Bullying – Students experiencing behavioral health challenges are on both sides of the fence.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Several dozen bills filed this session attempt to address the topic of bullying in Texas public schools.  The bills range from being very direct and punitive, to bills that are more comprehensive and try to address both the cause and the consequences.  Some think that...

The Mental Health Workforce Crisis

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Texas has a serious mental health workforce crisis. The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health and Methodist Healthcare Ministries collaborated to develop Crisis Point: Mental Health Workforce Shortages in Texas. This document offers important information on the shortage...

Clubhouse Model Named Evidence-Based Practice

Monday, April 4, 2011

I just wanted to share some really worthy news with everyone. Last week I received a very exciting email from Lisa Yoch, executive director of the Austin Clubhouse. Her message informed me that the Clubhouse Model has been accepted by SAMHSA as an evidence-based...

Seclusion & Restraint Reduction: A Policy Response and Training Opportunity

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

On March 17th, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 41 by Senator Zaffirini. The bill addresses the use of restraints in state supported living centers (SSLCs) and includes the following provisions: Prohibits the use of restraints in state supported living centers...

Outpatient Competency Restoration — Using Scarce Resources More Effectively

Thursday, March 17, 2011

In the midst of the current budget crisis, lawmakers are searching for ways to save money and use existing funds more effectively and efficiently. One way to do this is to expand outpatient competency restoration initiatives. When an individual with mental illness is...

The Texas Budget and Mental Health

Friday, March 4, 2011

Summary & Analysis House Bill 1 is the House of Representative’s budget bill. It will determine how much each state agency has to spend on programs and services. The final bill likely won’t be voted on until the end of May at the earliest. The numbers will change...