FORT WORTH, Texas — Tarleton State University is partnering with Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County (CISGTC) to offer an additional location for the Purple Counseling and Wellness Clinic (PCWC). The facility is located at the newly opened CISGTC Center for Student Support in Westworth Village.
This new wellness hub not only provides the community with greater access to affordable care and valuable mental health resources but also creates a partnership between CISGTC and Tarleton State’s Department of Counseling to expand the reach of the PCWC.
Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley offered remarks at the grand opening along with Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, Westworth Village Mayor Kelly Jones, CISGTC President and CEO Lindsey Garner, CIS Board Member and Capital Campaign Chair Matt Dufrene, and Capital Campaign Chair MaryAnn Means-Dufrene.
“The Purple Counseling and Wellness Clinic reflects Tarleton State’s long tradition of extending access, opportunity and affordability to those we serve,” Dr. Hurley said. “We are proud to offer high-quality, affordable mental health services in Tarrant County as we continue to bring Tarleton State’s mission to life.”
The partnership continues Tarleton State’s emphasis on addressing the healthcare needs of the region.
“We are grateful to Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County for recognizing the community’s need for accessible mental health services and welcoming the Purple Counseling and Wellness Clinic into their new location,” said Dean of the College of Education Dr. Lesley Leach. “Beyond providing essential services to families, this partnership invests in developing the next generation of mental health providers, offering our counseling students vital clinical experiences that will help reduce long-term workforce shortages.”
PCWC North, located within CISGTC’s newly constructed facility, offers individual counseling for children, adolescents and adults. Couples and family therapy, group counseling, play therapy and sand tray therapy, and some telehealth services are also provided.
“We saw a dual need to provide accessible mental health care and to create supervised training opportunities for our counseling students,” said Tarleton State Interim Counseling Department Head Dr. Ryan Foster. “This partnership with Communities In Schools came together organically, and we’ve been aligned in our mission from the start. Our goal is to promote mental health and holistic well-being for the people we serve in communities across Tarrant County and beyond.”
The PCWC Midtown location was opened in fall 2024 in partnership with My Health My Resources (MHMR) of Tarrant County and has seen tremendous success in both meeting community needs and training up students.
The PCWC North location will create opportunities for up to 10 graduate and doctoral students from Tarleton State Fort Worth’s counseling programs to provide services under faculty supervision, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to the community.
“This clinic is more than a service center — it is a living classroom, and our students are not only learning — they are making a real difference,” Dr. Foster added.
PCWC North began seeing clients following the opening of the new Center for Student Support Wednesday.
“We are deeply committed to forging and strengthening long-term partnerships with nonprofits across Tarrant County,” said Dr. Rachael Capua, Dean of Tarleton State Fort Worth and Vice President for External Operations. “Together, we’re expanding our collective reach, deepening our impact and building a stronger, more resilient workforce for the future of our region.”
To learn more about PCWC and the services offered, visit www.tarleton.edu/counsel/purple-counseling-wellness-clinic/.
About CISGTC
For more than 30 years (since 1992), Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County has surrounded students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Since its beginning, CISGTC has grown from serving 200 students in two Fort Worth schools to case-managing more than 6,000 students in 80 schools across 11 school districts. CISGTC assists students by employing licensed social workers and placing them inside schools throughout the region, providing case management and mental health counseling.
To learn more about Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County, visit www.cistarrant.org
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 21,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For over 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.