Brazos County approves Texas A&M Psychology Clinic partnership for specialty mental health court

May 22, 2026 - 08:08

Brazos County commissioners have approved a new partnership with the Texas A&M Psychology Clinic to support the county's specialty mental health court, known as RESTART Court. The agreement, signed on May 19, will run through the end of 2026 and brings clinical psychology services directly into the court system.

The RESTART Court is designed to handle cases involving defendants with serious mental health conditions, offering treatment and supervision instead of traditional incarceration. Under the new deal, the Texas A&M Psychology Clinic will provide evaluations, therapy, and other clinical services to participants in the program. This is meant to give the court access to professional mental health expertise that can guide decisions on treatment plans and progress monitoring.

County officials say the partnership addresses a long-standing need for specialized mental health support within the justice system. By working with the university clinic, the court can offer more structured care without overburdening local mental health resources. The agreement also allows graduate students from the clinic to gain practical experience under licensed supervisors, which benefits both the court and the university.

Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the contract, noting that the program has already shown positive results in reducing recidivism among participants with mental health issues. The RESTART Court continues to operate as an alternative to standard criminal proceedings, focusing on rehabilitation and stability. With this partnership secured through 2026, the county aims to expand access to care for those who need it most while keeping the community safe.