Newsroom Archives

The U-TTEC Lab was founded in 2014 by Dr. Aaron Fischer, PhD, BCBA. Throughout the years, the lab has grown, expanded their services across the state, and have been featured in the news several times.

For media inquiries, contact Grecia.Corona@Utah.edu

Media Coverage 2016-2023

  • Regence: Newsroom

    Utah takes a collaborative approach to school mental health

    The Utah School Mental Health Collaborative is a statewide initiative formed with funding from Regence’s parent company and the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. It provides technical assistance and training to Utah schools on how to apply evidence-based, comprehensive school mental health practices. The collaborative has a big goal: Transforming how youth mental health services are delivered and sustained in the state. 

  • KSL News

    Utah hospital helping students heal from mental health issues while staying on top of schoolwork

    “When a child is going through a mental health crisis, their education can take a back seat.

    One local hospital is helping students heal while staying on top of their schoolwork.

    Sophia Couzins is just one person who has benefited from the efforts of those at the University Academy at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute.”

  • ABA Inside Track

    Teleconsultation with Dr. Aaron Fischer

    “Ok, you may have gotten pretty good at Zoom meetings over the past few years, but have you mastered the skill of remote training? What about drone flight observations? Robot conferences? This week we’re joined by Dr. Aaron Fischer who has done all three of these modes of teleconsultation and more.”

  • Utah State Legislature

    Social Media and Youth Mental Health Symposium

    Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox hosted a Social Media and Youth Mental Health Symposium. Dr. Aaron Fischer, among experts and legislators, discussed recent research and the mental health challenges Utah youth currently face.

  • ABA Technologies, Inc.

    University Series, University of Utah

    The University Series is a series of interviews with colleges and universities throughout the United States focusing on behavior analysis programs. Dr. Rob ONeill and Dr. Aaron Fischer talk about their department, discussing the many opportunities for different specialties within the students' program of study, both clinical applied behavior analysis and education psychology.

  • University of Utah

    Love, U Campaign

    Dr. Aaron Fischer shares his story in The University of Utah's #LoveU2022 campaign. Watch the video to learn more about Dr. Fischer and community members. 

  • Conversations About Consultation

    Teleconsultation in Psychology

    Dr. Aaron Fischer shares his experience and thoughts about the  intersection between technology, behavior and mental health. Particularly, in tele-health and tele-consultation and how these apply to school psychology.

  • Interview on U Rising Podcast 

    The University of Utah

    Dr. Aaron Fischer is featured on an episode of the U Rising Podcast, a podcast by the University of Utah's president, Ruth Watkins. Dr. Fischer talks about Behavioral Response Support Team (BRST)'s collaborative project with Granite School District.  

  • Autism Weekly Podcast #6-- Spaghetti-Os and Autism 

    Autism Weekly Podcast X Dr. Aaron Fischer

    Dr. Aaron Fischer is featured on an episode on the Autism Weekly podcast by the Alternative Behavior Strategies (ABS). Dr. Fischer talks about dietary and feeding challenges individuals on the Autism Spectrum have.

  • Awarding Rapid Adaptation

    The University of Utah 

    Shout out to our own, Dr. Aaron Fisher, for being a recipient of the Online Excellence Award from the University of Utah!

  • Interview on KUER 90.1 

    KUER 90.1: Utah NPR 

    Dr. Aaron Fischer chats with Caroline Ballard on KUER 90.1 on ways to help kids cope with stress during COVID-19.

  • Case Study

    University of Utah + Double Robotics

    Learn more about how the lab has used teleconsultation and telepresence robots in the classroom to provide services across the state.

  • Silicon Slopes

    Silicon Slopes Live

    Aaron Fisher, PhD and Karen Tao, PhD, UofU Health talk with Silicon Slopes Live regarding mental health and education in Utah.

  • The Spectrum

    A Step Into the Future for Education

    Telepresence technology is a tool that allows educational specialists and other expert professionals to lend support for teachers in special education classrooms and other settings in in Washington County schools.

  • eCampus News

    How a Telepresence Robot is Sparking Engagement

    A new technology enables both interactive communication and observation capabilities with a telepresence robot platform. Educators and students are exploring a new way to remotely observe and interact with colleagues and peers with a telepresence robot that enables face-to-face communication.

  • Kubi Roundtable

    Autism Coaching with Vidyo on Kubi Roundtable

    Join Akron Children’s, University of Utah, and Drexel University along with Vidyo and Revolve Robotics discussing advances in autism coaching with the Kubi telepresence robot.

  • Matt Townsend Show-BYU Radio

     Telepresence robots in schools 

    Dr. Fischer is currently creating and evaluating effective strategies for psychologists engaging in consultation, while incorporating cutting-edge technology. He is evaluating videoconferencing as a strategy to conserve school resources and remotely consult with teachers.

  • Cambia Health Foundation

    University of Utah’s Comprehensive Approach to Support Adolescent Wellbeing

    "There is too much stigma and not enough resources when it comes to approaching adolescent mental health. A team in Utah is looking to break through these barriers and redefine well-being for all students at school, at home, and in the community.  They are having some exciting results as they put students front and center in helping to redefine school-based mental health services."

  • Deseret News

    U.’s Well-being Team helps tend to S.L middle schoolers’ social-emotional needs

    "Youths with mental health concerns often do not receive the care they need due to limited education resources and a shortage of community mental health providers... The Well-Being Team, comprised of U. graduate students guide classroom and schoolwide efforts to improve and maintain a positive, safe and constructive school culture."

Media Coverage 2016-2023

Regence: Newsroom

Utah takes a collaborative approach to school mental health

The Utah School Mental Health Collaborative is a statewide initiative formed with funding from Regence’s parent company and the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. It provides technical assistance and training to Utah schools on how to apply evidence-based, comprehensive school mental health practices. The collaborative has a big goal: Transforming how youth mental health services are delivered and sustained in the state. 

Utah State Legislature

Education and Mental Health Coordinating Council - Sep. 13, 2023

Dr. Karen Manotas and Dr. Aaron Fischer presented at the Education and Mental Health Coordinating Council on September 13th, 2023 . Dr. Manotas and Dr. Fischer presented about The Utah School Mental Health Collaborative, elaborating on ways the collaborative can work through legislative support and ongoing community-school-and family partnerships.

Utah State Legislature

Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee - February 03, 2023

Member of the Utah House of Representatives from District 45, Steven Eliason introduced The Utah School Mental Health Collaborative at the public education appropriations subcommittee. Accompanying Rep. Eliason, Dr. Aaron Fischer presented on the collaborative's initiatives and goals.

Impact Campaign

"Try Harder!" Film Panel

Dr. Aaron Fischer moderates a panel discussion with "Try Harder!" director Debbie Lum, retired Lowell H.S. physics teacher Richard Shaprio, and Lowell graduate Kian Mojabi.

 Hosted by: University of Utah health, West Valley Arts, & Sundance Institute.

#PiktoChat Episode

How a University Professor Uses Piktochart to Provide Mental Health Support in Schools

Dr. Aaron Fischer shares how Piktochart  helps him and his team at the University of Utah to provide mental health support among schools in the state of Utah!

Fox 13 Salt Lake City: The Place

Utah schools have a new tool for addressing mental health in kids

University of Utah Professor Dr. Aaron Fischer is featured on Fox 13, explaining The Utah School Mental Health Collaborative, a new statewide project aimed to address mental health needs and well-being of students in Utah Schools. 

Interview on U Rising Podcast 

The University of Utah

Dr. Aaron Fischer is featured on an episode of the U Rising Podcast, a podcast by the University of Utah's president, Ruth Watkins. Dr. Fischer talks about Behavioral Response Support Team (BRST)'s collaborative project with Granite School District.  

Silicon Slopes

Silicon Slopes Live

Aaron Fisher, PhD and Karen Tao, PhD, UofU Health talk with Silicon Slopes Live regarding mental health and education in Utah.

The Spectrum

A Step Into the Future for Education

Telepresence technology is a tool that allows educational specialists and other expert professionals to lend support for teachers in special education classrooms and other settings in in Washington County schools.

ZDNet

Telepresence robots to beam psychologists into schools

Researchers in Utah are experimenting with robots to solve a pressing problem: There aren't enough pediatric psychologists to go around.

Cambia Health Foundation

University of Utah’s Comprehensive Approach to Support Adolescent Wellbeing

"There is too much stigma and not enough resources when it comes to approaching adolescent mental health. A team in Utah is looking to break through these barriers and redefine well-being for all students at school, at home, and in the community.  They are having some exciting results as they put students front and center in helping to redefine school-based mental health services."

Fox 13 Salt Lake City: The Place

Initiative aimed at connecting kids with the mental health treatment they need

Many teens deal with mental health struggles – either anxiety or depression or something more. Often those things go undiagnosed and untreated. But there’s a program in Utah trying to help change that. It's called the Utah School Mental Health Collaborative, a statewide University of Utah initiative supported by Regence BlueCross BlueShield’s charitable arm, Cambia Health Foundation.

State of Reform: Bridging the Gap Between Health Care & Health Policy

Behavioral health legislation slated for Utah’s 2023 legislative session to support access, youth, and workforce

Learn more about Utah's 2023 legislative session! Featuring Dr. Aaron Fischer, and The Utah School Mental Health Collaborative (SMHC), a pilot program that builds mental health collaboration with public schools through student assessments, staff training, and implementation of mental health supports and services for students. 

Utah State Legislature

Social Media and Youth Mental Health Symposium

Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox hosted a Social Media and Youth Mental Health Symposium. Dr. Aaron Fischer, among experts and legislators, discussed recent research and the mental health challenges Utah youth currently face.

eSchool News

How a higher-ed partnership transformed student mental health services at our school

When you work with kids in a school setting, you often know when a student is struggling. Every child struggles in one way or another. But there are some who are struggling to the point where learning isn’t happening as it should.

Conversations About Consultation

Teleconsultation in Psychology

Dr. Aaron Fischer shares his experience and thoughts about the  intersection between technology, behavior and mental health. Particularly, in tele-health and tele-consultation and how these apply to school psychology.

Fox 13 Salt Lake City: Healthier Together

How the Utah School Mental Health Collaborative is helping students through the pandemic and beyond

In this Healthier Together story with Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah, The Utah School Mental Health Collaborative is  highlighted as a program that helps develop more effective mental health systems for students.

Interview on KUER 90.1 

KUER 90.1: Utah NPR 

Dr. Aaron Fischer chats with Caroline Ballard on KUER 90.1 on ways to help kids cope with stress during COVID-19. 

Case Study

University of Utah + Double Robotics

Learn more about how the lab has used teleconsultation and telepresence robots in the classroom to provide services across the state.

eCampus News

How a Telepresence Robot is Sparking Engagement

A new technology enables both interactive communication and observation capabilities with a telepresence robot platform. Educators and students are exploring a new way to remotely observe and interact with colleagues and peers with a telepresence robot that enables face-to-face communication.

Matt Townsend Show-BYU Radio

 Telepresence robots in schools 

Dr. Fischer is currently creating and evaluating effective strategies for psychologists engaging in consultation, while incorporating cutting-edge technology. He is evaluating videoconferencing as a strategy to conserve school resources and remotely consult with teachers.

Deseret News

U.’s Well-being Team helps tend to S.L middle schoolers’ social-emotional needs

"Youths with mental health concerns often do not receive the care they need due to limited education resources and a shortage of community mental health providers... The Well-Being Team, comprised of U. graduate students guide classroom and schoolwide efforts to improve and maintain a positive, safe and constructive school culture."

Fox 13 Salt Lake City: Healthier Together

Utah School Mental Health Collaborative 

In this Healthier Together story with Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah, The Utah School Mental Health Collaborative is  highlighted as a program on its third year helping with screenings in schools and connecting kids to services. Dr. Aaron Fischer talks about mental health screenings, and the importance of addressing any mental health concerns early.

KUER 90.1: Utah NPR

CDC Data Shows Why Lawmakers are Worried about the Mental Health of Utah’s Youth

Dr. Aaron Fischer is quoted in a KUER published article that touches on the youth mental health crisis in Utah— commenting on the legislation proposed this session and how it could impact the students he serves.

ABA Inside Track

Teleconsultation with Dr. Aaron Fischer

“Ok, you may have gotten pretty good at Zoom meetings over the past few years, but have you mastered the skill of remote training? What about drone flight observations? Robot conferences? This week we’re joined by Dr. Aaron Fischer who has done all three of these modes of teleconsultation and more.”

ABA Technologies, Inc.

University Series, University of Utah

The University Series is a series of interviews with colleges and universities throughout the United States focusing on behavior analysis programs. Dr. Rob ONeill and Dr. Aaron Fischer talk about their department, discussing the many opportunities for different specialties within the students' program of study, both clinical applied behavior analysis and education psychology. 

University of Utah

Love, U Campaign

Dr. Aaron Fischer shares his story in The University of Utah's #LoveU2022 campaign. Watch the video to learn more about Dr. Fischer and community members. 

Autism Weekly Podcast #6-- Spaghetti-Os and Autism 

Autism Weekly Podcast X Dr. Aaron Fischer

Dr. Aaron Fischer is featured on an episode on the Autism Weekly podcast by the Alternative Behavior Strategies (ABS). Dr. Fischer talks about dietary and feeding challenges individuals on the Autism Spectrum have.

Awarding Rapid Adaptation

The University of Utah 

Shout out to our own, Dr. Aaron Fisher, for being a recipient of the Online Excellence Award from the University of Utah!

eSchool News

How A Telepresence Robot is Changing Some Classroom

A new technology enables both interactive communication and observation capabilities with a telepresence robot platform.

Kubi Roundtable

Autism Coaching with Vidyo on Kubi Roundtable

Join Akron Children’s, University of Utah, and Drexel University along with Vidyo and Revolve Robotics discussing advances in autism coaching with the Kubi telepresence robot.

Deseret News

We spent a year reporting on teen anxiety. Here’s what we learned — and why you're part of the solution

Story of young teens or kids and their family fighting an emotional battle that has been captured by the Deseret News for over a year. Here lies  the door to enter into families’ living rooms, doctors’ offices, therapy sessions, school programs, college quads and community meetings. 

KSL News

Utah hospital helping students heal from mental health issues while staying on top of schoolwork

“When a child is going through a mental health crisis, their education can take a back seat.

One local hospital is helping students heal while staying on top of their schoolwork.

Sophia Couzins is just one person who has benefited from the efforts of those at the University Academy at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute.”