Mental Health Is Public Health

Mental Health Is Public Health

Mental health is as vital as physical health, and it’s time our policies reflect that reality. Too many Texans struggle in silence—facing barriers to care, stigma, and a lack of resources—while mental health crises impact families, schools, workplaces, and entire communities. Our current system too often leaves people without support until they reach a breaking point, and the consequences are tragic and far-reaching.

J. Gordon Mitchell believes mental health care must be a core part of our public health and healthcare systems—accessible, affordable, and fully integrated at every level. No one should have to choose between getting help and paying the bills, or be forced to navigate a confusing maze of providers and insurance hurdles.

J. Gordon Mitchell’s plan for mental health includes:

• Expanding access to mental health care for all, making sure insurance covers mental health and substance use treatment just as it does physical health—without high out-of-pocket costs or restrictive networks.
• Fully integrating mental health services into primary care, schools, and community health centers, so support is available where people live, learn, and work.
• Investing in crisis response systems—including 24/7 hotlines, mobile crisis teams, and alternative response programs—so people in crisis receive help from trained professionals, not just law enforcement.
• Prioritizing suicide prevention by funding evidence-based programs, training teachers and first responders, and supporting peer-to-peer initiatives that reach young people and those most at risk.
• Expanding substance use disorder treatment and recovery services, with a focus on harm reduction, medication-assisted treatment, and community-based support, rather than punishment or incarceration.
• Addressing the mental health needs of veterans, rural communities, and historically underserved populations, ensuring that no group is left behind.
• Fighting stigma through public education campaigns and supporting policies that protect people with mental health and substance use disorders from discrimination in employment, housing, and education.

With J. Gordon Mitchell’s leadership, TX-17 will have a champion who understands that mental health is public health—and that every Texan deserves the opportunity to heal, recover, and thrive. By making mental health care a priority, we can save lives, strengthen families, and build a healthier, more resilient community for all.