97% of Texas Counties Underserved in Mental Health Care – Experts Call for Change

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Written By Richard Perdomo

AUSTIN — During Suicide Prevention Month, Texas leaders in psychology are highlighting major gaps in mental health care across the state.

“We all know someone affected by suicide or substance abuse,” said John Bielamowicz, Chair of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. “Access to mental health care can be the difference between life and death.”

According to a 2023 Forbes study, Texas ranks last in access to mental health services. The federal government found that 97% of Texas counties are underserved in mental health, with 137 counties having no psychologists at all, and 32 counties having just one.

At a recent hearing, the Board raised concerns about new requirements that could make it harder to license psychologists. Bielamowicz explained that the nation’s only psychology licensing exam company is asking Texas to adopt a second test, which would come at a high cost.

“We’ve never faced such a big threat to licensing psychologists in Texas,” he said. “We shouldn’t make it harder for people to enter this profession.”

Meanwhile, Dell Medical School is working to train future psychologists and send them to underserved communities. Their Integrated Behavioral Health Scholars Program aims to create a diverse workforce skilled in providing mental health care, especially in underserved areas.

“Texas is a proud state, and we shouldn’t be last in anything,” said Dr. Lloyd Berg, Chief of Dell Medical School’s Division of Psychology. “It’s up to us to push our state representatives to focus on funding mental health care.”

Last year, the Texas legislature invested $11 billion to build 17 new hospitals, mainly in rural areas, where mental health care is a top priority. Dr. Berg believes more should be done in the coming years.

“Texas is already leading the way in child mental health services,” he said. “We should build on that and provide access to more people.”

Next week, Bielamowicz will speak at the Texas Senate’s Health and Human Services Committee, which will discuss children’s mental health and access to care.

“We are well aware of the shortage in care, and we’re doing everything we can to be part of the solution,” he said.

 

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