Travis County is shifting focus to prevent overdose deaths as fentanyl ravages the area
Since 2019, accidental drug deaths have been rising in Texas, with the number tripling in Travis County. Full Story
![An Austin-Travis County EMS vehicle parked outside of St. Davidís North Austin Medical Center on July 7, 2020.](https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/5t2W97mNVOCOPfRq21EvHX2fZ-M=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/39ddc22c53da25d896f61cf5b247c241/ATX%20Hospitals%20AG%20TT%2013.jpg)
The latest mental health news from The Texas Tribune.
Since 2019, accidental drug deaths have been rising in Texas, with the number tripling in Travis County. Full Story
The facility has 240 single-person rooms, a basketball gym and outdoor courtyards. It’s part of a $2.5 billion overhaul of the state’s mental health hospital system. Full Story
The mental health workforce shortage is more acute in rural areas, adding to rising patient loads in hospital ERs. Full Story
We’ll discuss the challenges facing our kids and how the state is investing in addressing the crisis. We’ll explore the work being done in schools, health care, child welfare and restorative justice systems. Full Story
More than 40% of the state’s population is Hispanic, but its mental health provider population is more than 80% white. Full Story
The court re-sentenced Gallo to life in prison for the murder of his girlfriend’s 3-year-old daughter. Full Story
Faced with a nagging mental health provider shortage, the state psychologists’ licensing board is looking into whether the state should devise its own exam to get professionals licensed more quickly. Full Story
Many independent school districts, including the largest ones, do not allow chaplains to serve as counselors, which is now allowed under a new Texas law. Full Story
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. Full Story
Information-rich public libraries are using their websites and facilities to address the ever-increasing demand for counseling, housing and substance abuse services. Full Story
The federal stimulus money that helped fund many mental health positions in Texas schools will end in the fall of 2024. Full Story
A lack of private providers, a swamped community mental health system, and low insurance reimbursement have cut off many in Texas from basic mental health services. Full Story
A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report showed a new record for people using firearms in suicides. Texas gun safety and mental health advocates say the report highlights a need for gun laws the state does not have. Full Story
Department leaders say they recognize that post-traumatic stress and other mental health issues are among the biggest dangers of the job. Full Story
The region that includes Amarillo, a Panhandle city of more than 200,000 people, and surrounding towns has long been a mental health care desert. Officials hope a new $159 million hospital can help reduce a massive spike in suicide attempts. Full Story
Miranda Michel, 26, couldn’t leave the state for an abortion. But she also couldn’t bear the idea of carrying a nonviable pregnancy to term. Full Story
Like many regions in Texas, the county jails and hospitals have been at capacity with people needing mental health help. Local leaders hope a new 200-bed facility will alleviate pressure. Full Story
Panetti murdered his in-laws in 1992. The U.S. Supreme Court in 2007 set new court precedent with his case, raising the bar on the constitutional restriction against executing the insane. Full Story
The county’s top elected official will be discharged from a mental health facility this weekend and plans to return to work on Oct. 2 after two weeks of outpatient therapy. Full Story
Historically, anti-drug messaging in schools has failed to acknowledge the mental health reasons that youth self-medicate. Without that key lesson, advocates worry House Bill 3908 will be another D.A.R.E. campaign. Full Story