HAYS COUNTY — Hays County continues to work to help the individuals in the criminal justice system who are dealing with mental health issues. The Hays County Commissioners Court received an update on the Hays County Behavioral Advisory Team’s (BAT) progress at its Aug. 8 meeting. The team was establ...

KYLE — “On both of our bridges … we’ve had people jump off of them and so, that is where it becomes some sort of responsibility to at least direct [residents to resources],” said council member Yvonne Flores-Cale. At the Kyle City Council meeting held on May 2, council members Bear Heiser, Daniela P...

By Brittany Anderson HAYS COUNTY — The mental health system and criminal justice system are two very intricate entities, and often intersect — but what happens when they are not working together cohesively?  This is a concern that some Hays County residents have, including Elaine Brown. Brown has be...

By Brittany Anderson If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can now easily call or text 988 — it may just save a life.  The new 988 crisis line, which launched on July 16, confidentially connects people to local, trained crisis counselors who are available 24/7 to hel...

By C.J. Vetter HAYS COUNTY - As summer begins, many are looking forward to a time of relaxation and warm weather. Others, however, can have a difficult time adjusting to the new temperatures and schedules.  The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) warns that mental illness can be especially d...

By Brittany Anderson A grant for the Buda Public Library is looking to implement a program that will improve the library’s ability to better assist the community with their mental health needs.  During its Feb. 15 meeting, Buda City Council unanimously approved to authorize the city manager to execu...

By Megan Wehring HAYS COUNTY — Addressing the area’s mental health needs is Hays County’s goal as officials are working to create a facility where residents can receive proper care.  Over three million Texas adults are living with a mental illness, according to Mental Health Texas, and 60% of adults...

By Sahar Chmais Strategizing for a mental health center in Hays County is back on track after efforts for the facility were derailed by the pandemic. A year ago, a Mental Health Task Force was assembled by Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra, and on Tuesday Nov. 2, commissioners court approved funding f...

by Zofia Reyes Samaritan Center is opening a facility in Dripping Springs in an attempt to aid a city in “great need of mental health services.”  Samaritan Center are trying to match a $50,000 pledged donation, from an anonymous family foundation, to open an office in Dripping Springs. The Center de...

By Sahar Chmais Seeking help from a psychologist used to be socially stigmatized. This has changed in the last two decades and Luann Sandahl, Licensed Professional Counselor in Kyle, was there to watch the change rapidly unfold. “It’s almost a 20-year career and I spent most of it in Kyle,” Sandahl ...