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Department of Behavioral Health
Mission
Our mission is to organize and advocate for the behavioral health needs of the community by distributing resources, connecting local agencies, facilitating behavioral health programs, and providing funding recommendations to Commissioners Court, in order to continuously improve the availability and quality of services in Bexar County.
IMMEDIATE NEEDS
If you’re thinking about suicide or would like emotional support, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 across the United States.
Call or Text: 988
Chat Online Now
ADDITIONAL HELP
SPECIAL POPULATIONS
- Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (Then Press 1)
- LGBTQ Crisis Line: 1-866-488-7386
- First Responder Helpline: 833-367-4689
- Deaf & Hard of Hearing:
- For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711, then 988.
- Chat Online Now
If a person is actively attempting suicide or becoming dangerously violent, call 911 and ask for a Crisis Intervention Team officer to be sent.
SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE
If you’re worried about a friend or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.
Call or Text: 988
Chat Online Now
Emergency Detention
An emergency detention can occur if there is reason to believe the individual is believed to have a mental illness and poses a substantial risk of serious harm to themselves or others. They will be detained and transported by law enforcement to a mental health facility.
RESOURCES & SUPPORT
Bexar County Behavioral Health Resource Directory
The Department of Behavioral Health Resource Directory offers local resources available for mental health and substance use services, housing, financial assistance, food pantries, and other important social services. Our goal is to connect our community members with the services they need the most.
To have your agency considered for inclusion in our resource directory, please complete our submission form.
additional directories
COUNTY INITIATIVES
Thirteen Bexar County independent school districts have been given the opportunity to pursue mental health programs based on the need of their communities. These programs are intended to:
- Identify and support mental health needs early
- Build strong mental health foundations in students and educators
- Remove barriers to services in historically underserved communities and populations
Law Enforcement
S.M.A.R.T.
This program created specialized teams that add mental health support to county emergency services. These teams include law enforcement, paramedics, and mental health professionals. For more information on the "Specialized Multidisciplinary Alternate Response Team" (S.M.A.R.T.), visit their website.
LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING
This short-term program provides law enforcement staff with training in key areas such as Advanced Crisis Intervention, De-escalation, and Trauma-Informed Care. To provide these courses going forward, several law enforcement staff members will be certified as trainers for the Bexar County Sheriff's Office and will conduct additional training on a regular basis.
Initial Detention
JUSTICE INTAKE AND ASSESSMENT ANNEX
We all make mistakes, but sometimes untreated mental health issues can lead to poor decision-making and unfortunate consequences. Bexar County's Justice Intake and Assessment Annex is responsible for the processing of recently arrested individuals. During processing, mental health professionals assess individuals for potential mental health and substance use concerns. Eligible individuals are given the opportunity to participate in outpatient treatment as a condition of a personal bond.
In-Custody
IDD JAIL LIAISON
This program focuses on the identification, coordination, and diversion of persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and related conditions from the Adult Detention Center. When early identification and case coordination occur, it helps prevent future delays within the court system.
Jail-Based Competency Restoration
Everyone accused of a crime has the right to a fair case; however, there are individuals with severe mental health issues who are not capable of understanding or actively participating in their court proceedings. These individuals are deemed incompetent to stand trial. When this occurs, the court will provide treatment, which may include therapy, medication, or other interventions, to assist the person to the point where they are able to understand the court proceedings. Once that level of competency, or understanding, is achieved, the legal case can continue.
Since there is often a waitlist for the facilities offering competency restoration treatment, this specific jail-based program will allow these services to begin within the Bexar County Adult Detention Center while individuals await transfer to the mental health facility.
COURTS
Mental Health Court (County Court #12)
This court specializes in and advocates for incarcerated persons with mental illness and provides access to mental health treatment, community resources, and support to reduce their involvement in the criminal justice system.
Mental Health Court (Probate Court #1)
This court handles civil mental health commitments in Bexar County. Judges preside over certain hearings to determine if a mentally ill person is a danger to themselves or others and thus requires hospitalization.
ReEntry & Community Corrections
Community Reintegration Program
Jail diversion mental health program that provides immediate assessment for mental health treatment for misdemeanor Pre-Trial cases to include: psychiatric medication management and comprehensive community support services.
Juvenile Justice Program
Clinic, home, and community-based mental health services for youth referred by the Bexar County Juvenile Probation Department or the County Magistrate.
NOW Clinic
Everyone should have access to mental health support. This mental health clinic was created for individuals who cannot afford insurance or pay for services. Bexar County is working to expand these services and create additional locations in underserved areas.
Pre-crisis Program
Our mental health can spiral out of control. While there are programs in place that can help with the aftermath of a crisis, Bexar County is working to create accessible mental health resources that can provide support before a crisis can occur. This program will include a local helpline that can provide mental health resources and provide service connections. There will also be a county-wide marketing campaign to reduce the stigma of mental health and promote mental wellness.
SASH Reuse Study
With the San Antonio State Hospital (SASH) moving to its updated facility in 2024, Bexar County is researching the possibilities of using the previous location to create a wellness campus for individuals struggling with mental health.
DEPARTMENT EVENTS
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONSORTIUM
A gathering of community stakeholders to discuss topics that contribute to the expansion and improvement of the behavioral health system of care in Bexar County.
Nuts & Bolts of Mental Health
An annual convention discussing behavioral health and how it relates to our criminal justice system.
Previous Presentations
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.
Call or Text: 988
Chat Online Now
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Tuesday, October 3
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Managing Stress & Burnout at Work When stress is severe or prolonged (or both), it can impact our physical and mental health in major ...
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Wednesday, October 4
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Self-Care and Wellbeing: A Hands-On Approach for Better Health Too often people think that self-care is selfish or indulgent, and we feel guilty for taking time to...
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Men's Wellness Connection Group Connect with other men in a safe space to discuss various topics including self-advocacy, positive c...
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Bexar County Department of Behavioral Health
Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.
Call or Text: 988
Chat Online NowEmergency: Dial 911