Column by Commissioner Cook
Williamson County Commissioner Terry Cook: Dealing with mental health crises (statesman.com)
With Williamson County's former Mobile Outreach Team transitioning to support the city of Round Rock residents only, many have asked what the county is doing to provide services. We are continuing and expanding our partnership with Bluebonnet Trails, our local mental health authority and community center for Region 5, serving eight counties including Williamson. Its focus is to provide services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, serious mental illness and substance use disorders.
While the media and politicos are blaming mental health crises for the recent shootings, many of those involved have no indication of a mental health crisis but are clearly not stable individuals. Williamson County seeks to connect our citizens in crisis with the most appropriate treatment when possible.
Bluebonnet Trails’ Mobile Crisis Outreach Team
The MCOT teams have previously been working in tandem with the county’s MOT group of social workers to provide on-site services and responses to mental health crises within the county, including at the schools. This group is now doing crisis assessments covering all but the city of Round Rock in this effort. Adults or children may be taken to respite centers or referred for case workers and programs with Bluebonnet staff.