Policy Briefs

Legislative summaries, policy briefs, toolkits, recommendations, and evaluations related to mental health in Texas.

89th Legislative Session Summary Cover89th Legislative Summary

The 89th Legislative Session provided a number of changes in the mental health and substance use landscape, including increased funding for several services and legislation that directly impacts Texas communities.

Federal Funding Shifts and their Impacts on Texas CommunitiesFederal Funding Shifts and their Impacts on Texas Communities

Recent federal actions under the new administration have reshaped key programs that impact health, nutrition, education, and research.

Lived Experience Storytelling: Primer for Advocacy

This toolkit encourages people with lived experience to engage in advocacy while using a trauma-informed lens to take care of themselves and their stories.

Policy Recommendations 2025-26 cover2025 Policy Recommendations

Policy recommendations that include funding and support for mental health promotion through prevention, early intervention, and access.

88th Legislative Session Summary Cover88th Legislative Summary

The 88th Legislative Session was a whirlwind of activity with many mental health and substance use issues rising to the forefront. The Uvalde tragedy, youth mental health, workforce challenges, and high substance use overdose deaths were top of mind for many lawmakers.

Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Individuals with Intellectual and Other Developmental Disabilities - cover thumbnailMeeting the Mental Health Needs of Individuals with Intellectual and Other Developmental Disabilities

Despite promising efforts to expand services for individuals with IDD and mental health concerns, there are still sizable gaps in services.

Document cover: A Retrospective on a Decade of InvestmentPolicy Fellow Retrospective

We take a look back at our decade of investment in the Mental Health Policy Academy and Policy Fellow Initiative.