With Texas ranking last in the nation for access to mental health care, two officers from the Seguin Police Department are dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of their community. Martina Wissmann and Gus Jimenez serve as certified mental health officers, providing crucial assistance to individuals experiencing mental health crises.
As part of the department’s specialized unit, Wissmann and Jimenez handle a wide range of mental health-related calls. “We deal with everything from major depressive disorder to bipolar disorder, and our cases vary by age,” Wissmann explained. “It’s a broad spectrum, ranging from children to the elderly.”
The holiday season, particularly Christmas, presents a heightened challenge for those struggling with mental health issues. According to Jimenez, the emotional toll of the holidays can exacerbate feelings of depression and trigger suicidal thoughts. “We see a spike in calls related to suicidal ideation during that time,” he said.
The importance of mental health officers in communities like Seguin is underscored by Greg Hansch, Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Texas. “Law enforcement officers are often the first responders in mental health crises, especially in areas with limited access to mental health professionals,” Hansch noted. “In rural areas, where psychiatric hospitals are fewer and far between, officers may need to drive long distances to transport individuals in crisis to care facilities.”
State law requires all peace officers in Texas to undergo 40 hours of mental health training, with certified mental health deputies like Wissmann and Jimenez receiving an additional 24 hours of specialized crisis intervention training. These officers play a vital role in ensuring that individuals in need of mental health services are directed to appropriate treatment options rather than facing incarceration or being left without care.
In Guadalupe County, all law enforcement agencies are equipped with at least one certified mental health deputy, with the sheriff’s office alone employing 25 such officers. The aim of this program is to divert individuals in mental health crises from emergency rooms and jails into community-based treatment, which is both more effective and cost-efficient.
For Wissmann and Jimenez, the mental health officer role requires unwavering commitment. “We focus exclusively on mental health calls, and we don’t respond to routine police duties,” Jimenez explained. “Our job is to be a lifeline for those in crisis. We help them find immediate resources and support, including connections to Bluebonnet Trails, the local mental health authority.”
In 2020, the Seguin Police Department received a $206,916 federal grant to partner with Bluebonnet Trails on the creation of the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT). This team is designed to enhance the way the justice system addresses individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues. Bluebonnet Trails serves as a key provider of mental health services across central Texas, with 13 onsite locations offering essential care to local communities.
Wissmann emphasized the importance of spreading awareness about the availability of mental health resources. “Our role is to connect people with the right services, whether it’s Bluebonnet Trails or other resources,” she said. “There’s still a lack of awareness in our town about the mental health unit within the Seguin Police Department, and it’s crucial for people to know we’re here to help.”
Despite the ongoing challenges, including a shortage of mental health professionals in the area, Wissmann and Jimenez are committed to their work. The job requires not only specialized training but also empathy and patience. “It’s a tough job, and it’s not for everyone,” Wissmann said. “It requires a lot of patience, a calm demeanor, and the ability to connect with people in crisis.”
For residents seeking mental health support, Wissmann urged them to reach out. “We want the community to know that we’re here for them, and we can help connect them with the resources they need,” she said.
For more information about mental health services in Texas, or if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 for immediate assistance.
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