Next Step Community Solutions

Next Step Community Solutions is a Tyler based nonprofit providing free school based mental health counseling and substance misuse prevention services to youth across Texas.

The organization offers individual and group counseling, peer led prevention programming and community education focused on adolescent mental health, suicide prevention, bullying and substance abuse.

Their mission centers on meeting students where they are, removing barriers like cost, transportation and stigma so young people can access support when it matters most.

School Based Youth Counseling

Next Step's core specialty is delivering free counseling to school-aged youth directly on campus during the school day.

Licensed professional counselors are also placed in juvenile probation offices across Texas, expanding access for teens who might otherwise go without care.

Students connect with services through a school referral process, making it easy for families and educators to get youth the help they need.

Sessions focus on early intervention for mental health concerns, substance misuse and life challenges.

Prevention and Peer Led Community Programs

Next Step delivers evidence-informed prevention programs including Sources of Strength, a peer led suicide prevention initiative they were the first in Texas to bring into schools.

Additional offerings include Youth Mental Health First Aid training, REACH youth development, Photovoice, Youth Yoga Lab and underage drinking and prescription drug misuse prevention resources.

Access and Getting Started

Headquartered in downtown Tyler at 305 South Broadway, Next Step serves students, families, schools and communities throughout Texas through on campus, in office and community based services.

Founded in 1984, the organization has deep East Texas roots in youth mental health and substance abuse prevention.

All counseling services are provided free to students and parents, with no insurance or out-of-pocket cost required.