Officials ask Texas lawmakers for more resources to respond to mental health crisis calls

Hawthorne told lawmakers that pre-arrest diversion programs, in which law enforcement officers refer individuals to mental health or substance use disorder treatment as an alternative to arrest, are “the most effective strategy to reduce jail bookings and connect individuals to care.” Many counties have insufficient funding for diversion resources or cannot afford to launch such programs, he said.

“Many counties lack rapid access to response care, mobile crisis teams, crisis respite or drop-off centers, and 24/7 behavioral health support,” Hawthorne said.

Zooming in

Comal County, which was home to more than 209,000 people last year, is currently building a 16-bed mental health facility, although local residents must currently travel outside the county to receive inpatient mental health services, according to Comal County Criminal District Attorney Jennifer Tharp.

“We do not have any inpatient mental health facilities in my county—we've never had that, and we've needed them for decades,” she said July 7. “We originally started out sending individuals to the San Antonio area, and right now we are transporting individuals for inpatient treatment to North Austin.”

Hawthorne and Tharp said police officers often have to drive several hours to transport people in crisis for emergency detention, “especially in rural Texas.”

“If we're sending someone to Austin Oaks [Hospital], which is North Austin, that's a five-hour round trip for that law enforcement officer, assuming that facility is able to take that person,” Tharp said.

To better support Texans experiencing mental health crises, officials asked lawmakers to consider:

• Expanding state funding for pre-arrest diversion programs
• Increasing the capacity of state psychiatric hospitals
• Funding telehealth and co-responder services in coordination with local police
• Strengthening long-term housing and mental health treatment options
• Creating uniform basic standards for local mental health authorities to follow

“In many rural counties, behavioral health professionals are scarce or unavailable,” Hawthorne said. “Expanding access to telehealth may be the only practical way for law enforcement officers to connect individuals in crisis with licensed mental health professionals in real time.”

The July 7 hearing was used to gather testimony from experts and help guide lawmakers’ priorities for next year, as the Legislature is not currently in session and cannot consider or pass bills. All House and Senate committees are expected to release reports with legislative recommendations before the 2027 session begins in January.

“Law enforcement officers are committed to serving their communities, but they cannot shoulder the burden alone,” Hawthorne said July 7. “With targeted investments, improved coordination and expanded diversion resources, Texas can improve the outcome for the vulnerable individuals and ease the strain on county law enforcement.”

Something to note

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, support is available 24/7 through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Those looking for support for themself or another person can call or text 988.

Information about other mental health crisis services across Texas is available here.