Support Us Button Widget

Travis County to launch a pilot mental health diversion center

The county plans to move forward on the pilot center — which will be able to treat about 25 people — in the coming weeks.

The Austin skyline, as seen from Lady Bird Lake

Travis County plans to establish a permanent mental health diversion center in the Austin area by 2030.

Photo by ATXtoday

Travis County is one step closer to testing out a mental health diversion center in Austin.

The vision for this center is to provide an option for people who are in need of acute mental health assistance that isn’t jail or the emergency room. The pilot center is expected to move forward in the coming weeks, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

At the pilot center, ~25 people at a time could receive medication, treatment, counseling, and other resources for roughly two weeks at a time. Eligibility is still being workshopped.

The pilot program is expected to cost ~$12 million and operate out of existing buildings. The permanent facility, which was approved last year, isn’t expected to be up and running for at least five years.

Learn more about mental health planning in Travis County.

More from ATXtoday
An Austin local and hoops trailblazer is making the case for the Capital City to join the WNBA.
We’re here to make your flying process plane and simple.
Allow us to take you on a sleigh ride through the Austin area’s huge collection of holiday lights, shows, and displays.
It’s a mini city-wide scavenger hunt in the supermarket, and all the references are different throughout each Trader Joe’s location.
If you knead an excuse to eat a sweet treat, these local bakeries will rise to the occasion.
Visions of sugarplums are dancing in our heads... and on stages around Austin this holiday season.
‘Tis the season to give back to the Austin community through Me Nd Adam’s Keep Austin Cheer’d — an annual charity event that benefits Casa Marianella.
In need of a weekend getaway? You’re in luck — we’re sharing our favorite restaurants, wineries, and stores in Fredericksburg, Texas.
This list of volunteer opportunities in Austin, TX includes everything from building homes for people in need to fostering shelter animals.
Kirk Watson has a storied history of being Mayor of Austin, and with his re-election confirmed, he’ll serve another four-year term.