Community mental health services are provided through Local Mental Health Authorities/Local Behavioral Health Authorities, also referred to as community mental health centers. The LMHAs/LBHAs provide services to a specific geographic area of the state, called the local service area. See a list of all the community mental health centers.
Behavioral Health Services at Health and Human Services Commission requires each authority to plan, develop policy, coordinate and allocate and develop resources for mental health services in the local service area. BHS contracts with 39 community mental health centers to deliver mental health services in communities across Texas. These contracts, commonly known as performance contracts, are renewed on a yearly basis.

Training

The Centralized Training Infrastructure for Evidence Based Practices is designed to aid in the development of a training infrastructure to support the delivery of mental health services in Texas. The Texas Health and Human Services has contracted with the University of Texas Health Science Center Department of Psychiatry to coordinate and implement this project. Learn more about CTI training opportunities.

Contracted mental health centers and Texas Resilience and Recovery services subcontractors must meet training requirements for HHSC approved evidence-based practices prior to the provision of support services. Completion of the requirements are documented and maintained by mental health centers or their subcontractor. HHSC approved evidence-based practices and training requirements for contracted mental health centers and Texas Resilience and Recovery services subcontractors can be found in the performance contract Information Item A – Training and Competency (PDF).

To assist providers implementing evidence-based practices, webinars on the following models and topics are offered based on need:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Supported Employment – Individual Placements and Supports
• Assertive Community Treatment
• Permanent Supportive Housing 
• Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths and Adult Needs and Strengths Assessment
• Utilization Management Technical Assistance
• Implementation of Multiple Evidence-Based Practices
• Co-Occurring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders
• Illness Management and Recovery   
• Cultural Competency

Texas TRAIN is a national learning management network comprised of 31 affiliates with their own learning management system. TRAIN has almost 1 million registered users and over 30,000 courses available in various areas of public health. TRAIN is a great resource for all those interested in public health and the latest in worldwide health issues, goals and programs. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is a TRAIN affiliate and frequently provides up-to-date information as well as training on many issues. Link to Texas HHS DSHS webpage: https://tx.train.org/DesktopShell.aspx

CMBHS Access and Request and End User Agreement

1. After downloading the CMBHS Access Request and User Agreement Form (PDF), complete the form fields, print, review, sign and submit the document.
2. To submit, please scan the document to create an electronic version displaying your signature. Email the electronic version to MHContracts@dshs.state.tx.us
3. If the form cannot be emailed, please mail the signed form to:
   
   U.S. Postal Mail
   Texas Health and Human Services Commission
   Mental Health Contracts Management Unit
   Mail Code 2058
   P. O. Box 149347
   Austin, TX 78714-9347
   
   Overnight Mail
   Texas Health and Human Services Commission
   Mental Health Contracts Management Unit
   Mail Code 2058
   909 West 45th St., Bldg. 552
   Austin, TX 78751

Guidelines and Handbooks

• Texas Resilience and Recovery
• Adult Need and Strengths Assessment
• Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths
• Utilization Management Guidelines and Manual

Rates

• Medicaid Billing Guidelines
• Medicaid Fee Schedule
• TRR Mental Health Case Management Billing Guideline 2007 (PDF)
• TRR Mental Health Rehabilitative Services Billing Guidelines 2007

Rules

The LMHAs and LBHAs must comply with applicable mental health service rules residing in Title 25, Part 1 of the Texas Administrative Code including prevention standards, case management, rehabilitative standards and client rights. The specific chapter and subchapter references are as follows:

• Chapter 404, Subchapter E, Rights of Persons Receiving Mental Health Services
• Chapter 411, Subchapter B, Interagency Agreements
• Chapter 411, Subchapter G, Community Centers
• Chapter 411, Subchapter M, Standards of Care and Treatment in Crisis Stabilization Units
• Chapter 411, Subchapter N, Standards for Care to Individuals with Co-Occurring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders
• Chapter 412, Subchapter A, Mental Health Prevention Standards
• Chapter 412, Subchapter B, Contracts Management for Local Authorities
• Chapter 412, Subchapter C, Charges for Community Services
• Chapter 412, Subchapter D, Mental Health Service--Admission, Continuity, and Discharge
• Chapter 412, Subchapter G, Mental Health Community Services Standards
• Chapter 412, Subchapter I, Mental Health Case Management
• Chapter 412, Subchapter P, Provider Network Development
• Chapter 414, Subchapter L, Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation in Local Authorities and Community Centers
• Chapter 416, Subchapter A, Mental Health Rehabilitative Standards
• Chapter 416, Subchapter C, Jail-Based Competency Restoration Program
• Chapter 419, Subchapter A, Youth Empowerment Services

Resources

• Cognitive therapy resources.
• Local Planning and Network Development provides guidance and information to all stakeholders, including private providers, who might be interested in the provision of mental health services in collaboration with LMHAs/LBHAs throughout Texas.
• Mental Health Monthly Ability-to-Pay Fee Schedule for 2019 (Excel)
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - Learn about the many topics that highlight SAMHSA's efforts to prevent and reduce the impact of mental illness and substance use in America's communities.
• Uniform transportation standards for qualified transportation services providers taking patients to designated mental health facilities.

Additional resources regarding evidence-based practices are available at:

• National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices
• Texas Behavioral Health Clearinghouse focused on clinical practices maintained by the University of Texas

Contact Us

Mailbox: AdultMH@hhsc.state.tx.us