OVERVIEW
The Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network (formerly Heart of Texas Region MHMR Center) offers an array of Behavioral Health Services and Crisis Services.
Click Here To See The Adult Behavioral Health Services Brochure
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADMISSIONS
The Admissions Unit provides open access to any individual seeking adult mental health services. Please call for initial screening at 1-866-752-3451. If you call after hours, please press Option 4 during your call when applying for services.
The Admissions Unit has open access at the Clifton Street Clinic anytime Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Later assessment times are available by appointment. If you are in Bosque, Limestone, Hill, Freestone, or Falls Counties and cannot come to the Clifton Street Clinic for open access, we can arrange an assessment using telehealth equipment at our regional offices.
The Admissions staff will also provide information and referral to assist those not eligible for Center services.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CASE MANAGEMENT
Planning, Coordination, and Monitoring of services are provided at least monthly for all admitted clients of the Center by qualified mental health professionals. Mental Health Case Managers are responsible for assessing consumers' needs, identifying treatment strategies, linking consumers to community resources, integrating consumer choice in their treatment planning, and working towards recovery as defined by the individual. This facility is a member of the National Health Service Corps
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH REHABILITATION AND COUNSELING SERVICES
Counseling, Skills Training, and Psychosocial Rehabilitation services for adults are provided by Bachelor's and Master's level clinicians throughout the HOT region. In addition, licensed professionals (Counselors, Social Workers, and Psychologists) are available to help with particular issues, to provide Cognitive Behavior Therapy for depression, Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma-related issues, and to provide clinical supervision.
PSYCHIATRIC MEDICAL SERVICES
The Center provides a full array of Psychiatric Medical Services for our consumers. The professional staff includes psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, pharmacy assistants, support staff, and a program director. The staff conducts regular and crisis assessments of all consumers, prescribes and manages medications, coordinates the distribution of psychiatric medicines, assists consumers in accessing Pharmacy Assistance Programs, manages medication samples, monitors metabolic symptoms, and provides clinical leadership for all consumers served by the Center.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ASSERTIVE COMMUNITY TREATMENT (ACT) TEAM
This mobile unit supports individuals with the most severe and persistent mental illness by providing intensive treatment, rehabilitation, and support services at consumers' homes and other community settings. ACT services are provided 24 hours per day, seven days per week, to ensure consumers have continuous treatment support.
CONTINUITY OF CARE PROGRAM
The Continuity of Care team offers support for individuals in psychiatric hospitals to develop a discharge plan and assist individuals with obtaining necessary services when they return to the community. In addition, they work closely with staff at state hospitals as well as local psychiatric hospitals to provide aftercare appointments, assistance with medications, and ensuring that individuals have their daily needs met. This service may be reached at (254) 297-7035.
INTEGRATED HEALTH CLINIC
Rural Integrated Health:
The Rural Integrated Behavioral Health Program serves Falls, Freestone and Limestone Counties. The program works in collaboration with local primary care providers in their clinics to provide behavioral health services for patients of all ages presenting for primary care. A behavioral health specialist works alongside primary care providers to provide behavioral health assessments, brief supportive counseling, tobacco cessation counseling, behavioral health referrals and crisis intervention and prevention to patients of the rural health clinic. The behavioral health specialist also provides psychoeducation about behavioral health diagnoses and needs to patients and staff in effort to spread awareness of behavioral health conditions and reduce stigma surrounding behavioral health concerns in rural communities.
WFM Integrated Clinic:
WFC has a FQHC that is co-located at the Diversion Center and provides minor medical clearance to individuals who present to Crisis Triage at the Diversion Center. 6500 Imperial Dr. Waco, TX 76712. WFM is available Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. Individuals who have been admitted to the Crisis Residential Unit or Extended Observation Unit can be scheduled to see WFM for medical needs, which also establishes them with primary care if they are not already.
older adult unit
This unit provides specialized integrated health services for older adults aged 60 and older. Staff provide intensive services to older adults who, in addition to their behavioral health needs, face physical health challenges and difficulty adjusting to normal aging changes, which interfere with their ability to live a full and independent lifestyle.
OUTPATIENT SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES
The Center has expanded its services to include Outpatient Substance Use Services for adult clients who need substance use treatment. These services are provided in addition to other behavioral health services provided by the Center, and can include anyone in the community who is struggling with a Substance Use Disorder. The length and type of services are determined with screening during the initial appointment to assess the appropriateness of treatment. Co-occurring Disorders are addressed and treated through a specialized program that provides intensive services and support designed to reduce the harm associated with substance use. Specialized case management and counseling are also available. Recently the program has added a job development specialist who can assist individuals with substance use issues in identifying employment opportunities. The specialist will also work to locate local businesses willing to consider employing individuals with a substance use history.
Outpatient and Behavioral Health Services are available to anyone in the community suffering from a Substance Use Disorder. We accept referrals from all sources, including state agencies such as CPS, Probation, Parole, Drug Court, the Veterans Administration, or any Private referral—call (254) 297-8999 to schedule a screening or to learn more about our services. WALKS INS are also welcome.
HEART OF TEXAS COUNSELING CENTER
The Center's community outpatient clinic was established for individuals who do not meet the state requirements for services at the Center. The program emphasizes counseling around a wide variety of diagnoses and issues related to the challenges of daily living, trauma and mental health concerns.
The counseling center offers an array of services including, a Spanish speaking therapist, therapist who are certified in perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, and specialized groups such as DBT group and chronic pain management group. The counseling center also staffs a case manager to help with any community resource needs.
This facility is a member of the: National Health Service Corps
Click Here For The Heart of Texas Counseling Center Brochure
PEER SERVICES
The Center has expanded Peer Services to provide training and support to other consumers, specifically around healthy lifestyle choices. Peer Services and outings can be accessed at the Independence Center, (254) 756-0258 or Mexia Peer Support Center, (254) 562-4336). There is no charge for any service or activity other than meals, snacks, and outings.
Housing and homeless services
Housing and Homeless Services provide support to people who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Services include street outreach, help finding housing, rental assistance, and support with deposits and utility costs. The program also helps individuals and families move into permanent housing.
Programs included in Housing and Homeless Services include:
- Assistance in Transitions from Homelessness (PATH)
- Housing Navigator Program
- Tenant Based Rental Assistance
- Supportive Housing Rental Assistance
- Rapid Rehousing
- Permanent Supportive Housing
The goal is to help people build the skills they need to live on their own after the program ends. This includes connecting them to community benefits, job support, and education programs. By offering these services, Housing and Homeless Services works to help people achieve long-term stability and maintain safe, stable housing.
SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT
One caseworker is designated to provide supported employment services to those individuals seeking assistance in locating and successfully securing employment. The caseworker works in the community to develop employment opportunities for consumers and then works aggressively with individuals to assist in placing them into competitive employment. This caseworker serves about 30 individuals at any given time in this program.
PSYCHIATRIC CONSULTATION
In partnership with the Family Health Center, the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network (formerly HOTRMHMR) can arrange for local physicians to consult with national experts to staff cases to help them become more comfortable prescribing medications to individuals with behavioral health issues. Due to national shortages in psychiatry, general practitioners are increasingly being asked to fill this void. This program can assist them in developing the skills needed to enhance their practices.
JUSTICE INVOLVED ADULT MENTAL HEALTH:
OUTPATIENT COMPETENCY RESTORATION
The OCR program allows individuals who have been found incompetent to stand trial to receive competency restoration services in the community rather than at a state hospital, when appropriate. The program provides education focused on the legal concepts required to restore competency and also coordinates mental health treatment and supports to promote stability. Services are individualized and focus on helping participants understand their legal situation while connecting them with ongoing treatment resources. Program staff also coordinate with the courts, attorneys, and justice system partners throughout treatment to support the competency restoration process. For more information, contact the Behavioral Justice Center at 254-297-7790.
TEXAS CORRECTIONAL OFFICE ON OFFENDERS WITH MEDICAL OR MENTAL IMPAIRMENTS (TCOOMMI)
The TCOOMMI program provides service coordination and rehabilitation services to individuals currently on parole or probation upon referral from the criminal justice system. The program works in collaboration with specially dedicated mental health probation and parole officers to create a unique partnership that has led to the lowest recidivism rate in the country.
(The Klaras Center for Families' TCOOMMI Program, provides similar services to juveniles with mental health needs who are involved with the legal system.)
JAIL DIVERSION SERVICES
Rural County Jail Diversion Services
(Serving the five rural counties in the service area)
HOTBHN's Rural Jail Diversion Services provide behavioral health support services for justice involved individuals in the five rural counties served by the local mental health authority. Services are delivered through two coordinated programs: an In Jail Diversion Program and a Community Jail Diversion Program.
In Jail Diversion Program
The In Jail Program has clinicians who co-locate within the five rural county jails. Clinicians conduct behavioral health screenings, suicide risk screenings, and discharge planning for incarcerated individuals. Program staff coordinate with jail personnel, court officials, and jail contracted medical providers to support continuity of care. Medical and psychiatric services within each jail are provided by the county’s contracted medical provider; this program does not provide psychiatric or medication services inside the jails.
Community Jail Diversion Program
The Community Jail Diversion Program, also known as the Mental Health Grant for Justice Involved Individuals, partners with rural county sheriff’s departments to connect justice-involved individuals with behavioral health services in the community. The program works closely with the In Jail Program to identify individuals who may benefit from community based services after release. Program staff may also conduct in jail screenings, upon referral, to determine eligibility. Community services may include case management, psychosocial rehabilitation, psychiatric services, and assistance connecting with community resources. When appropriate, program staff and a sheriff’s deputy may jointly meet with individuals in the community to provide coordinated support. For more information, contact the Behavioral Justice Center at 254-297-7790.
PRE-TRIAL INTERVENTION PROGRAM (PTIP)
This program is a joint project with the McLennan County District Attorney’s Office. Applications for the PTIP Program are submitted to McLennan County and then referred to HOTBHN for a behavioral health assessment. A licensed HOTBHN clinician (LPHA) conducts a behavioral health assessment and provides treatment recommendations for individuals being considered for the program. Final decisions regarding program admission are made solely by the McLennan County District Attorney’s Office. If an individual is approved for the program, the recommended treatment plan is implemented, and staff coordinate services and monitor compliance with program requirements. For more information, contact the Behavioral Justice Center at 254-297-7790.
REINTEGRATION SERVICES
Reintegration Roundtable
(McLennan County only)
This program is a joint effort between the City of Waco, McLennan County, and the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network. Program staff work with individuals housed at the McLennan County Jail to prepare them for release through group sessions and individual support. After release, Reintegration staff assist participants by connecting them to behavioral health services, employment, housing, peer support, and other appropriate community resources. When appropriate, staff may also coordinate with the HOTBHN Justice Involved Caseworker to provide additional support for individuals participating in McLennan County Specialty Courts. The overall goal of the Reintegration Roundtable program is to support successful reentry and reduce recidivism. For more information, contact the Behavioral Justice Center at 254-297-7790.
Adult Behavioral Health
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988