Mental Health Experts Advise Support After Fatal Hill Country College Prep Shooting

A 15-year-old student shot a teacher before turning the gun on himself at Hill Country College Preparatory High School near Bulverde, Comal County, Texas, according to the Comal County Sheriff's Office. The shooting occurred at the school, leaving the student dead at the scene and the teacher hospitalized in San Antonio. The teacher's condition has not been released as authorities continue to investigate.

In the wake of the incident, mental health professionals at the Ecumenical Center are urging families to prioritize open communication, emotional reassurance, and awareness of trauma responses among children and teens. Mary Beth Fisk, CEO of the center, emphasized the importance of helping young people understand their current safety and encouraged parents to foster transparent conversations about the event.

Fisk recommended that parents and caregivers remain approachable, listen carefully, and offer honest, age-appropriate responses, particularly for teenagers and younger children who process traumatic events differently. She also stressed that adults need to manage their own emotional health to provide stable support, cautioning against excessive social media exposure and urging the verification of information following such incidents.

The Ecumenical Center highlighted the need for vigilance regarding behavioral changes in children after trauma, citing warning signs such as sleep disturbances, appetite changes, or increased aggression. The center has made mental health resources and professional support available to community members, noting that assistance extends beyond those directly affected by the shooting.

The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, and support services are being offered to anyone experiencing distress in its aftermath.