HAYS COUNTY, Texas — The Hays County Mental Health Court is expanding its support for individuals dealing with mental health challenges and substance abuse, irrespective of their insurance status. County Commissioners greenlit a collaboration with the San Marcos-based treatment center, Evoke Wellness, allowing participants in the mental health court to access crucial services.
Designed as an alternative to incarceration for cases where mental health issues contributed to an arrest, the mental health court began admitting participants in 2022 and currently serves 20 people, according to Mental Health Court Administrator Kaimi Mattila.
The court’s innovative approach has already brought positive change to participants like one individual who recently graduated from the year-long program. Requesting anonymity, the person expressed a newfound sense of hope and a “new lease on life” since joining the court.
Judge Elaine Brown, overseeing the Mental Health Court, highlighted the multifaceted needs of participants, with substance abuse treatment emerging as a critical aspect. Recognizing this, the court has entered into a partnership with Evoke Wellness to address these needs comprehensively.
The partnership allows the court to make referrals to Evoke Wellness, facilitating access to services such as detox, residential inpatient treatment, and intensive outpatient treatment. Notably, these services will be available to individuals regardless of whether they have insurance or not.
Judge Andy Brown emphasized the importance of providing treatment to individuals who might otherwise be unable to afford it. The court has allocated $45,000 to support participants’ treatment costs, and Evoke Wellness has pledged to contribute by covering some expenses.
Evoke Wellness expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, and Judge Elaine Brown highlighted that Hays County is one of only 25 counties in the state with a mental health court. This initiative reflects a broader effort to address mental health and substance abuse issues in the criminal justice system, offering a more compassionate and rehabilitative approach.
