Serious Mental Illness Treatment for Adults in Dallas County

Living with a serious mental illness can affect relationships, employment, housing, physical health, and everyday responsibilities. With consistent treatment and the right level of support, greater stability and a better quality of life are possible.

Metrocare provides comprehensive mental health services for adults living with serious and persistent mental illness throughout Dallas County. Our team works with each person to understand their needs, coordinate appropriate care, and support their long-term recovery.

Serious Mental Illness Treatment for Adults in Dallas County

Living with a serious mental illness can affect relationships, employment, housing, physical health, and everyday responsibilities. With consistent treatment and the right level of support, greater stability and a better quality of life are possible.

Metrocare provides comprehensive mental health services for adults living with serious and persistent mental illness throughout Dallas County. Our team works with each person to understand their needs, coordinate appropriate care, and support their long-term recovery.

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Ongoing Care for Serious Mental Illness

A serious mental illness, sometimes called an SMI, is a mental health condition that substantially interferes with one or more areas of daily life. It may make it difficult to work, maintain relationships, manage a household, care for personal needs, or live independently.

Conditions associated with serious mental illness may include:

  • Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders

  • Bipolar disorder

  • Schizoaffective disorder

  • Severe or recurring major depression

  • Other conditions that substantially interfere with daily functioning

A diagnosis alone does not determine the level of care someone needs. Metrocare considers the person’s symptoms, safety, daily functioning, circumstances, previous treatment, and personal goals when recommending services.

Adults experiencing mild to moderate anxiety or depression may benefit from Metrocare’s Anxiety and Depression Treatment for Adults. This page focuses on complex, persistent conditions that significantly disrupt daily life or require ongoing, coordinated treatment.

Signs That More Support May Be Needed

Symptoms of serious mental illness can develop gradually, appear suddenly, or become more noticeable during periods of stress. Someone may benefit from a professional mental health evaluation if they are experiencing:

  • Hallucinations, delusions, or difficulty distinguishing what is real

  • Severe changes in mood, behavior, sleep, or energy

  • Disorganized thoughts, speech, or behavior

  • Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or withdrawal

  • Difficulty maintaining employment, housing, relationships, or personal care

  • Recurring mental health crises or psychiatric hospitalizations

  • Difficulty keeping appointments or taking medication consistently

You do not need to identify a diagnosis before contacting Metrocare. An assessment can help determine what is happening and which level of treatment may be appropriate.

How Metrocare Helps

Serious mental illness often requires more than short-term counseling. Depending on the individual’s needs and eligibility, treatment may include:

Psychiatric Care and Medication Management

Psychiatric evaluations help providers understand the person’s symptoms, history, and current concerns. When medication is recommended, the care team can monitor its effectiveness, discuss side effects, and make clinically appropriate adjustments.

Counseling and Recovery Support

Counseling can help individuals understand their symptoms, respond to stress, strengthen coping skills, and work toward personal goals. The type and frequency of counseling depend on the individual care plan.

Case Management and Coordination of Care

Managing a serious mental illness may involve multiple providers, appointments, medications, and community resources. Case managers can help individuals understand their treatment plans, stay connected to care, and address obstacles that may interfere with recovery.

Skills Development and Community-Based Care

Practical support can help individuals strengthen skills related to daily routines, communication, symptom management, problem-solving, and independent living. Some eligible adults may also receive rehabilitative services in the community rather than only in a clinic.

Intensive Support for Eligible Adults

Adults with complex needs, recurring crises, or frequent psychiatric hospitalizations may qualify for a more intensive level of care. Metrocare’s Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program provides multidisciplinary, community-based support for eligible adults with serious mental illness.

Eligibility and the appropriate level of care are determined through a clinical assessment.

Care That Considers the Whole Person

Mental health can be closely connected to physical health, housing, employment, transportation, substance use, and access to essential resources. When appropriate, Metrocare can help individuals connect with additional services that support their overall stability and recovery.

Available programs and resources depend on the person’s needs, eligibility, and location.

Support for Families and Caregivers

Family members and caregivers are often among the first to notice changes in someone’s thinking, mood, or behavior. They may also play an important role in encouraging treatment and supporting recovery.

If you are concerned about someone you care about:

  • Approach the conversation calmly and without judgment.

  • Focus on specific changes you have noticed.

  • Listen without arguing about what the person is experiencing.

  • Encourage a professional mental health evaluation.

  • Offer practical help, such as making a call or providing transportation.

  • Take statements about self-harm or harm to others seriously.

Adults generally have the right to make decisions about their own treatment. Privacy rules may limit what providers can share without the individual’s permission, but family members can still contact Metrocare for help understanding how someone can access services.

How to Get Started

The first step is an assessment of the individual’s symptoms, health history, daily needs, strengths, and goals. Metrocare uses this information to recommend an appropriate level of treatment and create an individualized care plan.

When preparing for an initial appointment, it may be helpful to bring:

  • A photo ID

  • Insurance information, if applicable

  • A list of current medications

  • Information about previous treatment or hospitalizations

  • Any requested proof of income or Dallas County residence

Metrocare staff can explain which documents are required when the appointment is scheduled.

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Concerned About the Cost of Treatment?

Metrocare serves Dallas County residents regardless of their ability to pay. Insurance, self-pay, and sliding-fee options may be available based on the individual’s circumstances and eligibility.

Find Serious Mental Illness Treatment Near You

Metrocare provides adult mental health services at locations throughout Dallas County. If you or someone you care about is living with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, severe depression, or another serious mental health condition, our team can help you understand the available options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Although serious mental illnesses are often long-term conditions, treatment can reduce symptoms, improve daily functioning, and support a more stable and fulfilling life. Care may include medication, counseling, case management, skills development, and community support.

No. You do not need to know the diagnosis or determine which program is appropriate before reaching out. An assessment can help identify the individual’s needs and recommend suitable services.

Metrocare provides adult mental health treatment for people living with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Services are recommended based on symptoms, daily functioning, clinical needs, and program eligibility.

Yes. Treatment for bipolar disorder may include psychiatric care, medication management, counseling, case management, or other support based on the person’s needs.

Depression may be considered a serious mental illness when symptoms are severe, persistent, or substantially interfere with a person’s ability to work, maintain relationships, care for themselves, or manage daily responsibilities.

Recurring hospitalizations may indicate a need for more intensive or coordinated support. Metrocare can assess the individual’s current needs and determine which services or programs may be appropriate.

A family member can contact Metrocare for information and assistance with the process. However, an adult generally must agree to participate in treatment unless a legal or emergency exception applies.

If there is an immediate danger of harm, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For after-hours crisis services, call the NTBHA Crisis Hotline at (866) 260-8000.