Mental Health Public Defender

Melissa McRoy Shearer, Director

910 Lavaca St
Austin, TX 78701

Phone: (512) 854-3030
Fax: (512) 854-3037

Program Description

The Travis County Mental Health Public Defender (MHPD) Office began in April 2007 to serve the needs of persons with mental illness in the criminal justice system. Our staff includes a director, two full time attorneys, two social workers, three caseworkers, and two support staff.

The social and case workers are also available to assist private court appointed attorneys. Referrals are made for a variety of social services. Follow-up case management services are also provided.

Referral Procedures

Cases are primarily referred to the MHPD through Travis County Court Administration. Referrals are also made by judges, attorneys, pre-trial services or mental health advocacy groups.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a Travis County case;
• Must be a misdemeanor;
• Client must be defined as indigent according to the county-standard definition;
• Must have at least one major priority population diagnosis including:
  • schizophrenia,
  • bi-polar disorder,
  • major depression and/or schizoaffective disorder
• Must NOT have a Travis County felony or felony probation pending.

The Travis County Mental Health Public Defender office is operated in connection with Travis County Justice Planning.

Mental Health Public Defender's Legal Team
From upper left clockwise: Ryan Cooper - JD, Attorney; Sam Woodburn-Henry -JD, Attorney; Melissa McRoy Shearer - JD, LBSW, Director; Amanda Austin - JD, Attorney

Mental Health Public Defender's Admin Team
From left to right: Antonia Blasini - Administrative Associate; Laura Mercado - Office Specialist

Mental Health Public Defender's Case Management Team
From left to right: Karen Hunt - Case Worker; Anthony Macias - Case Worker; Marilyn Kyere - Case Worker; Stephanie Doyle - LMSW MA, Case Management Coordinator; Becca Hyatt - LMSW, Social Worker; Randy Webster - Case Worker