There is an urgent health crisis facing our country. Over the last 15 years, there has been a major increase in deaths and overdoses from prescription drugs across the United States. To ensure the health and safety of our clients and reduce the risk of adverse events, Integral Care will limit the use of sedatives and some anti-anxiety, narcotic and psychostimulant medications to our clients effective January 1, 2017. Exceptions to the prescribing policy will include some medications for clients 18 or younger and some medications for clients going through medically-supervised detox. This policy applies to all Integral Care clinics, including Psychiatric Emergency Services. This policy is consistent with other mental health authorities.

Integral Care staff received special training and is working closely with each client to transition them to medications that are safer and still effective over the coming months. We’re also working with stakeholders across the community to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the clients we serve. Please contact Medical Director Dr. Craig Franke at craig.franke@integralcare.org or (512) 445-7750 with any questions or concerns. You can also learn more about the prescribing changes here.