adolescent Services at Emergence Health Network, said the back-to-school season can feel overwhelming for students, especially after a summer with fewer routines and less structure.<\/p>\n
Children may go from busy school schedules to slower summer days, and once the return to class gets closer, feelings of stress or anxiety can come back. Wingate said that can be especially challenging for children and teens who have difficulty with transitions.<\/p>\n
For parents and caregivers, one key sign to watch for is whether those feelings begin affecting a child\u2019s everyday life.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere’s never a wrong time to reach out,\u201d Wingate said, adding that families can contact Emergence Health Network even if they are unsure whether their child needs support.<\/p>\n
Wingate said it is common for children and teenagers to feel uneasy or uninterested when it is time to return to school. What can make a difference, she said, is how adults talk with them about those feelings.<\/p>\n
A calm, supportive conversation can help children feel heard as they prepare for new teachers, new routines, different schedules and the emotional pressure that can come with a new school year.<\/p>\n
Emergence Health Network\u2019s Child and Adolescent Clinic also offers services for children and teens, including individual and family counseling, substance use disorder recovery treatment, medication management, case management and skills training, according to the organization. Its school-based mental health programs provide on-campus behavioral health services in several El Paso-area districts.<\/p>\n
To help families prepare, Emergence Health Network and its Child and Adolescent Clinic will host a free Back-to-School Family Symposium from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the El Paso Starlight Event Center, 6650 Continental Drive, 6th floor. The event will include interactive activities focused on children\u2019s emotional health, along with free school supplies while supplies last.<\/p>\n
Wingate said the event is meant to remind families that they are resilient and that taking a pause can be part of a healthy transition into the school year.<\/p>\n
The symposium will feature community resources, agencies, mental health centers, vendors, goodie bags, backpacks for students and parent bags. Families can also take part in hands-on activities, including bracelet making, sun catcher making, a build-your-own bouquet station and a water bottle station focused on the importance of staying hydrated during the school year.<\/p>\n
Wingate said the message behind the event is connection \u2014 between parents and children, between families and community resources, and between students and the support systems that can help them thrive.<\/p>\n
Families can learn more about services or schedule an appointment by calling Emergence Health Network at 915-242-0555. For mental health crisis support, EHN lists its crisis hotline as 915-779-1800, and people in emotional distress or experiencing a mental health crisis can call or text 988.<\/p>\n
Emergence Health Network and its Child and Adolescent Clinic will host a free Back-to-School Family Symposium from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the El Paso Starlight Event Center, 6650 Continental Drive, 6th floor.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Caption: Emergence Health Network and its Child and Adolescent Clinic will host a free Back-to-School Family Symposium from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the El Paso Starlight Event Center, 6650 Continental Drive, 6th floor. <\/p>\n
Visit Emergence Health Network Online.<\/a><\/p>\n Learn More About the Back-to-School Family Symposium.<\/a><\/p>\n Learn More About EHN Child and Adolescent Services.<\/a><\/p>\n