CAMERON COUNTY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Cameron County Sheriff’s Office has entered into an agreement with Planned Behavioral Center to make it easier for inmates to access mental health treatment.
The agreement aims to provide treatment to inmates suffering from unresolved mental health issues and keep them out of prison.
Many inmates are homeless and lack access to mental health treatment, often relying on county jails as their primary source of care.
Treatment is provided in prisons, but the prison environment is not conducive to effective treatment because of high recidivism and release rates, and the short length of incarceration does not allow medication and treatment to be fully effective.
The Raymondville facility will provide individualized treatment plans, counseling, housing, assistance with obtaining benefits, and job and educational training for residents who qualify.
Clinic providers work closely with the court system to facilitate transfers to the facility.
Once there, PBC provides clothing if needed, helps residents find a primary care physician, and keeps them in constant contact with lawyers in preparation for court proceedings.
This agreement is intended to assist the county in two important ways: by providing much-needed treatment to individuals and by reducing recidivism rates among this population.
This joint effort will address the root causes of inmate mental health issues and provide a much-needed alternative to prison.
The agreement aims to provide ongoing support and structured treatment plans to promote long-term recovery and reintegration into society, ultimately benefiting individuals and the wider community.
The agreement comes at no cost to the county or taxpayers.
