San Antonio Urged to Build Diversion Center, Invest in Mental Health

Trish DeBerry, former Bexar County Commissioner, calls for comprehensive solutions to address mental health crisis in the region

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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In a commentary for the San Antonio Express-News, Trish DeBerry, the former Bexar County Commissioner for Precinct 3, advocates for the creation of a 300-bed mental health hospital and a diversion center in San Antonio. DeBerry cites the closure of two local hospitals that eliminated around 300 mental health beds, as well as the Bexar County jail becoming a de facto mental health facility due to the lack of appropriate resources. She urges the city, county, and local health care systems to work together to establish these critical facilities to better serve individuals struggling with mental illness and substance abuse.

Why it matters

San Antonio's current mental health system is failing many residents, leading to increased homelessness, jail overcrowding, and poor health outcomes. Establishing a dedicated behavioral health hospital and diversion center could reduce the burden on the criminal justice system, improve treatment access, and ultimately save taxpayer money through more effective and compassionate care.

The details

DeBerry's call to action is driven by a Meadows Foundation study that detailed the need for a 300-bed mental health hospital in the community, based on the growing homeless population and the closure of two local hospitals that eliminated around 300 mental health beds. She also highlights the urgent need for a diversion center where individuals struggling with mental illness or substance abuse can receive stabilization and treatment instead of entering the criminal justice system. DeBerry emphasizes that diversion programs have been shown to reduce jail populations, improve health outcomes, and lower long-term costs.

  • The Meadows Foundation study that detailed the need for a 300-bed mental health hospital was conducted recently.
  • The recent San Antonio Express-News editorial series 'Jailed to Death' has brought increased public attention to the mental health crisis at the Bexar County jail.

The players

Trish DeBerry

The former Precinct 3 Bexar County Commissioner and current president and CEO of Centro San Antonio, an organization focused on downtown revitalization.

Terri Castillo

The District 5 Councilwoman in San Antonio who is leading the effort to establish a diversion center.

University Health

The third-largest property tax-supported health care system in Texas, which DeBerry believes should collaborate with the city and county to create a comprehensive mental health solution.

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What they’re saying

“A well-planned behavioral health hospital and diversion center are not just the right thing to do — they are the smart thing to do.”

— Trish DeBerry, Former Bexar County Commissioner, President and CEO of Centro San Antonio (expressnews.com)

What’s next

DeBerry calls for the Bexar County Commissioners Court, which appoints the University Health board of directors and approves its budget, to prioritize discussing the possibility of a behavioral health campus that could serve as a comprehensive solution to the mental health crisis.

The takeaway

San Antonio's current mental health system is overwhelmed, leading to increased homelessness, jail overcrowding, and poor health outcomes. Establishing a dedicated behavioral health hospital and diversion center could provide more effective and compassionate care, reduce the burden on the criminal justice system, and ultimately save taxpayer money through improved treatment access and better health outcomes.