Texas House Speaker Celebrates Legislative Advances in Mental Health Care on World Mental Health Day

In recognition of World Mental Health Day on October 10, Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan commended the Texas Legislature for its efforts in enhancing mental health initiatives and highlighted significant laws passed during the 2021 and 2023 sessions.

“On this World Mental Health Day, I am proud to recognize the Texas Legislature’s work to improve mental health care for Texans, particularly among vulnerable populations including children, new mothers, veterans, law enforcement, and those in historically underserved areas,” said Speaker Phelan. “Mental health is fundamental to the well-being of our communities, and by increasing access to resources and expanding the mental health workforce, we are building a stronger, healthier Texas.”

Phelan noted that both he and the Lieutenant Governor have directed House and Senate members to study mental health initiatives during the interim period, expressing confidence that the upcoming session will further advance the progress made in ensuring every Texan has access to necessary support for healthy and fulfilling lives.

Key Mental Health Achievements in the 87th and 88th Legislatures:

• Historic Funding: The legislature approved a record $11.66 billion in behavioral health funding in 2023, marking a 30% increase from the previous session’s $8.86 billion, one of the largest increases in state history.
• Support for Children & Mental Health in Schools:
  • Expanded access to telemedicine services for students and funded the Child Mental Health Care Consortium, enhancing partnerships with 13 Texas medical schools.
  • Mandated mental health training for school staff, funded programs for at-risk students, required anti-bullying measures, and adjusted active shooter drill protocols to support student mental health.
  • Improved school counseling requirements to focus on mental health services, allowed volunteer chaplains for student support, and recognized school psychologists as mental health professionals eligible for loan repayment assistance.
  • Required suicide prevention hotline information on student ID cards for grades 7-12 and at community colleges and public universities.
• State Hospitals & Inpatient Care:
  • Appropriated $8 billion in 2023 for the expansion and construction of state hospitals to enhance inpatient mental health care in underserved regions.
  • Allocated nearly $200 million to increase the number of psychiatric beds in community hospitals across Texas.
• Workforce Development:
  • Invested $28 million in the Mental Health Professionals Loan Repayment Program, reducing the required participation period and expanding eligibility for student loan assistance.
  • Offered financial incentives to medical schools to train psychiatrists and develop innovative recruitment strategies to bolster the mental health workforce.
  • Allowed Local Mental Health Authorities to employ social workers, counselors, and physician assistants for reimbursement of mental health services.
• Support for Vulnerable Populations:
  • Extended Medicaid coverage for new mothers to 12 months, including mental health services for postpartum conditions.
  • Enhanced mental health support for veterans through trained professionals and targeted suicide prevention efforts.
  • Dedicated over $61 million to the Uvalde community for mental health services, including inpatient psychiatric beds and a new Behavioral Health Center.
  • Implemented mental health leave policies for law enforcement officers and established programs to support their mental wellness and peer support training.

Speaker Phelan reiterated the importance of mental health initiatives as vital to fostering community well-being across Texas.