May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. Our library has many titles that explain the legal aspects of mental health issues. These books can be helpful whether you’re a lawyer representing a client or a family member caring for a loved one. 

Below we recommend several titles related to mental health. Topics include guardianship, elder law, special education, veterans’ resources, and more. Texas residents can access these e-books remotely with a free library account.  

Mental Health Law

• Mental health law in a nutshell by John E.B. Myers 
• Texas mental health and intellectual and developmental disabilities law code book by Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health 
• Law and the disordered : an explanation in mental health, law, and politics by George C. Klein 

Veterans’ Resources

• Rights of veterans and others with disabilities at college by Disability Rights Texas 
• Veterans benefits manual by Barton F. Stichman. See Chapters 3 and 10 for information about mental disabilities compensation and mental health services 
• Military discharge upgrade : legal practice manual by Margaret Kuzma 

Guardianship

• A Texas guide to adult guardianship by Texas Health and Human Services Commission 
• Protecting the incapacitated : a guide to guardianship in Texas from application to oath by State Bar of Texas 
• Guardianship law by Kelly M. Cross, Guy Herman, Tom Ruffner, and Claudia Liard 

Elder Law

• Estate planning for people with a chronic condition or disability by Martin M. Shenkman 
• A short and happy guide to elder law by Kenney F. Hegland and Robert B. Fleming 
• Don't let dementia steal everything : avoid mistakes, save money, and take control by Kerry Peck 

Special Education

• Nolo's IEP guide : learning disabilities by Lawrence M. Siegel 
• The complete IEP guide : how to advocate for your special ed child by Lawrence M. Siegel 
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act manual : a guide for families and students about special education services in Texas by The Arc of Texas and Disability Rights Texas 

Youth and Mental Health

• Your rights, your voice : a guide for youth with mental health concerns transitioning to adulthood by Texas Disability Rights 
• School bullying : how long is the arm of the law? by American Bar Association 
• Navigating the juvenile justice system : a handbook for juveniles and their families by Texas Appleseed 

Criminal Justice and Mental Health

• Texas criminal procedure & the offender with mental illness by National Alliance on Mental Health in Texas 
• Representing the mentally ill offender : an evaluation of advocacy alternatives by Texas Task Force on Indigent Defense 
• Responding to the mentally ill : a guide for Texas peace officers by Texas CIT Association 

Well-Being for Lawyers

• The anxious lawyer : an 8-week guide to a joyful and satisfying law practice through mindfulness and meditation by Jeena Cho 
• The best lawyer you can be : a guide to physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness by Stewart Levine 
• Yoga for lawyers : mind-body techniques to feel better all the time by Hallie N. Love 

Crisis Hotlines

If you are struggling with mental illness or a mental health crisis, there are resources that can help. Below we list hotlines that are available via phone, text, or chat. 

• The Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program is a Texas nonprofit that helps lawyers, law students, and legal professionals with mental health and substance abuse problems. They offer several ways to get help, including a 24/7 phone support line, support for treatment, and recommendations for therapists.  
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national suicide and emotional support hotline. This free and confidential service can be reached by calling or texting 988. Chat services are also available.  
• The Crisis Text Line is a national mental health crisis hotline that offers free and confidential support. Text HOME to 741741 to get started or chat with them directly online.
• For local options, the Texas Department of Health & Human Services has a list of mental health hotlines in Texas.  
• The Veterans Crisis Line can provide 24/7 confidential crisis support for military veterans and their families. This service is available via chat, text, and over the phone. Call 988 and press 1 or text 838255 to get started.  
• The Trevor Project is a crisis hotline for LGBTQ+ youth. They can be reached via chat, over the phone, or through text. Call (877) 565-8860 or text START to 678678.  

Legal Help

Legal aid organizations can sometimes offer legal support and representation to individuals experiencing mental health issues or disabilities. They include:

• Disability Rights Texas
• Legal Hotline for Texans Over Age 60 or Medicare Recipients
• Texas Veterans Legal Assistance Project

We have more links to legal aid organizations and advocacy groups on our Legal Help guide. If you’d like to hire a lawyer, check out our Find a Lawyer guide for places to get started. 

 Find More Information

Search our library catalog or browse the Digital Collections to find more resources. Our guides have additional information about various legal topics.  

We're happy to help you find answers to any additional questions you may have. Feel free to reach out to us for research assistance.