Hays County mental health diversion center makes progress

San Marcos Police Chief Stan Stanridge said the BAT is recommending a grouping of up to six extended observation units, or EOU, beds and up to 10 crisis residential unit, or CRU, beds.

EOUs offer short-term observation for up to 48 hours for patients who pose a “high to moderate risk of harm” and allow patients to be assessed, receive medication and have crisis resolution before being discharged, he said.

CRUs, which would be voluntary, would provide additional stabilization care up after observation in an EOU. Patients could stay in the CRU for up to 10 days, he said.

Additionally, he said that if the diversion center goes above 16 total beds, the county would enter regulations associated with psychiatric hospitals.

Health Department Director Matthew Gonzales said the diversion center should be located within or adjacent to a health care facility such as a hospital or behavioral health space. Proximity to a health care facility would allow the diversion center to focus on the decriminalization of mental health issues, he said.

“This approach aligns with best practices by supporting a trauma informed health centered environment, distancing the program from punitive association ... and ensuring access to immediate clinical care,” he said. “We want individuals to feel that they can go in for treatment and feel safe and comforted in knowing it’s not a punitive area.”

He said if the center is located within an existing hospital or facility, that would help lower startup costs and would give easier access to around-the-clock staffing.

Hays County Sheriff Anthony Hipolito said because of the number of emergency detentions and orders of protective custody a day, there is a need for the mental health diversion center.

“We’ve had a slight decrease, but ... I think the data supports the need of a mental health diversion center," Hipolito said.

Funding would come from local county and city dollars for construction of a new facility if needed, with operating costs funded partly through the state from future legislation, said Kaimi Mattila, BAT co-chair and Mental Health Court administrator.

Stanridge estimated operating costs could start at a minimum of $5 million.

Commissioners Court members also discussed another item regarding design of the mental health center but tabled the item. Members said they need to gather more information and instead to work on hiring a project management firm to handle next steps for the diversion center’s creation, including talking to stakeholders and partners.

Also related

Commissioners also approved establishing a new mental health attorney position to help with mental health-related caseloads, including at the Mental Health Court and the mental health dockets.

The new mental health attorney, Ashley Seitz, has also worked on the pretrial diversion program. Seitz is also the assistant criminal district attorney.

Looking ahead

Hays County commissioners are expected to discuss the hiring of a project management firm later in July, officials said.