Texas mental health funding could be cut by $246 million
The Department of State Health Services has outlined nearly $246 million in possible cuts as Texas faces a potential $18 billion shortfall in the next budget period.
- Click here to view the DSHS budget reduction presentation.
- Click here to view the approved budget reduction options from May.
The 2011 Legislature will have the final say as agencies respond to budget-trimming orders from Texas leaders, including Gov. Rick Perry.
More than 20,000 Texans who receive state-funded mental health services would lose care under proposed DSHS budget cuts released this week.
DSHS has proposed an $80 million cut to the state's 39 publicly-supported community mental health centers.
The agency said $44 million in cuts to psychiatric hospitals in Austin, Terrell, San Antonio, Rusk and Wichita Falls would eliminate 12 percent of their total capacity.
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