The Williamson County Commissioners Court altered an agreement Jan. 5 with Bluebonnet Trails Community Services that redefines when the county’s Mobile Outreach Team responds to mental health emergencies.
Bluebonnet Trails will now be responsible for conducting mental health assessments for patients at a hospital staff’s request. County Commissioner Lisa Birkman said allowing Bluebonnet to respond to hospital requests will let the MOT help other people in crisis outside of hospitals. Bluebonnet Trails, Williamson County’s mental health care provider, provides emergency mental health services and connects people experiencing a mental health crisis with appropriate resources, including clinic-based care and inpatient care.
Williamson County created the MOT in 2004 to offer assistance to people suffering from emotional or psychological crises. The state of Texas contracts with local mental health authorities to ensure emergency mental health services are available in all 254 Texas counties.
The MOT refocused its resources because of a 45 percent increase in call volume, and county commissioners changed the agreement to allow Bluebonnet Trails to respond to calls coming in to the MOT crisis hotline between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
