I would like the general chat to be sent to a public channel in discord but also, the general chat + towny private chat channels to be sent to a staff-only discord channel where staff can read channels hidden to the public. Right now the general chat can only be sent to one of them.

Also, is it possible to grab the private messages like /tell, /msg and such from essentials? Haven't found any info about if they use chat channels or some other system.

Wish it has been implemented.
We host an annual minecraft game between two discord servers, but every time we have to choose which server should be connected to the game :(

It’s possible to do with https://github.com/ANutley/dislink

This is implemented on Ascension (more info + testing builds available from our Discord server)

This isn't available yet, is it?

Correct, this is not yet available

Could this include things like venturechat too?

Yes, wouldn't matter what chat plugin is being used (if any)