Local Mental and Behavioral Health Authorities

Community mental health services are provided through local mental health authorities and local behavioral health authorities. The LMHAs and LBHAs provide services to a specific geographic area of the state, called the local service area. See a list of all LMHAs and LBHAs.

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) requires each authority to plan, develop policy, coordinate, allocate and develop resources for mental health services in the local service area. HHSC contracts with 39 LMHAs and LBHAs to deliver mental health services in communities across Texas. These contracts are commonly known as performance contracts.

Training

The Centralized Training Infrastructure for Evidence Based Practices is designed to aid in the development of a training infrastructure to support the delivery of mental health services in Texas. HHSC contracts with The University of Texas Health Science Center’s Department of Psychiatry to coordinate and implement this project. Learn more about CTI training opportunities.

Contracted LMHAs, LBHAs and Texas Resilience and Recovery services subcontractors must meet training requirements for HHSC-approved evidence-based practices prior to the provision of support services. Completion of the requirements are documented and maintained by LMHAs and LBHAs, or their subcontractors. HHSC-approved evidence-based practices and training requirements can be found in the performance contract Information Item A – Training and Competency (MS Word).

To assist providers implementing evidence-based practices, webinars on the following models and topics are offered based on need:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Supported Employment – Individual Placements and Supports
  • Assertive Community Treatment
  • Permanent Supportive Housing 
  • Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths and Adult Needs and Strengths Assessment
  • Implementation of Multiple Evidence-Based Practices
  • Co-Occurring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders 
  • Cultural Competency

CMBHS Access and Request and End User Agreement

  1. After downloading Form 5007, CMBHS Access Request and User Agreement, complete the form fields, print, review, sign and submit the document.
  2. To submit, please scan the document to create an electronic version displaying your signature. Email the electronic version to MH Contracts.
  3. If the form cannot be emailed, please mail the signed form to: 

    U.S. Postal Mail 
    Texas Health and Human Services Commission 
    Mental Health Contracts Management, MC 2058
    P.O. Box 13247 
    Austin, TX 78711-3247

    Overnight Mail 
    Texas Health and Human Services Commission 
    Mental Health Contracts Management, MC 2058
    4601 W. Guadalupe St.
    Austin, TX 78751-3146

Guidelines and Handbooks

Rates

Rules

LMHAs and LBHAs must comply with applicable mental health service rules of the Texas Administrative Code, including prevention standards, case management, rehabilitative standards and client rights. The specific chapter and subchapter references are as follows:

Texas Administrative Code, Title 25, Part 1:

Texas Administrative Code, Title 26, Part 1:

Resources

Additional resources regarding evidence-based practices are available at:

For questions related to Adult Mental Health Services or evidence-based practices, email AdultMH.

For questions related to Children’s Mental Health Services, email Children’s Mental Health.