Central Health, CommUnityCare and Integral Care Brief City Leaders on Mental Health Access in Travis County
Austin, TX – March 25, 2026 – Central Health and partner agencies updated City Council on mental health access for low-income and uninsured residents.
Central Health, CommUnityCare Health Centers and Integral Care delivered a joint update to the Austin City Council Public Health Committee on March 25, outlining the current state of mental health services for low-income and uninsured residents in Travis County.
The briefing focused on how the region’s safety-net system is coordinating primary care, behavioral health and crisis services as demand continues across Austin and surrounding communities.
Mental Health System of Care Update
According to meeting materials presented to the committee, the three agencies described ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination between clinics, specialty providers and crisis response services. Central Health, Travis County’s public hospital district, works with CommUnityCare to deliver primary care services and with Integral Care to provide behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disability services.
The update highlighted how patients move through the system, from initial primary care visits to higher-acuity behavioral health treatment when needed. Leaders described continued work to streamline referrals and reduce fragmentation for residents who rely on public coverage programs or who are uninsured.
City committee briefings help shape policy discussions and budget priorities tied to access, wait times and service capacity.
Safety-Net Role in a Growing Region
Austin’s population growth and rising cost of living have placed added pressure on the region’s publicly supported health system. Central Health and its partners serve residents who qualify for local assistance programs and those who do not have affordable private insurance options.
The March 25 presentation outlined how agencies are aligning clinical services and infrastructure planning to meet demand. Officials also discussed collaboration with the City of Austin and Travis County to address broader community health needs.
The Public Health Committee receives regular updates from health agencies as part of its oversight role.
What Residents Should Know
Residents who do not have private insurance may qualify for services through Central Health’s Medical Access Program or receive care through CommUnityCare clinics and Integral Care behavioral health programs, depending on eligibility.
Information about enrollment and clinic locations is available through the agencies’ public websites and community outreach offices. Eligibility rules and service availability can vary based on income, residency and program guidelines.
“If you have urgent symptoms, seek medical care. For general questions, talk with a licensed clinician.”
