In Texas, 246 of the state’s 254 counties are designated by the federal government as “mental health professional shortage areas,” meaning local law enforcement are often tasked with responding to mental health crisis calls.
All Texas peace officers are required to complete crisis intervention and deescalation trainings, according to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. However, some law enforcement and criminal justice leaders told state legislators July 7 that they have “limited tools” to effectively respond to mental health calls and help people in crisis.
“People only know one number to call, and that's 911,” said David Gonzalez, an Austin-based criminal defense lawyer. “So they're all treated like criminal emergencies.”
What’s happening
Across Community Impact’s coverage areas, some city and county law enforcement agencies are partnering with local mental health professionals to respond to crisis calls.
Several Central Texas police departments have in-house mental health units or partner with regional mental health organizations, Community Impact previously reported, while the city of Austin is working to send its EMS and Mental Health Crisis Response Unit to mental health-related calls when police involvement is not needed. The Roanoke Police Department launched a crisis intervention unit in 2025, while Pearland City Council recently voted to create a similar program and Harris County expanded its nonviolent 911 response program last August.
However, not all communities have this option, said Brian Hawthorne, president of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas and Chambers County sheriff.
“In many areas of Texas, law enforcement effectively has become the front door in confronting mental health crises and the chronic public safety threats due to mental illness, substance use disorders and chronic homelessness,” Hawthorne said during a July 7 hearing of the Texas Senate Health and Human Services Committee. “This creates major resource burdens for local governments and law enforcement, and exacerbates public safety threats.”
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.
