AUSTIN, Texas — Texas health officials reported Wednesday that nearly 800 patients remained in state psychiatric hospitals for more than one year, accounting for about 40% of the state hospital population and contributing to longer wait times for inpatient mental and behavioral health services statewide.
The figures came from a data update released by Texas Health and Human Services on the state hospital system, which operates multiple inpatient psychiatric facilities serving adults and, in some cases, youth across Texas.
According to the data, patients were admitted to state hospitals for court-ordered competency restoration, civil commitments, and other psychiatric treatment needs, with many staying longer than 12 months. Officials said extended hospitalizations reduced available bed capacity and affected how quickly new patients could be admitted.
The report showed that both forensic patients, who entered through the criminal justice system, and civil patients experienced prolonged stays. Health administrators said hospitals continued to manage admission waitlists and prioritized patients based on clinical need, legal status, and bed availability.
State officials said they monitor length-of-stay trends to guide staffing, bed management, and coordination with community mental health providers. They noted that long-stay patients often require specialized or intensive care not immediately available in community settings.
Texas Health and Human Services said it will continue to release updates on hospital occupancy, waitlists, and patient length of stay as part of broader mental health system reporting.
