The Nueces Center for Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities (NCMHID) continues to expand its efforts to serve individuals at risk of jail time due to mental health challenges. With a monthly reach of over 2,000 individuals and more than 10,000 people served annually, NCMHID is focused on increasing its impact across Nueces County.
“We aim to intervene early so that individuals don’t have to resort to long-term psychiatric medication unless absolutely necessary,” said Andrea Kovarik, Director of Mental Health Services at NCMHID. “Early intervention is key to improving mental health and preventing more serious issues.”
NCMHID offers a range of programs, including services for adults and youth, crisis intervention, and substance use disorder treatment. However, its Jail Diversion Programs have become particularly significant, helping hundreds of individuals avoid incarceration.
“Our focus has been on pre-arrest interventions,” Kovarik explained. “Officers responding to disturbance calls now work with NCMHID to connect individuals—many of whom have mental health issues—to resources instead of making an arrest.”
This week, Nueces County Commissioners approved over $2.5 million in funding to support the continued growth of these Jail and Detention Center Diversion Programs. The funding will enhance the facility’s ability to provide both pre-booking and post-booking services, ensuring individuals receive the support they need upon release.
Kovarik emphasized the importance of these programs, especially in light of the state’s overcrowded jails, which currently have a waitlist exceeding 2,000 individuals. The aim is to reduce the burden on the local jail system and offer people the chance to reintegrate into the community with the necessary mental health support to prevent recidivism.
In the past, the cost of housing inmates in jail was more than $130 per person per day, with hospitalizations exceeding $3,000 for some individuals. The increasing cost of incarceration has driven the need for alternative solutions, and NCMHID’s programs are helping to reduce taxpayer burdens by providing care outside the jail system.
“These programs offer instant relief,” Kovarik added. “When someone in crisis enters our facility and immediately receives assistance, it’s a game-changer for their well-being.”
NCMHID also provides peer support programs for individuals seeking to connect with others who share similar experiences. As part of their ongoing efforts, the facility is set to open a new Jail Diversion Center next to their South Brownlee location, with plans for it to be operational by summer 2025.
By investing in these vital services, Nueces County is taking a proactive approach to mental health care, benefiting both individuals and the wider community.
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