HOUSTON -- Local 2 investigates a call for help from those working in our mental health care system. Those struggling to provide mental health care look to state legislators for more funding. Local 2 investigative reporter Robert Arnold spoke with a Houston lawmaker who said it is going to take more than money to fix our area's problems.

"I don't think there's a lot of question about what we need," said state Rep. John Zerwas.

Zerwas sits on the House Appropriations Committee. He is also chief medical officer for the Memorial-Hermann System. Zerwas said the debate is not just about what services are needed for the mentally ill.

"The infrastructure and the ability for people to tap into readily available mental health services doesn't exist within Houston, Harris County or surrounding region," said Zerwas.

State budget cuts caused a lack of hospital bed space and scarce funds for long-term outpatient care. This has created a crisis-driven system. Many of those with mental illness cycle in-and-out of acute care hospitals and emergency rooms, or don't get help until they're arrested and thrown in jail.

"Is it the most reasonable, cost effective way to deliver health care services? Absolutely not," said Zerwas.

Zerwas argues simply throwing more money into mental healthcare won't solve all the problems. He says there first has to be an overarching plan.

"Houston in particular really has not developed the network of primary care clinics and access to certain types of health care that other cities across the nation have," said Zerwas.

While those Local 2 Investigates spoke with agree with that statement, they also argue part of the problem is they believe Texas does not put mental illness on the same level as medical illness.

"There really is no comprehensive plan for mental health services in Harris County," said Lois Moore, chief administrator for the University of Texas’ Harris County Psychiatric Center.

"We're not putting the resources in proactively to make an effective difference," said Dr. Steve Schnee, head of the Mental Health Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County.

"We've seen the same phenomenon with cancer, with coronary disease," said Jeff Webster, senior vice president and administrator for the Harris County Hospital District. "People don't have access to primary care and preventative care, then it becomes chronic and it's no different with behavioral health."

Even though Health and Human Services spending accounts for 40 percent of Texas' budget, mental illness is rarely at the forefront.

"I don't know there's a really been a spotlight on it that would help us say this needs to rise to the top of the priorities for the state of Texas," said Zerwas.

Those in the mental health care industry say in the end it's all about choosing where to spend the money.

"We have to decide, 'Are we going to spend it in the jailhouse treating patients with psychiatric illness over there or are we going to take it to medical homes, provide appointments, provide therapy and psychiatry in the medical setting,'" said Dr. Britta Ostermeyer, deputy chief of psychiatry for Ben Taub Hospital.

Trying to curb the number of mentally ill patients showing up in the ER in crisis, the Harris County Hospital District recently added psychiatrists and counselors to all of its community based health centers -- a move which earned the hospital district the American Psychiatric Association's Gold Award.

Last session, legislators did commit an extra $82 million for mental health care in Texas. Those Local 2 spoke with said it's a great start, but when you spread $82 million throughout the state, they say it does not go far enough.

Studies have shown treating mental illness on an on-gong basis has high success rates --schizophrenia 60 percent, depression 40 percent and bipolar disorder 80 percent.

More Information:

Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County
Anyone in a psychiatric emergency or in need of information can call 713-970-7000 or 866-970-4770.
If the person voluntarily seeks treatment, he or she may call or go to the Neuro-Psychiatric Center (MHMRA), located at 1502 Taub Loop, 713-970-7070, or Ben Taub General Hospital (HCHD), located at 1504 Taub Loop, 713-793-2000. Both of these facilities are in the Texas Medical Center.
The University of Texas Harris County Psychiatric Center
If you or someone you love needs help with mental illness or general counseling, please call our facility for a confidential assessment. We want to help you or assist you in locating the right source. We can be reached at 713-500-8800.
Mental Health America of Greater Houston
If you or someone you know needs help finding information and referral services on mental health or mental illness in the Greater Houston area, we can help. We can be reached at 713-522-5161 or www.mhahouston.org.