In April 2026, the Convene team hosted a community conversation with individuals from Capital Area Private Defender Services (CAPDS) who work directly within the substance use continuum of care in Travis County. Participants shared perspectives on the challenges people face while trying to access treatment, navigate criminal justice involvement, and maintain long-term recovery support. Throughout the discussion, community members emphasized the importance of low-barrier access, coordinated systems, and stronger communication between programs and providers.

Participants described the process of accessing substance use treatment as complicated, lengthy, and difficult to navigate. Many individuals begin seeking support while in custody, where treatment access often depends on court processes, intake requirements, eligibility determinations, and attorney approvals before placement can occur. Community members explained that even when individuals are ready for treatment, they may still face delays due to limited bed availability, waitlists, or a lack of immediate placement options.

Throughout the conversation, participants emphasized that communication gaps between providers, programs, and systems create significant barriers for individuals seeking care. Participants described situations where programs reported available beds that were no longer open, delayed responses between organizations, and lengthy intake processes that required individuals to navigate multiple systems repeatedly. Participants also noted that financial barriers, transportation coordination, and insurance limitations often make it harder for people to successfully access services.

At the same time, participants highlighted several programs and supports that are working well within Travis County. Community members identified programs that provide case management, peer support, aftercare, and immediate low-barrier entry as especially valuable. Services that had dual diagnosis programming, intensive case management, peer support, and aftercare services were pointed out as especially helpful.  Additionally, programs that used a flexible, low-barrier approach and a leadership team with lived experience. Participants emphasized that programs grounded in empathy, accessibility, and long-term support tend to create better outcomes for individuals navigating recovery.

Participants also discussed major gaps in the current system of care. Community members described short-term treatment models as insufficient for many individuals, noting that 30-day programs often function as a temporary “band aid” rather than long-term stabilization. Others discussed the challenges created by long waitlists, complicated applications, transportation issues, and funding disruptions that can interrupt treatment placement or force individuals to restart the process entirely.

The conversation additionally explored which populations may be underserved or left out of current systems. Participants identified barriers affecting unhoused individuals, Spanish-speaking community members, people currently in custody, individuals with sex offense or arson histories, and people with pets who may have limited treatment options. Community members emphasized that language barriers, lack of culturally responsive services, and limited program eligibility can prevent many individuals from receiving timely care.

Participants repeatedly emphasized the importance of improving coordination across systems and reducing barriers to care. Suggestions included creating liaison roles to help coordinate placements, increasing transportation funding, expanding inpatient and supportive housing options, and strengthening centralized systems that connect individuals to appropriate programs and services. Community members also discussed the need for longer-term treatment models, expanded detox access, increased peer support, and stronger housing pathways following treatment.

Throughout the discussion, participants described a successful support system as one that is low-barrier, well-coordinated, and capable of providing immediate access to care while supporting long-term recovery and stability. Community members emphasized that improving communication, strengthening collaboration, and investing in programs that already demonstrate positive outcomes could help create a more responsive and effective continuum of care across Travis County.

Key Takeaways

• Participants described substance use treatment systems as difficult to navigate due to waitlists, complex intake processes, and limited bed availability.
• Communication gaps between providers, transportation barriers, and insurance limitations were identified as major challenges to accessing care.
• Community members highlighted low-barrier programs, peer support, aftercare, and dual diagnosis services as valuable components of recovery support.
• Participants emphasized the need for longer-term treatment models, expanded supportive housing, and increased detox availability.
• Spanish-speaking individuals, unhoused community members, justice-involved individuals, and people with pets were identified as populations facing additional barriers to services.
• Community members expressed the need for stronger coordination, centralized placement systems, and more continuous support from treatment through long-term recovery.