FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUSTIN, TX – On October 3rd, 2024, Integral Care hosted a ribbon-cutting and open house event for a new Therapeutic Diversion Program. This innovative program will offer comprehensive care and support to individuals experiencing mental health crises, providing an alternative to jail. The program is made possible through funding from Travis County, the City of Austin, Central Health, a grant from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, and Integral Care. Integral Care will operate the pilot program through the expansion of psychiatric emergency services and crisis therapeutic respite services and will embed the pilot services into its existing system of care.

 

Key Features of the Program:
  • 24/7 Psychiatric Emergency Services: Providing immediate care and support.
  • Peer Support and Clinical Staff: Offering personalized assistance and guidance.
  • 23-Hour Observation Service: Ensuring safe and monitored care.
  • Therapeutic Diversion: Providing extended stay respite and therapeutic services.

 

“We are leveraging existing programs and facilities to expand services and address unmet community needs.” says Integral Care CEO Jeff Richardson. “The goal is to divert people who need psychiatric help and are accused of minor offenses from going to jail. This program will increase access to mental health services, thereby decreasing the number of individuals who are arrested due to unmet mental health needs.”

 

Speakers at the event included Travis County Judge Andy Brown, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, Travis County Commissioner Ann Howard, Central Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Alan Schalscha, Integral Care CEO Jeff Richardson, and Daniel Smith, LPC, Director of Inmate Behavioral Health Programs, and Chaplain Services, Travis County Sheriff’s Office. 

 

 

ABOUT INTEGRAL CARE:

Integral Care improves the lives of adults and children living with mental illness, substance use disorder and intellectual and developmental disabilities in Travis County. Our services include a 24-hour helpline for anyone who needs immediate support, ongoing counseling to improve mental health, drug and alcohol treatment to help with recovery, and housing to regain health and independence. As the Local Mental Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority, Integral Care has pioneered high-quality, community-based care since 1967, collaborating with partners to build a supportive network and combat mental health stigma in Austin.

 

To learn more about Integral Care, visit our website at: www.integralcare.org

 

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Debra Joiner, Director of Communications and Engagement, debra.joiner@integralcare.org

 

 

EVENT PHOTOS:

Therapeutic Diversion Program ribbon cutting event on October 3rd, 2024

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, Integral Care CEO Jeff Richardson, and Travis County Judge Andy Brown are joined by event speakers, and other event attendees for the ribbon-cutting.

One of the rooms at the 25-bed facility where Integral Care will offer extended therapeutic respite care with wraparound services.

Pharmacy at the 25-bed facility where Integral Care will offer extended therapeutic respite care with wraparound services.

 

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