Local News
Current news regarding health & resilience in Williamson, Travis, Hays, Comal, Bastrop, Caldwell, and Bexar Counties in Central Texas.
San Antonio officials look to swap jail time for treatment
“San Antonio officials moved to support a feasibility study that could lay the groundwork for a diversion center in Bexar County aimed at steering people with mental illness or intellectual and developmental disabilities away from the criminal justice system and into treatment.”
FROM: San Antonio Report
City of San Antonio looking into 911 mental health option
“Chief mental health officer says city wants to look at triage for 911 calls before expanding popular mental health response teams.”
FROM: KSAT
Longtime San Antonio firefighter becomes licensed counselor to help his peers with substance use
“The pilot program is the only one of its kind in the nation, expanding substance use counseling in a unique way.”
FROM: KSAT
Start the Year Mindfully: NAMI Central Texas Offers Post-Holiday Mental Health Tips
“Setareh Ghaznavi from NAMI Central Texas shares tips for managing post-holiday stress and incorporating self-care into 2026.”
FROM: CBS Austin
San Antonio Area Sees a Boom in Mental Health Providers. But Not Where Scarcity Is Severe.
“The rate of mental health providers has increased by almost a third over four years, from 188 to 250 providers per 100,000 residents.”
FROM: Public Health Watch
Local students compete with ideas to make San Antonio a better place at 8th annual Speak Up Speak Out Civics Fair
“Students at Randolph High School and La Vernia Middle School won top awards.”
FROM: KSAT
Jail mental health program to evaluate defendants, reduce trial delays
“The Hays County Commissioners Court took final action to approve a Jail-Based Competency Restoration Program aimed at addressing the growing mental health crisis in the criminal justice system.”
FROM: Dripping Springs Century News
Federal mental health funding restored for programs in San Antonio, across US after abrupt reversal
“Federal funding for mental health and addiction services will continue after a sudden reversal by the Trump administration — ending a brief but alarming period of uncertainty for nonprofits across the country.”
FROM: KSAT
Community honors late teen Camila Olmos with mural highlighting mental health
“The community is paying tribute to Camila Olmos, a local teen who disappeared and was later found dead by suicide, with a new mural just north of downtown.”
FROM: NEWS4SA
Hays County launches jail-based competency restoration program to cut 300-day treatment waits
“Instead of waiting nearly a year for treatment, we can provide those services right here, right now," the Hays County District Attorney's Office said.”
FROM: KVUE
Hays County jail to speed mental health care, cut costs
“Hays County defendants deemed incompetent to stand trial could soon receive treatment in the county jail under a program approved Jan. 6 by the Commissioners Court.”
FROM: Community Impact
Martin Luther King III to speak at Austin nonprofit's event this week
The civil rights activist is set to attend a private event honoring the work of the African American Youth Harvest Foundation.
FROM: KVUE
70 new school psychologists could get certified in Texas with $647K federal grant
“The money would cover tuition for current mental health workers that want to upgrade their degree.”
FROM: KSAT
Art, play therapy: 5 alternative therapy options in the Austin metro
“Here are five options for alternative therapy in the Austin metro area.”
FROM: Community Impact
Nonprofit adds affordable counseling program in New Braunfels
“Connections Individual and Family Services has expanded its mental health offerings in Comal County through its Affordable Rate Counseling Program, or ARC.”
FROM: Community Impact
WilCo renews partnership with Bluebonnet Trails for mental health, homelessness
“Williamson County renewed its annual partnership with Bluebonnet Trails Community Services for three behavioral health resources totaling almost $500,000”
FROM: Community Impact
2,500 miles for mental health: Austin man shares emotional journey
“Alex Bradley recently returned to Austin, Texas, after completing a trek of more than 2,500 miles to raise awareness for suicide prevention.”
FROM: KXAN
Austin music venue workers find new support amid loss of ACA subsidies
“The program will now open up mental health care support and substance use recovery services to music venue employees across the city.”
FROM: KXAN
Austin's Good Grief running club offers active option to find community in healing
“Austin-based running club Good Grief has shaped an experience for community members to find solace in staying active while working through their grief with people going through similar situations.”
FROM: Community Impact
Mental Health Court receives grant to support expungement services
“Hays County Commissioners Court accepted a $10,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation to support the operations of the Hays County Mental Health Court (MHC).”
FROM: Dripping Springs Century News