Texas House Bill HB3556

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the mental health program for veterans.

Impact

This legislation amends existing sections of the Government and Health and Safety Codes to create a more robust mental health intervention program specifically tailored for veterans. It mandates annual reporting on the program's effectiveness and includes provisions for accessing licensed mental health professionals, thus aiming to bridge the gap between veterans and available mental health resources. The focus on peer support aims to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help and encourages veterans to engage in counseling services that promote recovery and rehabilitation.

Summary

House Bill 3556 proposes enhancements to the mental health program for veterans in Texas. The bill aims to establish a structured framework for peer services, including the recruitment and training of peer service coordinators who are responsible for facilitating peer-to-peer counseling. By emphasizing the importance of community-based mental health support, the bill intends to improve the mental health outcomes for veterans across the state. Specifically, it outlines provisions for training peer service coordinators, providing technical assistance, and developing methods for certification.

Contention

While the bill largely garners support due to its focus on veteran mental health, there are potential concerns regarding the adequacy of funding and resources for such programs. Critics may question whether the state can effectively implement and evaluate the comprehensive nature of this initiative. Additionally, as it emphasizes community involvement, there is discourse around ensuring that local community resources are adequately equipped and funded to support the increased demands resulting from the enactment of this program.