San Antonio, Texas, February 11, 2026
San Antonio is exploring the establishment of a mental health diversion center to divert individuals with mental health issues from jail to treatment facilities. Supported by a feasibility study commissioned by the Center for Health Care Services, the initiative aims to address jail overcrowding and provide better mental health care. Councilwoman Teri Castillo highlighted the financial advantages, with treatment costs significantly lower than jailing. As the plan moves forward, city officials are considering forming an ad hoc committee to discuss next steps and engage with the community.
San Antonio Explores Mental Health Diversion Center to Reduce Jail Overcrowding
San Antonio, Texas – The city is considering the establishment of a mental health diversion center aimed at diverting individuals with mental health issues from jail to appropriate treatment facilities. This initiative seeks to alleviate jail overcrowding and provide more effective care for those in need.
Proposed Plan and Feasibility Study
The Center for Health Care Services (CHCS) plans to commission a study to assess the feasibility of such a center and develop a comprehensive plan. The city council’s Public Safety Committee has unanimously supported partnering with CHCS on this study, with the city contributing $30,000 from the San Antonio Police Department budget. The total cost of the study is estimated to be between $100,000 and $120,000.
Financial Considerations
Councilwoman Teri Castillo highlighted the financial implications, noting that jailing costs $1,750 per day, compared to $510 per day for a behavioral health diversion center. She emphasized the fiscal responsibility of pursuing this initiative.
Existing Mental Health Services in San Antonio
San Antonio already offers several mental health services, including the San Antonio Clubhouse, which provides peer support and community engagement for individuals with mental health challenges. Additionally, the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) has a Mental Health Unit that responds to mental health crises, aiming to provide compassionate and purposeful interactions. The San Antonio Police Department also operates a Mental Health Crisis Unit, offering support for individuals in crisis.
Background on Jail Overcrowding and Mental Health
The Bexar County jail has faced capacity issues, sometimes requiring the transfer of inmates to other counties. CHCS President and CEO Jelynne LeBlanc-Jamison noted that on any given day, between 80 to 100 individuals with low-level offenses and mental health or substance use disorders are incarcerated. A diversion center could provide treatment at the right time, potentially reducing jail overcrowding.
Next Steps and Community Involvement
As plans develop, the upcoming election for Bexar County District Attorney is considered a key component, as the new DA will play a significant role in the proposal’s implementation. The city is also exploring the creation of an ad hoc committee comprising city and county officials to further discuss and support the plan.
Conclusion
San Antonio’s exploration of a mental health diversion center represents a proactive approach to addressing jail overcrowding and ensuring individuals with mental health issues receive appropriate care. The collaboration between city officials, CHCS, and community organizations underscores a collective effort to enhance public safety and support mental health in the community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the proposed mental health diversion center in San Antonio?
The proposed center aims to divert individuals with mental health issues from jail to appropriate treatment facilities, alleviating jail overcrowding and providing more effective care.
How much is the city contributing to the feasibility study for the diversion center?
The city is contributing $30,000 from the San Antonio Police Department budget to the feasibility study, which is estimated to cost between $100,000 and $120,000.
What are the financial implications of establishing a diversion center?
Establishing a diversion center could reduce costs, with treatment at the center costing $510 per day compared to $1,750 per day for incarceration.
What existing mental health services are available in San Antonio?
San Antonio offers services such as the San Antonio Clubhouse, the University of Texas Police Department’s Mental Health Unit, and the San Antonio Police Department’s Mental Health Crisis Unit.
How does the proposed diversion center relate to jail overcrowding?
The diversion center aims to reduce jail overcrowding by providing treatment to individuals with low-level offenses and mental health or substance use disorders, potentially decreasing the number of incarcerated individuals.
What are the next steps in implementing the diversion center?
The city is considering the creation of an ad hoc committee comprising city and county officials to further discuss and support the plan, with the upcoming election for Bexar County District Attorney being a key component in the proposal’s implementation.
Key Features of the Proposed Mental Health Diversion Center
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Divert individuals with mental health issues from jail to treatment facilities, reducing overcrowding and providing effective care. |
| Feasibility Study | CHCS plans to commission a study to assess feasibility and develop a plan, with city contributing $30,000. |
| Financial Considerations | Treatment at the center costs $510/day, compared to $1,750/day for incarceration, highlighting fiscal responsibility. |
| Existing Services | San Antonio offers services like the San Antonio Clubhouse, UTPD’s Mental Health Unit, and SAPD’s Mental Health Crisis Unit. |
| Jail Overcrowding | The diversion center aims to reduce overcrowding by providing treatment to individuals with low-level offenses and mental health or substance use disorders. |
| Next Steps | Consideration of an ad hoc committee comprising city and county officials to support the plan, with the upcoming Bexar County District Attorney election being a key component. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Move and Care Expands Local Moving Services in San Antonio
Texas Crisis Centers Struggle After Removal of LGBTQ+ Support from 988 Lifeline
San Antonio Advances Plans for Jail Diversion Center
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
