A Guide to Understanding Mental Health Systems and Services in Texas

Understanding mental health systems and services in Texas can be daunting, even for advocates and policymakers. The maze of mental health and substance use services and funding streams is complex, making it difficult to understand and challenging to improve. The Hogg Foundation updates the Mental Health Guide to coincide with each Texas legislative session to help inform mental health and substance use policy analysis, legislative development, and decision-making. 

A Tool for Everyone

The Mental Health Guide is a data-driven and evidence-based resource on mental health and substance use systems and services, funding, and various policy issues. We aim to support advocates, policymakers, consumers, and their families as they navigate mental health systems and services in Texas. The intended audience for this guide includes legislators, legislative staff, state agency staff, advocates with lived experience, family advocates, mental health and substance use providers, and other policy-minded stakeholders.

The new Texas Mental Health Guide!

The Guide is now a searchable, interactive website! We are no longer limited to a set number of print copies and the Guide content is now available to anyone, at any time. You can view the Guide on any device, allowing for easy access on the go! 

To access the Policy Issues, Funding Explained, and State Agency sections, use the menu tabs or navigation bar at the top of the page.

All of the information in the previously printed Guide is available on this website.