Clarity Child Guidance Center Southside

Southside ISD (SISD) marked a milestone moment on Monday, January 27, 2025, with the grand opening of the Clarity Child Guidance Center Southside. This is the first-ever on-site mental health support guidance center for both SISD and the non-profit Clarity Child Guidance Center, using Clarity’s mental health professionals. 


Clarity President and CEO Jessica Knudsen said, “Southside ISD is a mostly rural school district, and there are no psychiatrists and only two known therapists in the South San Antonio area codes, so is very challenging for many families in the area. We are confident that this partnership will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Southside children and families.”


The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by key community leaders who spoke about the importance of mental health access for students. Knudsen led the way followed by SISD Board President Jesse Hernandez; Marisa Perez-Diaz, Member of the District 3 State Board of Education; State Representative John Lujan (District 118); SISD Superintendent Rolando Ramirez and the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. Each shared their excitement for the project and the positive impact it will have on Southside ISD families.

“It’s great to see this initiative come to life. We know that mental health challenges are real, and we want our students to have access to the resources they need, right here in our community,” said Hernandez. “Being able to provide this support on campus is a huge win for our families, and we’re grateful for the partnerships that made this possible.” Knudsen said Clarity has been seeking ways to support communities with limited mental health resources. “If we can treat in those first couple of years, it can avoid so many problems,” she added. “Especially in the school setting, these kids get mislabeled a lot. Maybe they’re dealing with depression or anxiety but they’re having behaviors in the classroom. If we can get them good quality intervention, it will improve their academic success.” The new center provides these services at no cost for Medicaid-eligible families, with a sliding-scale option for those without insurance, ensuring that all families can access the care they need:


  • Outpatient services for adolescents aged 12 to 17 years enrolled with Southside ISD—allowing children to receive care from mental health professionals during the day and then return home during the evening. 
  • Daily therapeutic sessions and group counseling.
  • Individual and family therapy conducted according to the participants’ individualized treatment plan. 
  • Complete psychiatric visits by Clarity medical staff, either in person or via telehealth. 


Since opening in January, the center has already assisted 17 families in the district, and the response have been “overwhelmingly heartening,” according to Lauren Heare, Clarity Outpatient Clinical Manager for the Southside clinic. "One parent shared how grateful he is that we are here to provide support and a good experience for his son. This week, one student came in herself, between classes, to double check that her therapy appointment was set up."


“Having a facility like this on-site is a game-changer,” said Superintendent Rolando Ramirez. “We know that when students feel supported, they can succeed academically and personally. This center is an essential resource for our community.”