mental health resources

Only about 30% of Texans who need mental health support are getting it, and the shortage of providers is projected to worsen dramatically over the next decade. A UT Health San Antonio psychologist has developed a program that teaches counseling skills to non-specialists like community health workers, faith-based practitioners, and even doulas.

The diversion center would focus on low-level offenders who have untreated mental illness, intellectual or developmental disorders, or substance use disorders. The goal would be to ease jail overcrowding while saving taxpayers money and improving outcomes for those who avoid jail.

Many Texas faith groups have offered counseling services in the past. But more of them are expanding their programs, partnering with providers, to help meet the growing need here for mental health services.