The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll not only on people’s physical health, but their mental health as well. In order to better address mental health care needs in the community, the Williamson County Commissioners Court partnered with Bluebonnet Trails Community Services (BTCS), the local mental health authority in Williamson County, on several projects that were funded through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act or American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). 

One of those projects, the law enforcement Diversion Center, is ready to open its doors this week. Bluebonnet Trails Community Services partnered with the Williamson County Commissioners Court and the Sheriff’s Office to create the Diversion Center. The professional staff at the center provide 24-hour rapid access to appropriate care for a person experiencing a crisis by triaging care with a law enforcement officer prior to the officer’s arrival at the center. 

The Diversion Center includes 23-hour crisis observation and psychiatric care while the mental health professionals locate appropriate services or placement for an individual in crisis. Through this investment, persons receive more immediate care and officers expediently return to duty to handle other calls.  

“The Diversion Center is another way for us to get people the appropriate help they need rather than taking them to jail, the emergency room or a psychiatric hospital,” said Sheriff Mike Gleason. “It is a more targeted approach getting people directly to the specific care they need.”

“A priority goal of the Williamson County Behavioral Health Task Force has been to divert people who have mental health issues, but are not charged with serious offenses, from our jail. This Diversion Center provides better mental health care for our residents and is at a lower cost than incarceration,” said Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey, who serves as the Commissioners Court’s liaison on the county’s Behavioral Health Task Force. 

“It is a privilege to expand our partnership alongside Williamson County and law enforcement ensuring a coordinated 24-hour crisis response in service to people experiencing a mental health crisis.  We applaud the commissioners for their ongoing efforts addressing the gaps in critical care for Williamson County families,” said Andrea Richardson, executive director for Bluebonnet Trails Community Services.