Mental Health

The Texas legislature takes up a bill today that would give parents more freedom to ignore doctors' recommendations around prescribing psychotropic medications to treat mental health conditions. Texas Public Radio's Paul Flahive reports some advocates say the bill could put kids at risk. And yesterday, state lawmakers heard testimony on a bill that would require sheriffs in Texas to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to enforce immigration law.

During freezing temperatures throughout the season, Lubbock’s public libraries are acting as emergency warming centers during normal operating hours. Meanwhile, the local homelessness organization Open Door has announced that the its community center urgently needs adult-sized gloves. Donations can be made at 1918 13th Street or at opendoorlbk.org/donatefunds with the tribute line "gloves." And Texas Public Radio's Bonnie Petrie has more on warning signs for PTSD in children.

Texas received $203.4 million in 2021 to help build community mental health programs at libraries and churches, among other efforts. Those funds expire Dec. 31.

City of Lubbock’s Animal Services have confirmed an investigation is underway after reports from citizens over the treatment of a “critically injured dog.” The holidays can be stressful times, especially for families. Our reporter Samantha Larned has more from a local mental health expert on being patient and forgiving with others and with ourselves.

Día de los Muertos is meant to celebrate those who have passed, but one local mental health expert says grieving has become more isolated in recent years. Our reporter Samantha Larned has more. This week, Texas Tech Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt flagged the issue of unencrypted helmet communication frequencies in the Power 4.

The diversion program offers an alternative place to go: a 24/7 psychiatric emergency services center. And a place to stay: a residential facility that provides care and case management.

Texas officials look to Arizona cities when creating crisis mental health centers.

Future Texas therapists must complete internships to start their careers, but there’s not enough providers to mentor all of the students.

The construction begins after lawmakers have allocated $2.5 billion to modernize and increase access to inpatient psychiatric care in Texas.

Nationally, educational institutions of every level are struggling to staff mental health counselors, and the entire state of Texas faces a shortage of care providers. With increased conversations about staffing, retention, demand, and budgeting for college mental health services, we took a look at what mental health resources are available to college students in the greater Lubbock area.