Texas

Case Study

 
dallastexas-1
decoration image for hero
young-girl-in-the-inner-city

Expanding Access to Evidence-Based Mental Health Services in Texas

As Texas strengthens its mental health infrastructure, EBA supports statewide efforts to implement evidence-based, home-based services for high-risk youth. Through implementation support, workforce development, and quality assurance, EBA helps mental health authorities deliver Multisystemic Therapy (MST) to prevent deeper system involvement.

Problem

Mental Health Gaps & High-Risk Youth in Crisis

Following tragedies like the Uvalde shooting, Texas recognized the urgent need for preventative, community-based mental health services. Despite increased investment in the state’s mental health system, many high-risk children and adolescents still lacked access to timely, effective interventions. Without early support, families faced crisis-driven outcomes such as child removal or juvenile justice involvement.

family-in-a-grass-park

Solution

Statewide MST Implementation & EBA Workforce Support

In response, Texas launched a statewide Multisystemic Therapy (MST) initiative, with EBA selected to lead implementation:

  • Oversaw pre-implementation and ongoing support across seven funded MST teams
  • Led workforce development and recruitment efforts to fill MST therapist roles
  • Supported program development and coordination with local stakeholders
  • Partnered with MST model experts and the MST Institute to maintain model fidelity
  • Facilitated communication, data collection, and analysis to improve outcomes

EBA's ongoing leadership has ensured that MST programs are strategically aligned, staffed, and responsive to the needs of youth and families.

Outcome

Stronger Workforce, Greater Access & Model Fidelity

EBA’s work in Texas is transforming access to intensive, family-centered care for high-risk youth:

  • LMHAs are now equipped with trained therapists to deliver MST in communities statewide
  • Local mental health systems report improved collaboration and engagement
  • MST program fidelity and data-driven practices have strengthened long-term viability

Texas’s MST expansion, with EBA’s support, demonstrates how coordinated public-private efforts can advance safety, family stability, and mental health for vulnerable youth populations.

115 +
Years of combined experience
20 +
Evidence-based models supported
30 +
States and counties served

Solutions EBA Provided

Needs Assessment & Program Alignment

Identify ideal evidence-based programs and determine when and where they are most needed across the District to meet community needs effectively.

Implementation & Provider Support

Provide direct support to community-based agencies to help them successfully adopt and deliver evidence-based practices, including coaching and guidance throughout implementation.

Workforce & Provider Oversight

Monitor compliance with the EBP Hiring Manual and assist agencies in creating policies that support effective staff recruitment, training, and long-term retention.

Training & Capacity Coordination

Identify certified training partners and coordinate session schedules to ensure staff receive timely, relevant training while maintaining adequate service coverage.

Utilization & Referral Management

Manage referral processes to ensure appropriate, timely access to services, aligning client needs with the most suitable evidence-based programs.

Quality, Evaluation & Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborate with partners to track fidelity and outcomes, use dashboards and monitoring tools to evaluate performance, and keep stakeholders informed to guide ongoing improvements and sustain success.

Virginia

EBA coordinates Virginia's statewide continuum of evidence-based services, supporting juvenile justice reform and youth reintegration.

Read Case Study

Testimonials regarding EBA's work in Texas

It’s been such a pleasure working alongside the EBA team. They have made what initially felt like a daunting and overwhelming process feel so much more manageable, organized, and fluid. They are supportive, responsive, and are ALWAYS solution focused – shoutout Deidra and Elaine for always showing out and showing up.

Hill Country

EBA has been wonderful to work with and has played an integral part in building our MST Program. Both Elaine and Deidra have been extremely helpful and supportive in the hiring process. Elaine’s thorough phone screening procedure has helped us find quality candidates in an organized, efficient way. The EBA team has consistently provided open and consistent communication while treating everyone with the utmost respect and kindness.

Bluebonnet

Since I have been working with both Deidra and Elaine, I have very much appreciated their efficiency and humanistic presentation. They seem very sincere and willing to help our new team by doing ‘whatever it takes.’

Denton

EBA has been a great experience to work with. The regular communication has provided not only accountability but also a smooth process in developing our program. EBA has provided that extra support and consistent guidance to help meet program needs and expectations.

Life Path Systems

Additional Texas Information

Models currently in use in Texas.

EBA supports the delivery of several rigorously tested treatment models for children, youth, and families.

Multisystemic Therapy (MST)

Eligibility: Youth with behavioral issues, substance use, limited resources, and a PDRA score of 2 or higher.

Exclusions: Youth who are actively suicidal, homicidal, unmedicated and psychotic, in temporary care, not returning home within 30 days, or have a PDRA below 2.

Duration: 3–4 sessions per week over 2–5 months, averaging 60 hours of therapy.

overhead-view-of-suburbs-SQUARE

 

Links and Newsletters:

overhead-view-of-suburbs-SQUARE

Deidra Ewing

Project Director, Texas Project
dewing@ebanetwork.com

Sujeeta Menon

Program Manager, Texas Project
smenon@ebanetwork.com

Lisa McCarthy

HR Recruiter
lmccarthy@ebanetwork.com

Click here to see our full team
overhead-view-of-suburbs-SQUARE

Looking for more real-world implementation examples?

View more of our success stories.