Texas Mental Health and Substance Abuse Crisis Services Redesign

Some people experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis in Texas lack basic services that would help them avoid longer, more costly involvement with the state, according to a committee of civic and mental health leaders. The committee was appointed by Commissioner Sanchez in December 2005 to assess crisis services and make recommendations for improvements.

The committee traveled the state and heard testimony from consumers and family members as well as local judges, policemen, hospital administrators, and others who deal regularly with people experiencing mental health and substance abuse crises.

The Committee recommendations would phase in improvements to crisis services over two biennia and result in statewide coverage for all Texans who need immediate assistance in a mental health or substance abuse crisis. Read more about it in the Texas Mental Health and Crisis Redesign Report, which was released on September 14.

Report

Appendices

1. Appointment of Committee and Charge (PDF 52K, 12K viewing information)
2. Evaluation of Existing Crisis Services (PDF 178K, viewing information)
3. Clinical Standards (PDF 226K, viewing information)

For more information, please send an email to CrisisRedesign@dshs.state.tx.us.

Last updated September 18, 2006