TTUHSC Launches Forensic Psychiatry Program for Lubbock's Justice System

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) is set to enhance mental health services in the Lubbock criminal justice system following the Lubbock County Commissioners' approval of a specialized training program. This initiative, years in the making, aims to equip newly graduated psychiatrists with expertise in forensic mental health to address the needs of individuals in the justice system.

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Nancy Trevino, Ph.D., director of TTUHSC's mental health initiative, highlighted the collaborative effort involved. “We’ve engaged with sectors across the community, from local mental health authorities to courts and healthcare providers, to identify and prioritize community needs,” she said.

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The program comes as a response to Texas' growing forensic waitlist, which evaluates whether a crime committed involved underlying mental health issues and if treatment is warranted. The new forensic psychiatry fellowship will train psychiatrists to support mental health courts, offer expert testimony, join treatment teams, and assist with competency restoration.

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Trevino noted that the program’s impact extends to both the Lubbock County Detention Center and the Juvenile Justice Center. However, it awaits final approval from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, anticipated in February 2025, before full implementation can begin. This program is expected to shift the focus from punishment to rehabilitation, fostering a more supportive justice system for individuals with mental health challenges.

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