Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, “Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It encompasses the conditions that some people refer to as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction and the colloquial term, alcoholism. Considered a brain disorder, AUD can be mild, moderate, or severe. Lasting changes in the brain caused by alcohol misuse perpetuate AUD and make individuals vulnerable to relapse. The good news is that no matter how severe the problem may seem, evidence-based treatment with behavioral therapies, mutual-support groups, and/or medications can help people with AUD achieve and maintain recovery. National surveys show that millions of Americans have AUD.” National Institutes of Health

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Feeling anxious is a normal part of life. Many people worry about things such as health, money, school, work or family. But Anxiety disorders involve more than occasional worry or fear. For people with these disorders, anxiety does not go away, it is felt in many situations, and can get worse over time” National Institute of Mental Health

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression) is a mental illness that causes clear shifts in a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. People with bipolar disorder often experience periods of extremely “up” elated, irritable, or energized behavior (known as manic episodes) and very “down”, sad, indifferent or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes). National Institutes of Health

Borderline Personality Disorder

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Borderline personality disorder is a mental illness that severely impacts a person’s ability to regulate their emotions. This loss of emotional control can increase impulsivity, affect how a person feels about themselves, and negatively impact their relationship with others” National Institutes of Health

Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD)

According to the National Institutes of Health-National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Frequent or heavy cannabis use has been linked to problems in cognitive functions like learning and memory, attention, processing speed, perceptual motor function, and language.” National Institutes of Health | Cannabis and Mental Health National Institutes of Health | Cannabis Use Disorder

Co-Occurring Disorders

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Co-occurring conditions are mental health disorders or other health conditions that a person has at the same time. These may interact with each other, affecting a person’s symptoms and health outcomes. People who have substance use disorders often have other mental disorders. Common risk factors related to a person’s genes, individual characteristics, social environment and other life circumstances can contribute to both substance use and other mental disorders. Other conditions that commonly occur with substance use disorders are HIV, hepatitis C, and chronic pain. When someone has a co-occurring disorder or health condition, it is usually better to treat these health issues at the same time rather than separately. Research suggests that this can make all the treatments more effective and improve health outcomes.” National Institutes of Health

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Everyone feels sad or low sometimes, but these feelings usually pass with time. Depression (also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is different. It can cause severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. It is an illness that can affect anyone—regardless of age, race, income, culture, or education. Research suggests that genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors play a role in depression.” National Institutes of Health

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disorder marked by uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions, repetitive and excessive behaviors (compulsions), or both. OCD symptoms can begin at any time but usually start between late childhood and young adulthood.” National Institutes of Health

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

According to the Center for Disease Control, “Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), a substance use disorder, sometimes referred to as “opioid abuse or dependence” or “opioid addiction” is a problematic pattern of opioid use that causes significant impairment or distress. OUD is a treatable, chronic disease that can affect anyone-regardless of race, sex, income level, or social class.” CDC

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “People may have a range of reactions after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, act of violence, or serious accident. Common reactions include feeling anxious, sad, or angry; having trouble concentrating and sleeping; and thinking about what happened. Most people will recover from these symptoms, and their reactions will lessen over time. People may be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if their symptoms last for an extended period after a traumatic event and begin to interfere with aspects of daily life, such as relationships or work. People who have PTSD may continue to feel stressed or frightened, even though they are not in danger.” National Institutes of Health

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Psychosis refers to a collection of symptoms that affect the mind, where there has been some loss of contact with reality. During an episode of psychosis, a person’s thoughts and perceptions are disrupted and they may have difficulty recognizing what is real and what is not.” National Institutes of Health

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem as though they have lost touch with reality, which can be distressing for them and for their family and friends. People are usually first diagnosed with schizophrenia between the ages of 16 and 30, after the first episode of psychosis.” National Institutes of Health

Substance Use Disorders (SUD)

Quoting from the American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, 2013, the Center for Disease Control’s website states, “A substance use disorder (SUD) is a treatable chronic disease characterized by a cluster of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms indicating that the individual continues using the substance despite significant substance-related problems” CDC American Psychiatric Association

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

According to the National Institutes of Health, “APRNs are registered nurses with master’s and/or doctorate degrees with advanced education and training beyond registered nurses. Therefore, they have additional scopes of practice over and above traditional nursing duties.” National Institutes of Health Texas Board of Nursing

According to the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), “Care management is a set of activities to improve patient care, reduce unnecessary need for additional medical care, avoid duplication of care, and help patients and their caregivers more effectively manage their health conditions.” US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

Certified Peer Specialist/Recovery Coach

NTBHA offers peer recovery services in several locations. According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, “The job of a peer specialist is to help instill the hope of recovery from behavioral health challenges or dual diagnosis. Peer specialists use their experience to help others engage in recovery. A person wanting to become a peer specialist must complete a training program and pass written exams.” According to the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Peer recovery coaches walk side-by-side with individuals seeking recovery from substance use disorders. They help people to create their own recovery plans, and develop their own recovery pathways. Recovery coaches provide many different types of support, including Emotional-Empathy and concern. Informational-Connections to information and referrals to community resources that support health and wellness. Instrumental-Concrete supports such as housing or employment. Affiliational support-Connections to recovery community supports, activities and events. Recovery plans and other supports and build on each individual’s strengths, needs, and recovery goals. Peer recovery support focuses on the long-term recovery and is rooted in a culture of hope, health, and wellness. The focus of long-term peer recovery support goes beyond the reduction or elimination of symptoms to encompass self-actualization, community and civic engagement, and overall wellness. The unique relationship between the peer recovery coach and the individual in or seeking recovery is grounded in trust, and focused on providing the individual with tools, resources and support to achieve long-term recovery. Peer recovery coaches work in a range of settings, including recovery community centers, recovery residences, drug courts and other criminal justice settings, hospital emergency departments, child welfare agencies, homeless shelters, and behavioral health and primary care settings. In addition to providing the range of support encompassed in the peer recovery coach role, they take an active role in outreach and engagement within these settings.” Texas Health and Human Services Commission US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (PDF)

Community Health Worker

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission-Texas Department of State Health Services, “A community Health Worker (CHW) or Promotor/Promotora de Salud is a person who, with or without compensation, helps connect people in their community with healthcare and social services. They understand the culture, language, and life experiences of the people they serve. CHWs help individuals fin the services they need and strengthen the community as a whole. They provide information about health, help people become more independent, and offer support through activities like outreach, guiding patients, teaching about health, giving informal advice, and assisting in research. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) CHW certification is voluntary for a CHW who provides services without receiving compensation, and required for a CHW who provides services for compensation.” Texas Health and Human Services Commission-Texas Department of State Health Services

Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC)

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), “A licensed chemical dependency counselor is licensed to provide chemical dependency counseling services involving the application of principles, methods and procedures of the chemical dependency profession as defined by the profession’s ethical standards and the knowledge, skills and abilities as defined by rule in Texas Administrative Code Title 26 Chapter 562. The license does not qualify a person to provide services outside this scope of practice. The scope of practice for a licensed chemical dependency counselor includes services that address substance use or dependence and its impact on the service recipient subject to the following: The counselor is prohibited from using techniques that exceed their professional competence. The service recipient can only be the person involved with substance use, family member or any other person involved in a significant relationship with a person involved with substance use. An LCDC can diagnose substance disorders. An LCDC is not qualified to treat a person with a mental health disorder or provide family counseling to an individual presenting problems that do not include substance use. The practice of chemical dependency counseling is defined by rule as “providing or offering to provide chemical dependency counseling services involving the application of the principles, methods and procedures of the chemical dependency counseling profession” as defined by the activities listed in the domains of Technical Assistance Publication Series 21, Addictions Counseling Competencies: The Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes of Professional Practice, Published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment” Texas Health and Human Services Commission Texas Administrative Code Title 26, Part 1, Chapter 562-Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

According to Texas Occupations Code Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 505, Subchapter A, “A Licensed Clinical Social Worker means a person who holds a clinical social worker license issued under this chapter.” Section 505.0025 (a) defines the practice of social work as “…The application of social work theory, knowledge, methods, ethics, and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, or communities. (b) The practice of social work may include the provision of individual, conjoint, family, and group psychotherapy using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the International Classification of Diseases, and other diagnostic classification systems in assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and other activities by a person licensed under this chapter.” Texas Occupations Code Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 505, Subchapter A

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

According to Texas Occupations Code Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 502, Subchapter A, Section 502.002 (4) defines a “A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist” means a person who offers marriage and family therapy for compensation. (5) “A Licensed marriage and family therapist associate” mans an individual who offers to provide marriage and family therapy for compensation under the supervision of a supervisor approved by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. (6) Marriage and family therapy means providing professional therapy services to individuals, families, or married couples, alone or in groups, that involve applying family systems theories and techniques. The term includes the evaluation, diagnostic assessment, and remediation of mental, cognitive, affective, behavioral, or relational dysfunction, disease, or disorder in the context of marriage or family systems and may include the use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the International Classification of Diseases. The practice of marriage and family therapy does not constitute the practice of medicine and does not include prescribing of medication, treating physical disease, or providing any service outside the scope of practice of a licensed marriage and family therapist or a licensed marriage and family associate.” Texas Occupations Code Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 502, Subchapter A, Section 502.002

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

According to Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 503, Section 503.002 (4), “Licensed Professional Counselor means a person who holds a license issued by this chapter and who (A) represents the person to the public by any title or description of services incorporating the words “licensed counselor” and offers to provide professional counseling services to any individual, couple, family, group, or other entity for compensation, implying that the person offering the services is licensed and trained, experienced, or expert in counseling or (B) engages in any practice of counseling.” Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 503, Section 503.002

According to the American Psychiatric Association, “A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D or D.O) who specializes in mental health, including substance use disorders. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems. American Psychiatric Association Federation of Texas Psychiatry

According to the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 501, Subchapter A, Section 501.002, “Psychologist means a person who hods a license to engage in the practice of psychology issued under Section 501.525.” Section 501.003 defines the practice of psychology as: 1) “Practice of psychology” means: (A) the observation, description, diagnosis, evaluation, assessment, interpretation, or treatment of and i ntervention in human behavior by applying education, training, methods, and procedures for the purpose of: (i) preventing, predicting, treating, remediating, or eliminating: (a) symptomatic, maladaptive, or undesired behavior; (b) emotional, interpersonal, learning, substance use, neuropsychological, cognitive, or behavioral disorders or disabilities, including those that accompany medical problems; or (c) mental illness; (ii) evaluating, assessing, or facilitating, by a license holder or a person who represents the person to the public by a title or description of services that includes the word “psychological,” “psychologist,” or “psychology,” the enhancement of individual, group, or organizational effectiveness, including evaluating, assessing, or facilitating: (a) personal effectiveness; (b) adaptive behavior; (c) interpersonal relationships; (d) academic, vocational, and life adjustment; (e) health; or (f) individual, group, or organizational performance; (iii) providing psychological, neuropsychological, and psychoeducational evaluation, therapy, and remediation as well as counseling, psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, hypnosis, and biofeedback; or (iv) consulting with others, including other mental health professionals, physicians, school personnel, or organizations within the scope of the provider’s competency and training with respect to services provided for a specific individual; or (B) the supervision of an activity or service described by Paragraph (A) (2) “Psychological services” means acts or behaviors that are included within the purview of the practice of psychology. (b) A person is engaged in the practice of psychology if the person: (1) when providing or offering to provide psychological services to another in a professional relationship, represents the person to the public by a title or description of services that includes the word “psychological,” “psychologist,” or “psychology”; (2) provides or offers to provide psychological services to individuals, groups, organizations, or the public in a professional relationship; (3) is a psychologist or psychological associate employed as described by Section 501.004 (a)(1) who offers or provides psychological services, other than lecture services, to the public for consideration separate from the salary that person receives for performing the person’s regular duties; or (4) is employed as a psychologist or psychological associate by an organization that sells psychological services, other than lecture services, to the public for consideration. (c) A person is not engaged in the practice of psychology based solely on the person offering, regardless of whether the person is solicited, advice, counsel, or guidance addressing or affecting the mental, emotional, or behavioral health of another, if the person does not represent that the person is licensed under this chapter or engaged in the delivery of psychological services and does not represent that the advice, counsel, or guidance is psychological in nature, and: (1) the advice, counsel, or guidance is not offered in the context of a professional relationship; (2) if the person is offering the advice, counsel, or guidance in connection with the person’s occupation, the primary focus of the occupation is not the delivery of mental, emotional, or behavioral health care services; or (3) the advice, counsel, or guidance is offered through an organized or structured program or peer support service that is designed to support or assist a person with a self-identified goal of changing or improving certain aspects of the person’s mental, emotional, or behavioral health. Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 501, Subchapter A, Section 501.002

Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) “…has demonstrated and documented competency in the work to be performed and Has a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum number of hours that is equivalent to a major (as determined by the LMHA or MCO in accordance with Texas Administrative Code, Section 412.316 (d) of this title, relating to competency and credentialing in psychology, social work, medicine, nursing, rehabilitation, counseling, sociology, human growth and development, physician assistant, gerontology, special education, educational psychology, early childhood education or early childhood intervention. Is a registered nurse. Completes an alternative credentialing process as determined by the Local Behavioral Health Authority, Local Mental Health Authority, or Managed Care Organization in accordance with Texas Administrative Code, Section 412.316 (c) and (d) of this title, relating to competency and credentialing.” Texas Health and Human Services Commission

For the North Texas Behavioral Health Authority, after-hours services refer to behavioral health services regularly offered outside of the generally-recognized regular business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays Monday through Friday.

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)

NTBHA offers Assertive Community Treatment to eligible individuals. According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, “Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) services help people live the life they want by finding jobs or homes, learning about their medications and talking to their doctors to get what they need. ACT also shows people how to connect to other local services to help them meet their needs. ACT can help people develop fun and useful activities, stronger relationships with family and friends, and increased independence.” Texas Health and Human Services Commission

According to the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), “Care coordination involves deliberately organizing patient care activities and sharing information among all of the participants concerned with a patient’s care to achieve safer and more effective care. This means that patient’s needs and preferences are known ahead of time and communicated at the right time to the right people, and that this information is used to provide safe, appropriate and effective care to the patient.” U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

NTBHA offers care management. In Dallas County, please call 800-241-8716 or email CCReferrals@ntbha.org In Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro, and Rockwall Counties please call 469-780-9159 or email SouthandEastCareCoordinators@ntbha.org According to the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), “Care management is a set of activities to improve patient care, reduce unnecessary need for additional medical care, avoid duplication of care, and help patients and their caregivers more effectively manage their health conditions.” US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC)

NTBHA is a Certified Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) with partner organizations NTBHA Child and Family Guidance Center Homeward Bound and Southern Area Behavioral Healthcare This ensures that there is a “no wrong door” approach to providing accessible, high quality, recovery oriented services. NTBHA is committed to providing quality mental and behavioral health services for individuals, regardless of their ability to pay, place of residence, and/or their experience of homelessness. NTBHA will waive or reduce fees for those experiencing financial hardship, according to equitable use of the sliding fee discount schedule provided by the Texas Health a Human Services Commission. NTBHA serves individuals seeking assistance with mental health and/or substance use treatment for children and adults ages 3 and throughout the lifespan.

Certified Peer Services

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, “Peer support is the process of giving encouragement or assistance to overcome a challenge in life by someone with lived experience. Peer workers can be people who experience the challenges themselves, or family members with loved ones who experienced such challenges. Peers offer emotional support, share knowledge, teach skills, provide practical assistance, and connect people with resources, opportunities, and communities of support.” In Texas, services by a Certified Peer Specialist is reimbursable by Texas Medicaid. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission offers a path to certification for individuals wishing to obtain it. Texas Health and Human Services Commission—Peer Services Texas Health and Human Services-Certification for Peer Support Services

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

According to the American Psychological Association, “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness.” American Psychological Association

Community Health Workers

NTBHA’s Community Health Workers serve the NTBHA region in many ways and locations. According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission-Texas Department of State Health Services, “A community Health Worker (CHW) or Promotor/Promotora de Salud is a person who, with or without compensation, helps connect people in their community with healthcare and social services. They understand the culture, language, and life experiences of the people they serve. CHWs help individuals find the services they need and strengthen the community as a whole. They provide information about health, help people become more independent, and offer support through activities like outreach, guiding patients, teaching about health, giving informal advice, and assisting in research. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) CHW certification is voluntary for a CHW who provides services without receiving compensation, and required for a CHW who provides services for compensation.” Texas Health and Human Services Commission-Texas Department of State Health Services

Competency Restoration Services

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, “Outpatient competency restoration and jail-based competency restoration are designed for people with a mental health disorder or co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders who are found incompetent to stand trial and are court-ordered to participate in competency restoration treatment. Outpatient competency restoration and jail-based competency restoration programs are alternatives to inpatient competency restoration services. In general, outpatient competency restoration and jail-based competency restoration programs are designed to: Reduce the number of people found to be incompetent to stand trial with mental illness or co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders on the state forensic waitlist for inpatient competency restoration services. Increase prompt access to clinically appropriate competency restoration services for people found incompetent to stand trial who do not require a restrictive hospital setting. Reduce the number of bed days in state hospitals used by people found incompetent to stand trial from a local mental health authority or local behavioral health authority’s service area. Jail-based competency restoration programs provide competency restoration in a designated space in a jail separate from general population. Services include mental health and substance use treatment services, as well as legal education for people found incompetent to stand trial. Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Consumer Benefits Application Assistance

NTBHA’s Consumer Benefits Organization (CBO) is staffed with Consumer Benefits Specialists (CBS) available to screen and assist NTBHA-funded clients in the application process for many programs. These include: Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Medicare Savings Programs: Medicare’s Extra Help Program Qualified Disabled Working Individual (QDWI), Qualifying Individual (QI), Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB), Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), Work Incentive Programs. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Texas Medicaid, of various types, If you have questions about the NTBHA CBO program, or wish to submit a referral, please call 469-290-2905, send an e-mail to cbo@ntbha.org or complete the CBO Referral Form. CBO Referral Form (PDF) A Providers to make referrals that include: Contact information (Name, Address, Email, Phone). Identification (State-issued photo ID, Social Security card, and/or birth certificate). List of all treatment sources (Name of facility, Address, Name of Doctor if known). List of jobs in the last 15 years. List of current medications. Any existing benefit award letters. Additional sites for benefits information: Social Security Administration Your Texas Benefits

Consumer Benefits Organization

Consumer Benefits Organization (CBO) NTBHA’s Consumer Benefits Organization (CBO) is staffed with Consumer Benefits Specialists (CBS) available to screen and assist NTBHA-funded clients in the application process for many programs. These include: Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Medicare Savings Programs: Medicare’s Extra Help Program Qualified Disabled Working Individual (QDWI), Qualifying Individual (QI), Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB), Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), Work Incentive Programs. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Texas Medicaid, of various types, If you have questions about the NTBHA CBO program, or wish to submit a referral, please call 469-290-2905, send an e-mail to cbo@ntbha.org or complete the CBO Referral Form. CBO Referral Form (PDF) A Providers to make referrals that include: Contact information (Name, Address, Email, Phone). Identification (State-issued photo ID, Social Security card, and/or birth certificate). List of all treatment sources (Name of facility, Address, Name of Doctor if known). List of jobs in the last 15 years. List of current medications. Any existing benefit award letters. Additional sites for benefits information: Social Security Administration Your Texas Benefits

Coordinated Specialty Care

According to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, “Coordinated Specialty Care for First Episode of Psychosis (CSC-FEP) program provides outpatient mental health treatment, for up to three years, to people experiencing an early onset of psychosis. The goal…is to empower the person’s ability to lead a self-directed life within the community. In Texas, CSC_FEP programs use a holistic approach. The multidisciplinary team includes a psychiatrist, licensed clinician, certified family partner, certified peer support specialist, case manager, and supportive employment and education specialist. Coordinated Specialty Care programs include the following services: Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis. Family education, support, and involvement. Support from peers in recovery from mental illness. Psychotropic medications prescribed by a psychiatrist. Support for education and employment goals. Coordinated Specialty Care services are for people ages 15-30 who have a diagnosis of psychotic disorder, regardless of the age of the person at onset. Qualified applicants may have private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, or no health insurance at all. Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Crisis Residential Services

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, “A crisis residential unit provides short-term crisis services in a home-like environment for people who might harm themselves or others. The length of stay may vary depending on the clinical needs of the person with an average length of stay being between six and ten days.” Texas Health and Human Services

Crisis Respite Services

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), “A crisis respite unit provides short-term crisis services in a home-like environment for people at low risk of harming themselves or others. The length of stay depends on the clinical needs of the person-ranging from a few hours to ten days. Professional staff are available to provide counseling and medication. Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Mental health and substance use disorders, just like any other health condition, sometimes result in crises or emergencies that need immediate medical attention. If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, NTBHA can help you now. In case of a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 immediately. NTBHA’s Crisis Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Please call 866-260-8000 or 844-672-5700 . A trained mental health professional will answer your call, and will connect you to the care that you need. NTBHA’s Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams (MCOT) provide face-to-face help to people in a mental health crisis who are at risk of harm to themselves or others. The MCOT team will come to the caller’s home, school, or other location in the community. MCOT team members can help avert hospitalization or arrest by de-escalating the situation and connecting the person in crisis to timely, comprehensive mental health services and/or substance use recovery services. NTBHA’s MCOT team is on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Please call 866-260-8000 or 844-672-5700 . NTBHA’s Drop-Off Centers for Law Enforcement in Dallas County, Ellis County, Kaufman County, are open for anyone needing to be linked to mental health or substance use recovery services on a voluntary, walk-in basis. Police and County Sheriff’s Departments can drop off individuals in crisis for intervention and behavioral health services to regain stability in lieu of hospitalization or incarceration. Dallas County The Deflection Center at Homeward Bound 5300 University Hills, Dallas Texas 75241 Open 24/7. Please call 214-941-3500, Extension 473 or Email: Deflection@homewardboundinc.org Ellis County Ellis Living Room 512 W. Main Street, Waxahachie, Texas 75165 Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please call 469-708-4535 or Email: ellislivingroom@ntbha.org or Fax: 469-200-1520 Kaufman County Kaufman Living Room 108 W. Grove Street, Kaufman, Texas 75142 Open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please call 469-780-9159 or Fax 469-200-1409 or Email kaufmanlivingroom@ntbha.org NTBHA’s Services to People in Jail Sometimes people experiencing behavioral health crises engage in behaviors that result in their arrest. When that happens, NTBHA can help to coordinate care for the incarcerated person while in custody, and can help with outpatient behavioral health services upon release. Hospitalization Sometimes a crisis episode is serious enough that it requires hospitalization to help the person to stabilize. NTBHA endeavors to place people needing hospitalization in an available facility that provides the level of care needed as close to the person’s home as possible. NTBHA’s After-Hours Services Sometimes people need help for mental health or substance use conditions after regular business hours or on weekends. Perhaps you need a clinic visit in the evenings or on a weekend because of your work or child care schedule. Or maybe a loved one has been off medications but wants to get back into services. NTBHA’s After-Hours Services at Southern Area Behavioral Healthcare can help you avoid a crisis! Please call: 972-283-9090 or Fax: 972 499-0367 or submit a contact form . Southern Area Behavioral Healthcare Locations 4215 Gannon Lane, Dallas, Texas 75237 Monday through Friday: 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Saturday: 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday: 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m 3001 Al Lipscomb Way, Dallas, Texas 75215 Monday through Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. | Telehealth 110 W. Grove Street, Kaufman, Texas 75142 Monday through Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday: 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. | Telehealth Sunday: 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. | Telehealth

Crisis Stabilization Services

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), “As defined by Texas Administrative Code Title 26, Part 1, Chapter 510, Section 510.2, a crisis stabilization unit is a mental health facility operated by a community center or other entity designated by the Health and Human Services Commission. CSUs provide treatment to individuals who are the subject of a protective custody order issued in accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code Section 574.022.” Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Drop-Off Centers for Law Enforcement

NTBHA’s Drop-Off Centers for Law Enforcement in Dallas County, Ellis County, Kaufman County, are open for anyone needing to be linked to mental health or substance use recovery services on a voluntary, walk-in basis. Police and County Sheriff’s Departments can drop off individuals in crisis for intervention and behavioral health services to regain stability in lieu of hospitalization or incarceration. Dallas County The Deflection Center at Homeward Bound-5300 University Hills, Dallas Texas 75241 Open 24/7. Please call 214-941-3500, Extension 473 or Email: Deflection@homewardboundinc.org Ellis County Ellis Living Room-512 W. Main Street, Waxahachie, Texas 75165 Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please call 469-708-4535 or Email: ellislivingroom@ntbha.org or Fax: 469-200-1520 Kaufman County Kaufman Living Room-108 W. Grove Street, Kaufman, Texas 75142 Open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please call 469-780-9159 or Fax 469-200-1409 or Email kaufmanlivingroom@ntbha.org

Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT)

NTBHA’s Services to People in Jail-Sometimes people experiencing behavioral health crises engage in behaviors that result in their arrest. When that happens, NTBHA can help to coordinate care for the incarcerated person while in custody, and can help with outpatient behavioral health services upon release. According to the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) is a service delivery model intended for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) who are involved with the criminal justice system” US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (PDF)

Healthy Community Collaborative

The Healthy Community Collaborative is a state-funded grant program that was awarded to NTBHA. The Healthy Community Collaborative grant provides assistance to individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders who reside in Hunt County or Navarro County. Services provided include: Emergency Shelter Rental Assistance Utility Payments Shelter Diversion Furniture Deposits For more information, please contact: SouthandEastCareCoordinators@ntbha.org or 469-780-9159

Like all other health conditions, mental health conditions can be short term or chronic, and are best addressed at early stages, often with the help of a health care professional. Like other health conditions, mental health conditions can usually be treated on an outpatient basis. Regular checkups and clinic visits can help you and your health team to care for your wellness. Your mental health team may recommend lifestyle changes, counseling, and/or medications to improve your mental health and wellness. Sometimes, like other health conditions, mental health conditions can become more acute and may need more vigilant monitoring, a change in medication, crisis services or hospitalization. Texas Health and Human Services Commission—State Hospitals Texas Health and Human Services Commission-Private Psychiatric Hospitals & Crisis Stabilization Units

NTBHA has been awarded housing funds that may assist certain qualified individuals who meet grant-specified criteria. NTBHA will review all funding options that the applicant may be eligible for. In the event that the applicant is not eligible for housing funds available through NTBHA at this time, NTBHA will help connect applicants to the most appropriate services and/or programs based on eligibility. Access the screening and application form here . Disclaimer: There is information required regarding a person’s mental health and substance abuse diagnosis. NTBHA will protect this information according to HIPAA and privacy laws, including but not limited to state and federal laws.

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, “When someone is involved or at risk for involvement in the criminal justice system, or court-ordered for treatment, jail diversion and competency restoration programs can help them get the services they need to stay in the community and take care or their health. Jail diversion services assist people who have been identified with a behavioral health need in accessing services that allow them to be diverted from jail into treatment or other alternatives to incarceration.” Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Jail Diversion Services

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, “When someone is involved or at risk for involvement in the criminal justice system, or court-ordered for treatment, jail diversion and competency restoration programs can help them get the services they need to stay in the community and take care of their health. Jail diversion services assist people who have been identified with a behavioral health need in accessing services that allow them to be diverted from jail into treatment or other alternatives to incarceration.” NTBHA’s Services to People in Jail-Sometimes people experiencing behavioral health crises engage in behaviors that result in their arrest. When that happens, NTBHA can help to coordinate care for the incarcerated person while in custody, and can help with outpatient behavioral health services upon release. Texas Health and Human Services Commission

As the Local Behavioral Health Authority, NTBHA pays for required laboratory tests as needed for individuals served by NTBHA and our network of providers.

Visitors to the NTBHA website may choose a language option that translates our website into the language of the visitor’s choice. In addition, all NTBHA providers have access to a translation service to meet the needs of individuals seeking care with our network of providers.

NTBHA operates walk-in ‘Living Rooms’ that offer a variety of services to assist people in the community that need linage to mental health and substance providers and resources including: Connection to mental health providers. Urgent psychiatric medication refills. Psychiatric assessment. Screening for substance use and co-occurring disorders. Assistance with state and federal benefits, including Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare. Connection to Peer Recovery Specialists For more information, please contact: Dallas County – The Living Room 3001 Al Lipscomb Way Dallas, Texas 75215 214-643-6213 lrreferrals@ntbha.org Ellis County – The Living Room 512 W. Main Street Waxahachie, Texas 75165 469-708-4535 SouthandEastCareCoordinators@ntbha.org Kaufman County – The Kaufman Living Room 108 W. Grove Street Kaufman, Texas 75142 469-780-9159 SouthandEastCareCoordinators@ntbha.org Links to Living Rooms in the News D Magazine-December 4, 2019

Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) Team

helps people who have tragically lost someone to suicide. Because suicide postvention is prevention, the NTBHA LOSS Team’s mission is to reduce the incidence of suicide in our community through available education, awareness and prevention services. The LOSS Team: Links survivors to bereavement services specific to suicide. Is activated by various community agencies and organizations across Dallas, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro and Rockwall Counties. Responds after the death, visiting or contacting those who have lost a loved one, friend, or colleague to suicide. The LOSS Team partners with organizations such as first responders, funeral homes, churches, schools, etc., to receive information about suicide survivors, so that a LOSS Team member can reach out with resources. Volunteers can help with Care Bag assembly, request donations of supplies such as books, journals, stuffed animals for children, send Caring Contact Cards to survivors, outreach in the community at community events and Survivor-to-Survivor connections. Anyone who is interested in the LOSS Team can email LOSSteam@ntbha.org . Helpful Suicide Prevention Resources: Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Suicide Prevention Resource for Action National Institute of Mental Health-Suicide Prevention National Recommendations for Reporting on Suicides for Media NTBHA Report-Responding to Suicidality and Related Issues (PDF) Positive Suicide Prevention Media Resources from National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Postvention After a Suicide-A Toolkit for Schools (PDF ) Suicide Prevention Resource Center Texas Postvention-Coming Together to Care (PDF) Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative After a Death by Suicide

Home > Patient Resources & Info > Glossary

Serving Dallas, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro & Rockwall Counties with Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment and Services

Behavioral Health Glossary

Learning more about mental health can help you to maintain your health and wellness, and to thrive in your life and relationships.

Below you will find links to definitions and additional information related to behavioral health. This is not an exhaustive list, but is a glossary that we hope will be helpful to anyone seeking services at NTBHA, or who wants to gain more information about mental health and substance use disorders. All definitions are from authoritative sources, and contain links to further information.

Behavioral Health Conditions & Diagnoses

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, “Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It encompasses the conditions that some people refer to as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction and the colloquial term, alcoholism. Considered a brain disorder, AUD can be mild, moderate, or severe. Lasting changes in the brain caused by alcohol misuse perpetuate AUD and make individuals vulnerable to relapse. The good news is that no matter how severe the problem may seem, evidence-based treatment with behavioral therapies, mutual-support groups, and/or medications can help people with AUD achieve and maintain recovery. National surveys show that millions of Americans have AUD.”

National Institutes of Health
Anxiety

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Feeling anxious is a normal part of life. Many people worry about things such as health, money, school, work or family. But Anxiety disorders involve more than occasional worry or fear. For people with these disorders, anxiety does not go away, it is felt in many situations, and can get worse over time”

National Institute of Mental Health
Bipolar Disorder

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression) is a mental illness that causes clear shifts in a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. People with bipolar disorder often experience periods of extremely “up” elated, irritable, or energized behavior (known as manic episodes) and very “down”, sad, indifferent or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes).

National Institutes of Health
Borderline Personality Disorder

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Borderline personality disorder is a mental illness that severely impacts a person’s ability to regulate their emotions. This loss of emotional control can increase impulsivity, affect how a person feels about themselves, and negatively impact their relationship with others”

National Institutes of Health
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD)

According to the National Institutes of Health-National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Frequent or heavy cannabis use has been linked to problems in cognitive functions like learning and memory, attention, processing speed, perceptual motor function, and language.”

National Institutes of Health | Cannabis and Mental Health

National Institutes of Health | Cannabis Use Disorder
Co-Occurring Disorders

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Co-occurring conditions are mental health disorders or other health conditions that a person has at the same time. These may interact with each other, affecting a person’s symptoms and health outcomes.

People who have substance use disorders often have other mental disorders. Common risk factors related to a person’s genes, individual characteristics, social environment and other life circumstances can contribute to both substance use and other mental disorders. Other conditions that commonly occur with substance use disorders are HIV, hepatitis C, and chronic pain.

When someone has a co-occurring disorder or health condition, it is usually better to treat these health issues at the same time rather than separately. Research suggests that this can make all the treatments more effective and improve health outcomes.”

National Institutes of Health
Depression

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Everyone feels sad or low sometimes, but these feelings usually pass with time. Depression (also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is different. It can cause severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. It is an illness that can affect anyone—regardless of age, race, income, culture, or education. Research suggests that genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors play a role in depression.”

National Institutes of Health
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disorder marked by uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions, repetitive and excessive behaviors (compulsions), or both. OCD symptoms can begin at any time but usually start between late childhood and young adulthood.”

National Institutes of Health
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

According to the Center for Disease Control, “Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), a substance use disorder, sometimes referred to as “opioid abuse or dependence” or “opioid addiction” is a problematic pattern of opioid use that causes significant impairment or distress. OUD is a treatable, chronic disease that can affect anyone-regardless of race, sex, income level, or social class.”

CDC
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “People may have a range of reactions after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, act of violence, or serious accident. Common reactions include feeling anxious, sad, or angry; having trouble concentrating and sleeping; and thinking about what happened. Most people will recover from these symptoms, and their reactions will lessen over time.

People may be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if their symptoms last for an extended period after a traumatic event and begin to interfere with aspects of daily life, such as relationships or work. People who have PTSD may continue to feel stressed or frightened, even though they are not in danger.”

National Institutes of Health
Psychosis

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Psychosis refers to a collection of symptoms that affect the mind, where there has been some loss of contact with reality. During an episode of psychosis, a person’s thoughts and perceptions are disrupted and they may have difficulty recognizing what is real and what is not.”

National Institutes of Health
Schizophrenia

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem as though they have lost touch with reality, which can be distressing for them and for their family and friends. People are usually first diagnosed with schizophrenia between the ages of 16 and 30, after the first episode of psychosis.”

National Institutes of Health
Substance Use Disorders (SUD)

Quoting from the American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, 2013, the Center for Disease Control’s website states, “A substance use disorder (SUD) is a treatable chronic disease characterized by a cluster of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms indicating that the individual continues using the substance despite significant substance-related problems”

CDC

American Psychiatric Association

Behavioral Health Professionals

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

According to the National Institutes of Health, “APRNs are registered nurses with master’s and/or doctorate degrees with advanced education and training beyond registered nurses. Therefore, they have additional scopes of practice over and above traditional nursing duties.”

National Institutes of Health

Texas Board of Nursing
Care Manager

According to the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), “Care management is a set of activities to improve patient care, reduce unnecessary need for additional medical care, avoid duplication of care, and help patients and their caregivers more effectively manage their health conditions.”

US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
Certified Peer Specialist/Recovery Coach
NTBHA offers peer recovery services in several locations.

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, “The job of a peer specialist is to help instill the hope of recovery from behavioral health challenges or dual diagnosis. Peer specialists use their experience to help others engage in recovery. A person wanting to become a peer specialist must complete a training program and pass written exams.”

According to the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Peer recovery coaches walk side-by-side with individuals seeking recovery from substance use disorders. They help people to create their own recovery plans, and develop their own recovery pathways. Recovery coaches provide many different types of support, including
- Emotional-Empathy and concern.
- Informational-Connections to information and referrals to community resources that support health and wellness.
- Instrumental-Concrete supports such as housing or employment.
- Affiliational support-Connections to recovery community supports, activities and events.
Recovery plans and other supports and build on each individual’s strengths, needs, and recovery goals.

Peer recovery support focuses on the long-term recovery and is rooted in a culture of hope, health, and wellness. The focus of long-term peer recovery support goes beyond the reduction or elimination of symptoms to encompass self-actualization, community and civic engagement, and overall wellness.

The unique relationship between the peer recovery coach and the individual in or seeking recovery is grounded in trust, and focused on providing the individual with tools, resources and support to achieve long-term recovery.

Peer recovery coaches work in a range of settings, including recovery community centers, recovery residences, drug courts and other criminal justice settings, hospital emergency departments, child welfare agencies, homeless shelters, and behavioral health and primary care settings. In addition to providing the range of support encompassed in the peer recovery coach role, they take an active role in outreach and engagement within these settings.”

Texas Health and Human Services Commission

US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (PDF)
Community Health Worker

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission-Texas Department of State Health Services, “A community Health Worker (CHW) or Promotor/Promotora de Salud is a person who, with or without compensation, helps connect people in their community with healthcare and social services. They understand the culture, language, and life experiences of the people they serve.

CHWs help individuals fin the services they need and strengthen the community as a whole. They provide information about health, help people become more independent, and offer support through activities like outreach, guiding patients, teaching about health, giving informal advice, and assisting in research.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) CHW certification is voluntary for a CHW who provides services without receiving compensation, and required for a CHW who provides services for compensation.”

Texas Health and Human Services Commission-Texas Department of State Health Services
Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC)
According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), “A licensed chemical dependency counselor is licensed to provide chemical dependency counseling services involving the application of principles, methods and procedures of the chemical dependency profession as defined by the profession’s ethical standards and the knowledge, skills and abilities as defined by rule in Texas Administrative Code Title 26 Chapter 562. The license does not qualify a person to provide services outside this scope of practice.

The scope of practice for a licensed chemical dependency counselor includes services that address substance use or dependence and its impact on the service recipient subject to the following:
- The counselor is prohibited from using techniques that exceed their professional competence.
- The service recipient can only be the person involved with substance use, family member or any other person involved in a significant relationship with a person involved with substance use.
- An LCDC can diagnose substance disorders.
- An LCDC is not qualified to treat a person with a mental health disorder or provide family counseling to an individual presenting problems that do not include substance use.
The practice of chemical dependency counseling is defined by rule as “providing or offering to provide chemical dependency counseling services involving the application of the principles, methods and procedures of the chemical dependency counseling profession” as defined by the activities listed in the domains of Technical Assistance Publication Series 21, Addictions Counseling Competencies: The Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes of Professional Practice, Published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment”

Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Texas Administrative Code Title 26, Part 1, Chapter 562-Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors

US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

According to Texas Occupations Code Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 505, Subchapter A,

“A Licensed Clinical Social Worker means a person who holds a clinical social worker license issued under this chapter.” Section 505.0025 (a) defines the practice of social work as “…The application of social work theory, knowledge, methods, ethics, and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, or communities. (b) The practice of social work may include the provision of individual, conjoint, family, and group psychotherapy using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the International Classification of Diseases, and other diagnostic classification systems in assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and other activities by a person licensed under this chapter.”

Texas Occupations Code Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 505, Subchapter A
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

According to Texas Occupations Code Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 502, Subchapter A,

Section 502.002 (4) defines a “A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist” means a person who offers marriage and family therapy for compensation. (5) “A Licensed marriage and family therapist associate” mans an individual who offers to provide marriage and family therapy for compensation under the supervision of a supervisor approved by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. (6) Marriage and family therapy means providing professional therapy services to individuals, families, or married couples, alone or in groups, that involve applying family systems theories and techniques. The term includes the evaluation, diagnostic assessment, and remediation of mental, cognitive, affective, behavioral, or relational dysfunction, disease, or disorder in the context of marriage or family systems and may include the use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the International Classification of Diseases. The practice of marriage and family therapy does not constitute the practice of medicine and does not include prescribing of medication, treating physical disease, or providing any service outside the scope of practice of a licensed marriage and family therapist or a licensed marriage and family associate.”

Texas Occupations Code Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 502, Subchapter A, Section 502.002
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

According to Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 503, Section 503.002 (4),

“Licensed Professional Counselor means a person who holds a license issued by this chapter and who (A) represents the person to the public by any title or description of services incorporating the words “licensed counselor” and offers to provide professional counseling services to any individual, couple, family, group, or other entity for compensation, implying that the person offering the services is licensed and trained, experienced, or expert in counseling or (B) engages in any practice of counseling.”

Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 503, Section 503.002
Psychiatrist (M.D.)

According to the American Psychiatric Association, “A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D or D.O) who specializes in mental health, including substance use disorders. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems.

American Psychiatric Association

Federation of Texas Psychiatry
Psychologist (Ph.D.)

According to the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 501, Subchapter A, Section 501.002, “Psychologist means a person who hods a license to engage in the practice of psychology issued under Section 501.525.”

Section 501.003 defines the practice of psychology as:

1) “Practice of psychology” means:

(A) the observation, description, diagnosis, evaluation, assessment, interpretation, or treatment of and i

ntervention in human behavior by applying education, training, methods, and procedures for the purpose of:

(i) preventing, predicting, treating, remediating, or eliminating:

(a) symptomatic, maladaptive, or undesired behavior;

(b) emotional, interpersonal, learning, substance use, neuropsychological, cognitive, or behavioral

disorders or disabilities, including those that accompany medical problems; or

(c) mental illness;

(ii) evaluating, assessing, or facilitating, by a license holder or a person who represents the person to the

public by a title or description of services that includes the word “psychological,” “psychologist,” or “psychology,”

the enhancement of individual, group, or organizational effectiveness, including evaluating, assessing, or facilitating:

(a) personal effectiveness;

(b) adaptive behavior;

(c) interpersonal relationships;

(d) academic, vocational, and life adjustment;

(e) health; or

(f) individual, group, or organizational performance;

(iii) providing psychological, neuropsychological, and psychoeducational evaluation, therapy, and

remediation as well as counseling, psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, hypnosis, and biofeedback; or

(iv) consulting with others, including other mental health professionals, physicians, school personnel, or

organizations within the scope of the provider’s competency and training with respect to services provided for a specific individual; or

(B) the supervision of an activity or service described by Paragraph (A)

(2) “Psychological services” means acts or behaviors that are included within the purview of the practice of psychology.

(b) A person is engaged in the practice of psychology if the person:

(1) when providing or offering to provide psychological services to another in a

professional relationship, represents the person to the public by a title or

description of services that includes the word “psychological,” “psychologist,” or “psychology”;

(2) provides or offers to provide psychological services to individuals, groups,

organizations, or the public in a professional relationship;

(3) is a psychologist or psychological associate employed as described by Section 501.004(a)(1)

who offers or provides psychological services, other than lecture services, to the public for

consideration separate from the salary that person receives for performing the person’s regular duties; or

(4) is employed as a psychologist or psychological associate by an organization that sells

psychological services, other than lecture services, to the public for consideration.

(c) A person is not engaged in the practice of psychology based solely on the person offering, regardless of

whether the person is solicited, advice, counsel, or guidance addressing or affecting the mental, emotional, or

behavioral health of another, if the person does not represent that the person is licensed under this chapter or

engaged in the delivery of psychological services and does not represent that the advice, counsel, or guidance is psychological in nature, and:

(1) the advice, counsel, or guidance is not offered in the context of a professional relationship;

(2) if the person is offering the advice, counsel, or guidance in connection with the person’s occupation,

the primary focus of the occupation is not the delivery of mental, emotional, or behavioral health care services; or

(3) the advice, counsel, or guidance is offered through an organized or structured program or peer support service
that is designed to support or assist a person with a self-identified goal of changing or improving certain aspects of

the person’s mental, emotional, or behavioral health.

Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 501, Subchapter A, Section 501.002
Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) “…has demonstrated and documented competency in the work to be performed and
- Has a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum number of hours that is equivalent to a major (as determined by the LMHA or MCO in accordance with Texas Administrative Code, Section 412.316 (d) of this title, relating to competency and credentialing in psychology, social work, medicine, nursing, rehabilitation, counseling, sociology, human growth and development, physician assistant, gerontology, special education, educational psychology, early childhood education or early childhood intervention.
- Is a registered nurse.
- Completes an alternative credentialing process as determined by the Local Behavioral Health Authority, Local Mental Health Authority, or Managed Care Organization in accordance with Texas Administrative Code, Section 412.316 (c) and (d) of this title, relating to competency and credentialing.”
Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Behavioral Health Services

After-Hours Services

For the North Texas Behavioral Health Authority, after-hours services refer to behavioral health services regularly offered outside of the generally-recognized regular business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays Monday through Friday.
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)

NTBHA offers Assertive Community Treatment to eligible individuals.

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, “Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) services help people live the life they want by finding jobs or homes, learning about their medications and talking to their doctors to get what they need. ACT also shows people how to connect to other local services to help them meet their needs. ACT can help people develop fun and useful activities, stronger relationships with family and friends, and increased independence.”

Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Care Coordination

According to the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), “Care coordination involves deliberately organizing patient care activities and sharing information among all of the participants concerned with a patient’s care to achieve safer and more effective care. This means that patient’s needs and preferences are known ahead of time and communicated at the right time to the right people, and that this information is used to provide safe, appropriate and effective care to the patient.”

U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Care Management

NTBHA offers care management.

In Dallas County, please call 800-241-8716 or email CCReferrals@ntbha.org

In Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro, and Rockwall Counties please call 469-780-9159 or email SouthandEastCareCoordinators@ntbha.org

According to the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), “Care management is a set of activities to improve patient care, reduce unnecessary need for additional medical care, avoid duplication of care, and help patients and their caregivers more effectively manage their health conditions.”

US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC)
NTBHA is a Certified Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) with partner organizations
This ensures that there is a “no wrong door” approach to providing accessible, high quality, recovery oriented services.

NTBHA is committed to providing quality mental and behavioral health services for individuals, regardless of their ability to pay, place of residence, and/or their experience of homelessness. NTBHA will waive or reduce fees for those experiencing financial hardship, according to equitable use of the sliding fee discount schedule provided by the Texas Health a Human Services Commission.

NTBHA serves individuals seeking assistance with mental health and/or substance use treatment for children and adults ages 3 and throughout the lifespan.
Certified Peer Services

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, “Peer support is the process of giving encouragement or assistance to overcome a challenge in life by someone with lived experience. Peer workers can be people who experience the challenges themselves, or family members with loved ones who experienced such challenges. Peers offer emotional support, share knowledge, teach skills, provide practical assistance, and connect people with resources, opportunities, and communities of support.”

In Texas, services by a Certified Peer Specialist is reimbursable by Texas Medicaid. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission offers a path to certification for individuals wishing to obtain it.

Texas Health and Human Services Commission—Peer Services

Texas Health and Human Services-Certification for Peer Support Services
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

According to the American Psychological Association, “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness.”

American Psychological Association
Community Health Workers

NTBHA’s Community Health Workers serve the NTBHA region in many ways and locations.

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission-Texas Department of State Health Services, “A community Health Worker (CHW) or Promotor/Promotora de Salud is a person who, with or without compensation, helps connect people in their community with healthcare and social services. They understand the culture, language, and life experiences of the people they serve.

CHWs help individuals find the services they need and strengthen the community as a whole. They provide information about health, help people become more independent, and offer support through activities like outreach, guiding patients, teaching about health, giving informal advice, and assisting in research.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) CHW certification is voluntary for a CHW who provides services without receiving compensation, and required for a CHW who provides services for compensation.”

Texas Health and Human Services Commission-Texas Department of State Health Services
Competency Restoration Services
According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, “Outpatient competency restoration and jail-based competency restoration are designed for people with a mental health disorder or co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders who are found incompetent to stand trial and are court-ordered to participate in competency restoration treatment. Outpatient competency restoration and jail-based competency restoration programs are alternatives to inpatient competency restoration services. In general, outpatient competency restoration and jail-based competency restoration programs are designed to:
- Reduce the number of people found to be incompetent to stand trial with mental illness or co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders on the state forensic waitlist for inpatient competency restoration services.
- Increase prompt access to clinically appropriate competency restoration services for people found incompetent to stand trial who do not require a restrictive hospital setting.
- Reduce the number of bed days in state hospitals used by people found incompetent to stand trial from a local mental health authority or local behavioral health authority’s service area.
Jail-based competency restoration programs provide competency restoration in a designated space in a jail separate from general population. Services include mental health and substance use treatment services, as well as legal education for people found incompetent to stand trial.

Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Consumer Benefits Application Assistance
NTBHA’s Consumer Benefits Organization (CBO) is staffed with Consumer Benefits Specialists (CBS) available to screen and assist NTBHA-funded clients in the application process for many programs. These include:
- Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- Medicare Savings Programs:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits
- Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF),
- Texas Medicaid, of various types,
If you have questions about the NTBHA CBO program, or wish to submit a referral, please call 469-290-2905, send an e-mail to cbo@ntbha.org or complete the CBO Referral Form.

CBO Referral Form (PDF)

A Providers to make referrals that include:
- Contact information (Name, Address, Email, Phone).
Additional sites for benefits information:

Social Security Administration

Your Texas Benefits
Consumer Benefits Organization
Consumer Benefits Organization (CBO)

NTBHA’s Consumer Benefits Organization (CBO) is staffed with Consumer Benefits Specialists (CBS) available to screen and assist NTBHA-funded clients in the application process for many programs. These include:
- Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- Medicare Savings Programs:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits
- Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF),
- Texas Medicaid, of various types,
If you have questions about the NTBHA CBO program, or wish to submit a referral, please call 469-290-2905, send an e-mail to cbo@ntbha.org or complete the CBO Referral Form.

CBO Referral Form (PDF)

A Providers to make referrals that include:
- Contact information (Name, Address, Email, Phone).
- Identification (State-issued photo ID, Social Security card, and/or birth certificate).
- List of all treatment sources (Name of facility, Address, Name of Doctor if known).
- List of jobs in the last 15 years.
- List of current medications.
- Any existing benefit award letters.
- Social Security Administration
- Your Texas Benefits
Coordinated Specialty Care
According to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, “Coordinated Specialty Care for First Episode of Psychosis (CSC-FEP) program provides outpatient mental health treatment, for up to three years, to people experiencing an early onset of psychosis. The goal…is to empower the person’s ability to lead a self-directed life within the community. In Texas, CSC_FEP programs use a holistic approach. The multidisciplinary team includes a psychiatrist, licensed clinician, certified family partner, certified peer support specialist, case manager, and supportive employment and education specialist.

Coordinated Specialty Care programs include the following services:
- Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis.
- Family education, support, and involvement.
- Support from peers in recovery from mental illness.
- Psychotropic medications prescribed by a psychiatrist.
- Support for education and employment goals.
Coordinated Specialty Care services are for people ages 15-30 who have a diagnosis of psychotic disorder, regardless of the age of the person at onset. Qualified applicants may have private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, or no health insurance at all.

Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Crisis Residential Services

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, “A crisis residential unit provides short-term crisis services in a home-like environment for people who might harm themselves or others. The length of stay may vary depending on the clinical needs of the person with an average length of stay being between six and ten days.”

Texas Health and Human Services
Crisis Respite Services

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), “A crisis respite unit provides short-term crisis services in a home-like environment for people at low risk of harming themselves or others. The length of stay depends on the clinical needs of the person-ranging from a few hours to ten days. Professional staff are available to provide counseling and medication.

Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Crisis Services

Mental health and substance use disorders, just like any other health condition, sometimes result in crises or emergencies that need immediate medical attention. If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, NTBHA can help you now.

In case of a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 immediately.

NTBHA’s Crisis Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Please call 866-260-8000 or 844-672-5700.

A trained mental health professional will answer your call, and will connect you to the care that you need.

NTBHA’s Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams (MCOT) provide face-to-face help to people in a mental health crisis who are at risk of harm to themselves or others. The MCOT team will come to the caller’s home, school, or other location in the community. MCOT team members can help avert hospitalization or arrest by de-escalating the situation and connecting the person in crisis to timely, comprehensive mental health services and/or substance use recovery services.

NTBHA’s MCOT team is on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Please call 866-260-8000 or 844-672-5700.

NTBHA’s Drop-Off Centers for Law Enforcement in Dallas County, Ellis County, Kaufman County, are open for anyone needing to be linked to mental health or substance use recovery services on a voluntary, walk-in basis. Police and County Sheriff’s Departments can drop off individuals in crisis for intervention and behavioral health services to regain stability in lieu of hospitalization or incarceration.

Dallas County
The Deflection Center at Homeward Bound
5300 University Hills, Dallas Texas 75241
Open 24/7. Please call 214-941-3500, Extension 473 or Email: Deflection@homewardboundinc.org

Ellis County
Ellis Living Room
512 W. Main Street, Waxahachie, Texas 75165
Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Please call 469-708-4535 or Email: ellislivingroom@ntbha.org or Fax: 469-200-1520

Kaufman County
Kaufman Living Room
108 W. Grove Street, Kaufman, Texas 75142
Open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Please call 469-780-9159 or Fax 469-200-1409 or Email kaufmanlivingroom@ntbha.org

NTBHA’s Services to People in Jail
Sometimes people experiencing behavioral health crises engage in behaviors that result in their arrest. When that happens, NTBHA can help to coordinate care for the incarcerated person while in custody, and can help with outpatient behavioral health services upon release.

Hospitalization
Sometimes a crisis episode is serious enough that it requires hospitalization to help the person to stabilize. NTBHA endeavors to place people needing hospitalization in an available facility that provides the level of care needed as close to the person’s home as possible.

NTBHA’s After-Hours Services
Sometimes people need help for mental health or substance use conditions after regular business hours or on weekends. Perhaps you need a clinic visit in the evenings or on a weekend because of your work or child care schedule. Or maybe a loved one has been off medications but wants to get back into services. NTBHA’s After-Hours Services at Southern Area Behavioral Healthcare can help you avoid a crisis!

Please call: 972-283-9090 or Fax: 972 499-0367 or submit a contact form.

Southern Area Behavioral Healthcare Locations
4215 Gannon Lane, Dallas, Texas 75237
Monday through Friday: 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday: 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday: 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m

3001 Al Lipscomb Way, Dallas, Texas 75215
Monday through Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. | Telehealth

110 W. Grove Street, Kaufman, Texas 75142
Monday through Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. | Telehealth
Sunday: 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. | Telehealth
Crisis Stabilization Services

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC),

“As defined by Texas Administrative Code Title 26, Part 1, Chapter 510, Section 510.2, a crisis stabilization unit is a mental health facility operated by a community center or other entity designated by the Health and Human Services Commission. CSUs provide treatment to individuals who are the subject of a protective custody order issued in accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code Section 574.022.”

Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Drop-Off Centers for Law Enforcement

NTBHA’s Drop-Off Centers for Law Enforcement in Dallas County, Ellis County, Kaufman County, are open for anyone needing to be linked to mental health or substance use recovery services on a voluntary, walk-in basis. Police and County Sheriff’s Departments can drop off individuals in crisis for intervention and behavioral health services to regain stability in lieu of hospitalization or incarceration.

Dallas County
The Deflection Center at Homeward Bound-5300 University Hills, Dallas Texas 75241 Open 24/7. Please call 214-941-3500, Extension 473 or Email: Deflection@homewardboundinc.org

Ellis County
Ellis Living Room-512 W. Main Street, Waxahachie, Texas 75165
Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Please call 469-708-4535 or Email: ellislivingroom@ntbha.org or Fax: 469-200-1520

Kaufman County
Kaufman Living Room-108 W. Grove Street, Kaufman, Texas 75142
Open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Please call 469-780-9159 or Fax 469-200-1409 or Email kaufmanlivingroom@ntbha.org
Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT)

NTBHA’s Services to People in Jail-Sometimes people experiencing behavioral health crises engage in behaviors that result in their arrest. When that happens, NTBHA can help to coordinate care for the incarcerated person while in custody, and can help with outpatient behavioral health services upon release.

According to the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) is a service delivery model intended for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) who are involved with the criminal justice system”

US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (PDF)
Healthy Community Collaborative
The Healthy Community Collaborative is a state-funded grant program that was awarded to NTBHA. The Healthy Community Collaborative grant provides assistance to individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders who reside in Hunt County or Navarro County. Services provided include:
- Emergency Shelter
- Rental Assistance
- Utility Payments
- Shelter Diversion
- Furniture
- Deposits
For more information, please contact: SouthandEastCareCoordinators@ntbha.org or 469-780-9159
Hospitalization

Like all other health conditions, mental health conditions can be short term or chronic, and are best addressed at early stages, often with the help of a health care professional. Like other health conditions, mental health conditions can usually be treated on an outpatient basis. Regular checkups and clinic visits can help you and your health team to care for your wellness. Your mental health team may recommend lifestyle changes, counseling, and/or medications to improve your mental health and wellness. Sometimes, like other health conditions, mental health conditions can become more acute and may need more vigilant monitoring, a change in medication, crisis services or hospitalization.

Texas Health and Human Services Commission—State Hospitals

Texas Health and Human Services Commission-Private Psychiatric Hospitals & Crisis Stabilization Units
Housing Programs

NTBHA has been awarded housing funds that may assist certain qualified individuals who meet grant-specified criteria.

NTBHA will review all funding options that the applicant may be eligible for. In the event that the applicant is not eligible for housing funds available through NTBHA at this time, NTBHA will help connect applicants to the most appropriate services and/or programs based on eligibility.

Access the screening and application form here.

Disclaimer: There is information required regarding a person’s mental health and substance abuse diagnosis. NTBHA will protect this information according to HIPAA and privacy laws, including but not limited to state and federal laws.
Jail-Based Services

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, “When someone is involved or at risk for involvement in the criminal justice system, or court-ordered for treatment, jail diversion and competency restoration programs can help them get the services they need to stay in the community and take care or their health. Jail diversion services assist people who have been identified with a behavioral health need in accessing services that allow them to be diverted from jail into treatment or other alternatives to incarceration.”

Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Jail Diversion Services

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, “When someone is involved or at risk for involvement in the criminal justice system, or court-ordered for treatment, jail diversion and competency restoration programs can help them get the services they need to stay in the community and take care of their health. Jail diversion services assist people who have been identified with a behavioral health need in accessing services that allow them to be diverted from jail into treatment or other alternatives to incarceration.”

NTBHA’s Services to People in Jail-Sometimes people experiencing behavioral health crises engage in behaviors that result in their arrest. When that happens, NTBHA can help to coordinate care for the incarcerated person while in custody, and can help with outpatient behavioral health services upon release.

Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Laboratory Tests

As the Local Behavioral Health Authority, NTBHA pays for required laboratory tests as needed for individuals served by NTBHA and our network of providers.
Language Translation

Visitors to the NTBHA website may choose a language option that translates our website into the language of the visitor’s choice.

In addition, all NTBHA providers have access to a translation service to meet the needs of individuals seeking care with our network of providers.
Living Rooms
NTBHA operates walk-in ‘Living Rooms’ that offer a variety of services to assist people in the community that need linage to mental health and substance providers and resources including:
- Connection to mental health providers.
- Urgent psychiatric medication refills.
- Psychiatric assessment.
- Screening for substance use and co-occurring disorders.
- Assistance with state and federal benefits, including Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare.
- Connection to Peer Recovery Specialists
For more information, please contact:

Dallas County – The Living Room
3001 Al Lipscomb Way
Dallas, Texas 75215
214-643-6213
lrreferrals@ntbha.org

Ellis County – The Living Room
512 W. Main Street
Waxahachie, Texas 75165
469-708-4535
SouthandEastCareCoordinators@ntbha.org

Kaufman County – The Kaufman Living Room
108 W. Grove Street
Kaufman, Texas 75142
469-780-9159
SouthandEastCareCoordinators@ntbha.org

Links to Living Rooms in the News
D Magazine-December 4, 2019
Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) Team
helps people who have tragically lost someone to suicide. Because suicide postvention is prevention, the NTBHA LOSS Team’s mission is to reduce the incidence of suicide in our community through available education, awareness and prevention services.

The LOSS Team:
- Links survivors to bereavement services specific to suicide.
- Is activated by various community agencies and organizations across Dallas, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro and Rockwall Counties.
- Responds after the death, visiting or contacting those who have lost a loved one, friend, or colleague to suicide.
The LOSS Team partners with organizations such as first responders, funeral homes, churches, schools, etc., to receive information about suicide survivors, so that a LOSS Team member can reach out with resources.

Volunteers can help with Care Bag assembly, request donations of supplies such as books, journals, stuffed animals for children, send Caring Contact Cards to survivors, outreach in the community at community events and Survivor-to-Survivor connections.

Anyone who is interested in the LOSS Team can email LOSSteam@ntbha.org.

Helpful Suicide Prevention Resources:

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Suicide Prevention Resource for Action

National Institute of Mental Health-Suicide Prevention

National Recommendations for Reporting on Suicides for Media

NTBHA Report-Responding to Suicidality and Related Issues (PDF)

Positive Suicide Prevention Media Resources from National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Postvention After a Suicide-A Toolkit for Schools (PDF)

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

Texas Postvention-Coming Together to Care (PDF)

Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative After a Death by Suicide
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Classes

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training teaches how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. This course is offered FREE through a grant to NTBHA and is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, goes to school or provides service or support to anyone in Dallas, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro and Rockwall Counties.

For questions about the course, please contact mhfa@ntbha.org

Click here to register for upcoming classes.

You can look under the ‘Events’ tab on the NTBHA website to see the schedule of upcoming MHFA classes and other educational opportunities at NTBHA. Also, follow NTBHA on Facebook, LinkedIn and X, where we post the MHFA class schedule.
Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT)

NTBHA’s MCOT team is on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year at 866-260-8000 or 844-672-5700.

MCOT provides face-to-face help to people in a mental health crisis who are at risk of harm to themselves or others. The MCOT team will come to the caller’s home, school, or other location in the community. MCOT team members can help avert hospitalization or arrest by de-escalating the situation and connecting the person in crisis to timely, comprehensive mental health services and/or substance use recovery services.

In case of a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.
MultiSystemic Therapy (MST)

MultiSystemic Therapy (MST) is an evidence-based intervention for youth at high-risk for out-of-home placement due to their mental health needs, juvenile justice involvement, or substance use. The MST approach works to build on the strengths of the youth in all areas of their lives, including home, immediate and extended family, peers, school, and community. MST operates with a steadfast strengths-based perspective of families, always assuming they are doing the best they can with what they have within their own unique circumstances. Together, the youth and their support system, along with their MST Team, work to address the concerning behavior and reduce high-risk conduct with the goal of keeping the youth in the community.

Goals
To empower parents with skills and resources needed to independently address the difficulties that arise in raising teenagers, and to empower youth to cope with family, peer, school, and community problems by equipping them with skill-building strategies that support the Theory of Change that reduces Recidivism

Who Can Make a Referral?
Referrals can be made from various sources that come into contact with the child or youth. Referral sources might include social workers, case managers, probation officers, community-based mental health providers as well as parents, legal guardians, foster parents, or other caregivers.

What is the Referral Process?
North Texas Behavioral Health Authority has an MST Program referral form that can be completed and emailed to mst@ntbha.org. After a completed referral form is received by NTBHA, an assessment is conducted to determine a youth’s appropriateness for enrollment into the MST program.

For questions or to request a referral form, contact mst@ntbha.org
NTBHA’s Community Education and Training

NTBHA has certified trainers who provide education and training in the community and online. Topics include Mental Health First Aid, substance use and recovery, alcohol, opioids, fentanyl, other substances, signs of overdose, and administration of naloxone nasal spray, and many other subjects.

Please see the “Events” tab on this website for the latest schedule of classes, or follow NTBHA on Facebook, LinkedIn or X for posts on class schedules and registration information.

These classes are free to Texas residents.
Outreach, Screening, Assessment & Referral (OSAR)

Outreach, Screening, Assessment and Referral (OSAR) is for individuals with substance use and/or co-occurring disorders. OSAR provides brief intervention and linage to treatment and recovery-oriented services. For questions or those seeking treatment, please contact 844-275-0600 or osar@ntbha.org
Prescription Assistance Program (PAP)
NTBHA’s Prescription Assistance Program (PAP) helps qualified individuals gain access to medications donated by the operating companies of Johnson & Johnson. Individuals and doctors are notified in writing of the eligibility decision. Medications are either sent to the doctor’s office or the individual is sent a pharmacy card.

Eligibility Requirements
- Uninsured US Residents
- Medicare Part D-eligible persons with Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and
If you have questions, please contact 469-445-2990 or pap@ntbha.org
Psychiatric Hospitalization
In case of Emergency
If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, NTBHA can help you now. In case of a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 immediately.

NTBHA’s Crisis Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Please call 866-260-8000 or 844-672-5700.

A trained mental health professional will answer your call, and will connect you to the care that you need.

General Information on Psychiatric Hospitalization
In Texas, publicly funded psychiatric hospitalization is covered by state law. If hospitalization for a behavioral health condition is necessary, the hospitalization may be voluntary or involuntary. At times, a person in behavioral health crisis may be held in emergency detention if the person appears to be at substantial risk to self or to others.

Voluntary Psychiatric Hospitalization
The Texas statutes covering voluntary psychiatric hospitalization are in:
Texas Health and Safety Code, Title 7, Subtitle C, Chapter 572

Emergency Detention
The Texas statutes covering emergency detention are in:
Texas Health and Safety Code, Title 7, Subtitle C, Chapter 573

Involuntary Psychiatric Hospitalization
The Texas statutes covering involuntary psychiatric hospitalization are in:
Texas Health and Safety Code, Title 7, Subtitle C, Chapter 574

County Mental Health Probate Courts
By law, emergency detentions and involuntary psychiatric hospitalizations require due process through the County Probate Court. Mental Health Probate Courts also process Mental Illness Warrants. Below are links to County Probate Courts in the NTBHA Region.
- Dallas County Probate Court Number 3
- Ellis County Mental Health Commitment Court
- Hunt County Court at Law Number 2
- Kaufman County Mental Health Courts Coordinator
- Navarro County District Clerk
- Rockwall County Court at Law Number 2
Role of Local Behavioral Health Authorities and Local Mental Health Authorities in Psychiatric Hospitalization
According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, “The appropriate local mental health authority (LMHA) or local behavioral health authority (LBHA) screens patients seeking admission to a state hospital to determine the least restrictive place for treatment. This includes private providers.

The LMHA or LBHA gives important facts to the facility, including patient identifying information, legal status, medical and medication information, behavioral data, and other treatment information.

If a person seeks admission to a state hospital without being screened by an LBHA/LMHA, the hospital conducts an emergency medical screening as part of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), and consults with the LBHA/LMHA.

The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) is a federal law that requires hospital emergency departments to medically screen every patient who seeks emergency care and to stabilize or transfer those with medical emergencies, regardless of health insurance status or ability to pay.

Th admitting physician has the final authority on admitting a person to a state hospital, and admission is consistent with resources available at the hospital. All patients sent to the facility through court commitments are evaluated for admission.

In general, to be involuntarily admitted, you must show symptoms of mental illness and signs that you are a danger to yourself or others

No person is denied voluntary admission without thorough documentation and an appropriate referral, as recommended by the screening physician.

Texas Health and Human Services Commission
State Hospital Step-Down Services
In 2021, the 87th Texas Legislature, in SB 1, Article II, Rider 57, directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to study “…the efficacy and efficiency of the step-down services in diverting individuals from the state mental health hospital inpatient system into the community”.

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the goal of a State Hospital Step-Down Program is to “Identify and promote evidence-based practices by reducing the incidence and duration of psychiatric hospitalizations, homelessness, incarcerations and criminal justice interactions”
Suicide Prevention and Postvention
In case of a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 immediately.

NTBHA’s Crisis Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Please call 866-260-8000 or 844-672-5700.

A trained mental health professional will answer your call, and will connect you to the care that you need.

NTBHA’s Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams (MCOT) provide face-to-face help to people in a mental health crisis who are at risk of harm to themselves or others. The MCOT team will come to the caller’s home, school, or other location in the community. MCOT team members can help avert hospitalization or arrest by de-escalating the situation and connecting the person in crisis to timely, comprehensive mental health services and/or substance use recovery services.

NTBHA’s MCOT team is on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Please call 866-260-8000 or 844-672-5700.

988 Lifeline-National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a 24-7 free confidential hotline staffed by counselors. It does not dispatch help to the caller.
- Call or text 988
- Chat at 988lifeline.org
- National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Website
In case of life-threatening emergency, please call 911.

NTBHA’s Suicide Prevention Advisory Council (SPAC) is composed of two community members per county within our six-county region of Dallas, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro and Rockwall Counties. This committee reviews suicide trends affecting each of our counties and help to promote resources and education in suicide prevention. The SPAC, under the direction of NTBHA, encourages community involvement through collaboration, and work to address the needs of each county. You can provide questions, comments, or other feedback to the SPAC via email to spac@ntbha.org.

NTBHA’s Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) Team helps people who have tragically lost someone to suicide. Because suicide postvention is prevention, the LOSS Team’s mission is to reduce the incidence of suicide in our community through available education, awareness and prevention services.

The LOSS Team:
- Links survivors to bereavement services specific to suicide.
- Is activated by various community agencies and organizations across Dallas, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro and Rockwall Counties.
- Responds after the death, visiting or contacting those who have lost a loved one, friend, or colleague to suicide.
The LOSS Team partners with organizations such as first responders, funeral homes, churches, schools, etc., to receive information about suicide survivors, so that a LOSS Team member can reach out with resources.

Volunteers can help with Care Bag assembly, request donations of supplies such as books, journals, stuffed animals for children, send Caring Contact Cards to survivors, outreach in the community at community events and Survivor-to-Survivor connections.

Anyone who is interested in the LOSS Team can email LOSSteam@ntbha.org.

Helpful Suicide Prevention Resources
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Suicide Prevention Resource for Action

National Institute of Mental Health-Suicide Prevention

National Recommendations for Reporting on Suicides for Media

NTBHA Report-Responding to Suicidality and Related Issues (PDF)

Positive Suicide Prevention Media Resources from National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Postvention After a Suicide-A Toolkit for Schools (PDF)

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

Texas Postvention-Coming Together to Care (PDF)

Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative After a Death by Suicide
Trauma-Informed Care
According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, “Service providers and systems of care should use trauma-informed care to establish and maintain a culture of safety, integrity, and healing. Trauma-informed care should be incorporated into organizational structures and used when interacting with clients, staff and participants.

Trauma-informed care provides a treatment framework for understanding, recognizing and responding to all types of trauma. It focuses on physical, psychological and emotional safety, and helps survivors rebuild a sense of control and empowerment.”

NTBHA has a Trauma-Informed and Recovery Oriented Care Committee (TIROC). Its Mission Statement is, “We believe that a health care system must be able to sustain quality services to the community in order for those we serve to thrive.

NTBHA’s Current Trauma -Informed Care Focus is:
- Reviewing person-served driven care and services.
- Having a trauma-informed, educated and responsive workforce.
- Ensuring ongoing performance improvement.
Resources related to Trauma-Informed Care:
Learning Materials and Resources SAMHSA

The National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative (PDF)

Tips for Helping Children and Youth deal with Trauma (PDF)

The Neuroscience of Trauma and Addiction

NTBHA TIC Guidebook (PDF)

Recognizing Trauma-Children – HHSC (PDF)

Texas Health and Human Services Commission webpage on Trauma-Informed Care

Texas Health and Human Services Commission HHSC-The Six Principles of Trauma-Informed Care (PDF)

TIC Helpful Checklist (PDF)

Trauma Informed Care Quick Organizational Presentation (PDF)

Trauma Types

What is a Trauma Informed Care Community (PDF)

White Paper: Advancing Perinatal Health Care Integration
Youth Crisis Outreach Team (YCOT)

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, “The YCOT program is a mental health crisis stabilizing resource designed to meet the unique needs of youth and families with developmentally appropriate interventions administered by qualified professionals. YCOTs support youth experiencing a mental health crisis by de-escalating the situation and remaining available to provide services with the youth’s family or caregiver(s) for up to 90 days after the crisis.

Through YCOT support, the youth and families receive intervention services to reduce the need for emergency room visits or law enforcement involvement.

HHSC Report to the Legislature: Report on Youth Crisis Outreach Teams (PDF)

Behavioral Health Terminology

Advance Directive for Mental Health Treatment in Texas

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, in Texas, a “Declaration for Mental Health Treatment (DMHT)”, …allows you to make decisions in advance about mental health treatment and specifically three types of mental health treatment: psychoactive medication, convulsive therapy and emergency mental health treatment. The instructions that you include in this declaration will be followed only if a court believes that you are incapacitated to make treatment decisions. Otherwise, you will be considered able to give or withhold consent for the treatments.

Texas Health and Human Services

Declaration for Mental Health Treatment | English (PDF)

Texas Declaración Sobre Tratamiento de Salud Mental | Español (PDF)
Crisis Residential Facility

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, “A crisis residential unit provides short-term crisis services in a home-like environment for people who might harm themselves or others. The length of stay may vary depending on the clinical needs of the person with an average length of stay being between six and ten days.”

Texas Health and Human Services
Crisis Respite Facility

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), “A crisis respite unit provides short-term crisis services in a home-like environment for people at low risk of harming themselves or others. The length of stay depends on the clinical needs of the person-ranging from a few hours to ten days. Professional staff are available to provide counseling and medication.

Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Crisis Stabilization Unit

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC),

“As defined by Texas Administrative Code Title 26, Part 1, Chapter 510, Section 510.2, a crisis stabilization unit is a mental health facility operated by a community center or other entity designated by the Health and Human Services Commission. CSUs provide treatment to individuals who are the subject of a protective custody order issued in accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code Section 574.022. ”

Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Emergency Detention

The requirements for behavioral health emergency detention in Texas are stated in the Texas Health and Safety Code, Title 7-Mental Health and Intellectual Disability, Subtitle C-Texas Mental Health Code, Chapter 573-Emergency Detention.

Texas Health and Safety Code, Title 7, Subtitle C, Chapter 573-Emergency Detention

Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health-Notification of Emergency Detention
Extended Observation Unit

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, “An extended observation unit is a place where people who are at high risk of harm to self or others are treated in a secure environment for up to 23 hours or up to 48 hours. Professional staff are available to provide counseling and medication services.”

Texas Health and Human Services Commission
HIPAA

HIPAA-Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is a federal law that protects an individual’s health information. For more information, please see the links below.

CDC

HHS
Involuntary Commitment for Mental Health Services

The requirements for behavioral health involuntary commitment in Texas are stated in the Texas Health and Safety Code, Title 7-Mental Health and Intellectual Disability, Subtitle C-Texas Mental Health Code, Chapter 574-Court-Ordered Mental Health Services.

Texas Health and Safety Code, Title 7, Subtitle C, Chapter 574-Court-Ordered Mental Health Services
Peer Support

Peer support is a key NTBHA service available at many locations and providers.

According to the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “Peer support workers are people who have been successful in the recovery process who help others experiencing similar situations. Through shared understanding, respect and mutual empowerment, peer support workers help people become and stay engaged in the recovery process and reduce the likelihood of relapse. Peer support services can effectively extend the reach of treatment beyond the clinical setting into the everyday environment of those seeking as successful, sustained recovery process.”

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Private Psychiatric Hospital

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, “As defined by Texas Administrative Code Title 26, Part 1, Chapter 510, Section 510.2 , a private psychiatric hospital is a hospital that provides inpatient mental health services to individuals with mental illness or with a substance use disorder except that, at all times, a majority of the individuals admitted are individuals with a mental illness. Services include psychiatric assessment and diagnostic services, physician services, professional nursing services, and monitoring for patient safety provided in a restricted environment.”

Texas Health and Human Services Commission
State Hospital

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), “State Hospital facilities are Medicare-certified and Medicaid-approved, and are accredited by the Joint Commission.” HHSC advises anyone seeking hospitalization for a mental health concern to contact the Local Behavioral Health Authority or the Local Mental Health Authority.

For individuals in Dallas, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro or Rockwall Counties, please contact the North Texas Behavioral Health Authority: ntbha.org

Texas Administrative Code Chapter 306, Subchapter D, Division 3, Rules 171-178.

Joint Commission
State Hospital Step-Down
In 2021, the 87th Texas Legislature, in SB 1, Article II, Rider 57, directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to study “…the efficacy and efficiency of the step-down services in diverting individuals from the state mental health hospital inpatient system into the community”.

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the goal of a State Hospital Step-Down Program is to “Identify and promote evidence-based practices by reducing the incidence and duration of psychiatric hospitalizations, homelessness, incarcerations and criminal justice interactions”
Voluntary Hospitalization

Requirements for voluntary mental health services in Texas are stated in Texas Health and Safety Code, Title 7-Mental Health and Intellectual Disability, Subtitle C-Texas Mental Health Code, Chapter 572.

Texas Health and Safety Code, Title 7, Subtitle C, Chapter 572

Behavioral Health Glossary

Behavioral Health Conditions & Diagnoses

Behavioral Health Professionals

Behavioral Health Services

Behavioral Health Terminology

Crisis Services

Crisis Services

Suicide Prevention

Suicide Prevention

Mental Health Services

Mental Health Services

Substance Use Services

Substance Use Services

Find care near you

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Pharmacy Services

Pharmacy Services

Behavioral Health Glossary

Behavioral Health Conditions & Diagnoses

Behavioral Health Professionals

Behavioral Health Services

Behavioral Health Terminology

Find Care Near You

NTBHA’S Lists of Providers

Pharmacy Services and Prescriptions