To address the evolving needs of the community, close gaps in service, and identify key priorities in mental and behavioral health, the McKenna Foundation launched the Mental and Behavioral Health Task Force in 2014. Now known as the Behavioral Health Leadership Team (BHLT), the dynamic coalition of twenty-nine agencies is united by a shared vision. Together, the BHLT is driving meaningful change and bringing issues of mental and behavioral health to the forefront.
Behavioral Health Leadership Team Goals:
Mobile Crisis Outreach Team
Conceived by the BHLT and funded by the McKenna Foundation, the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) was established in Comal County in 2015 and has since become a vital lifeline for our neighbors facing mental health emergencies.
The evidence-based program is designed to serve those in crisis and alleviate pressure on law enforcement, hospitals, school districts, and other agencies.
Consisting of mental health professionals, MCOT provides 24/7/365 onsite crisis services, ensuring expedited mental health treatment and achieving:
- Decreased suicide completion
- Increased safety and access to care
- Increased housing stability
- Increased employment
- Psychiatric outreach and reduced psychiatric hospitalizations
Need immediate, local help? MCOT: 1-877-466-0660
Integrated Mental Health Authority in NBPD
Through the discussions and collaboration of the BHLT, and funding from the McKenna Foundation, Hill Country MHDD is strengthening the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team and embedding a licensed mental health professional within the New Braunfels emergency response system. By integrating behavioral health expertise into 9-1-1 and police response, the program ensures individuals experiencing mental health symptoms or crisis receive timely, appropriate support while reducing unnecessary law enforcement involvement.
- Improved behavioral health response during 9-1-1 calls
- Reduced law enforcement involvement in mental health crises
- Increased safety for individuals and first responders
- Earlier connection to appropriate care and services
- More coordinated response across systems