May 30, 2025
Integral Care’s Consolidated Local Service Plan (CLSP) for fiscal year 2025 is now available in Spanish.
View the full plan HERE.
May 27, 2025
Austin Redefines 911 Crisis Response
AUSTIN, TX — May 27, 2025 — In a bold move to transform how the city responds to mental health crises, the City of Austin and Integral Care partnered to integrate trained mental health professionals directly into the 911 system. Now, when a person calls 911, they are asked: “Are you calling for Police, Fire, EMS—or Mental Health Services?”
This groundbreaking approach ensures that people experiencing a mental health crisis receive a compassionate, clinically appropriate response, often avoiding unnecessary law enforcement involvement, arrests, and hospitalizations.
A recent study conducted by the LBJ School of Public Affairs and Cornell University underscores the significant impact of Integral Care professionals in crisis response:
- Over 50% reduction in officer time on scene
- Significant decreases in use of force, arrests, and hospitalizations
“Integral Care’s partnership with the City of Austin’s 911 Call Center is saving lives and creating better outcomes for people in crisis,” says Jeff Richardson, CEO at Integral Care. “By embedding mental health professionals into emergency response, we are helping to ensure community members receive the appropriate care they need.”
Integral Care’s Expanded Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (EMCOT) has partnered with first responders since 2013. In 2019, Integral Care team members were co-located at Austin’s 911 Call Center, making it possible to triage calls in real-time and send the most appropriate help.
Mental health clinicians are trained to:
- Identify symptoms of mental illness
- Coordinate immediate access to treatment
- De-escalate high-risk situations
- Coordinate with hospitals, shelters, and social services
- Connect individuals to long-term support
This effort is part of a larger, citywide initiative involving local government, nonprofits, and healthcare partners to build a more robust, community-based mental health system. Residents in crisis can also access immediate support 24/7 by calling 988 or Integral Care’s Helpline at 512-472-HELP (4357).
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
PHOTOS:
May 21, 2025
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has approved Integral Care’s Local Provider Network Development (LPND) Plan for fiscal year 2025.
View the full letter HERE.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Debra Joiner, Integral Care Director of Communications and Engagement
Phone: (512) 296-7661
Email: Debra.Joiner@integralcare.org
AUSTIN, TX — May 16, 2025 — Integral Care celebrated a significant milestone in community health with the launch of its new Mobile Behavioral Health Clinic during a ribbon-cutting event on Friday, May 16th. The event highlighted Integral Care’s commitment to increasing access to mental health and primary care services for individuals experiencing homelessness and others facing barriers such as limited transportation.
The program featured remarks from local leaders and stakeholders, including:
- Jeff Richardson, CEO, Integral Care
- Council Member Chito Vela, City of Austin
- Chris Anderson, Court Administrator, City of Austin
- Patricia Barrera, Housing Strategy Office, City of Austin
- Jose Gonzalez, Program Manager, Integral Care, accompanied by Mitchell, a former client who shared his lived experience
Attendees toured the state-of-the-art mobile clinic and participated in interactive stations, including:
- “What Does Mental Health Mean to You?” and “Why Mental Health Matters” creative reflection stations
- An “Ask A Mental Health Professional” Q&A station
- A meet-and-greet with design wrap contest winners, Marisa Torres and Richard Camastra, whose artwork will be used to wrap the mobile unit later in the summer
“In bringing care directly to the people who need it most, we’re removing barriers that stand between our neighbors and their health,” said Jeff Richardson. “Our mobile clinic will deliver critical outreach, screenings, and treatment to people who might otherwise go without support.”
The Mobile Behavioral Health Clinic is part of Integral Care’s ongoing efforts to provide compassionate, accessible care across Travis County, especially for underserved communities.
For more information about Integral Care and its programs, please visit www.integralcare.org.
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
Integral Care on Wheels:
For more information about Integral Care on Wheels, visit integralcare.org/CareOnWheels.
April 4, 2025
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is in receipt of the Consolidated Local Service Plan for Integral Care as required by the Texas Health and Safety Code, Section 533.0352, Local Authority Planning for Local Service Area.
View the full letter HERE.
March 17, 2025
Texas Veteran’s Commission Mental Health Grant awarded Integral Care $340,000 to support an internal clinical counseling mental health program for veteran clients. This funding will allow Integral Care to hire a Military Veteran Peer Support Specialist, two Community Health Workers, and one Licensed Professional of the Healing Arts. Funding is for one year, with a second-year renewal option. Texas Veteran’s Commission Basic Needs Grant awarded one-year renewal of funding in the amount of $260,000 for the Homeless Veteran Support initiative to support Service Assistants at SafeHaven. With this funding, Integral Care provides 24/7 Community Service Assistant (CSA) coverage at our Safe Haven transitional shelter. This funding will ensure we have two CSAs on site for each shift. CSAs will respond to all issues related to the provision of a low barrier, 24-hour emergency shelter for Veterans experiencing homelessness. Activities include meal preparation, monitoring self-administration of medications, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment, and healthy leisure activities. This funding supports 4 full-time Community Service Assistants. Funding is for one year July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025
On September 7, 2023 Integral Care received $400,000 from SAMHSA to fully implement the Zero Suicide intervention and prevention model throughout Integral Care’s system of care to reduce suicide ideation, suicide attempts, and deaths by suicide for adults residing in Travis County. The grant will allow Integral Care to hire three Suicide Care specialists to provide advanced suicide prevention trainings, partner with organizations in Travis County to develop referral pathways, reduce measurable disparity gaps in subpopulations at risk of suicide in Travis County, and increase Integral Care’s capacity to deliver evidence-based training to clinical and non-clinical staff serving populations at increased risk of suicide.
Integral Care will develop outreach and referral pathways with three partnering organizations: APD Victim Services, Travis County Jail Behavioral Health services, as well as Dell Medical and Behavioral Health Services.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Integral Care Launches Art Contest for New Mobile Healthcare Clinics
AUSTIN, TX — March 11, 2025 — Integral Care is excited to announce an art contest for their new mobile healthcare clinics. These clinics will extend the reach of the organization, allowing for the delivery of vital health services to parts of Travis County that have historically been underserved, reaching individuals facing barriers such as unstable housing and lack of transportation.
Community members are invited to submit creative van wrap designs for the mobile clinics, focusing on themes of healthcare access, well-being, hope, dignity, and recovery. This art competition is a unique opportunity to visually represent the spirit of support and resilience in our community. Detailed contest guidelines can be found at integralcare.org/CareOnWheels.
“Our goal is to celebrate the creativity of the community we serve through the wrap design of these vans,” said Jeff Richardson, CEO of Integral Care. “Together, we can promote healthy living for everyone in every corner of Travis County.”
Media representatives are available for interviews upon request.
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
Integral Care on Wheels:
For more information about Integral Care on Wheels, visit integralcare.org/CareOnWheels. A video introducing the contest is available at https://youtu.be/dye-rrSDwWm.
Media Contact:
Debra Joiner, Director of Communications and Engagement, debra.joiner@integralcare.org
INTEGRAL CARE LOGO:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUSTIN, TX – Integral Care hosted an opening celebration event on November 1st at Bungalows at Century Park, a new 60-unit studio apartment community in North Austin for single adults experiencing chronic homelessness and a disabling condition in Travis County. Event speakers included Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, Austin Mayor Pro Tem Leslie Pool, City of Austin Housing Strategy Officer David Gray, Housing and Community Development Officer at Austin Housing Finance Corp James May, Integral Care Practice Administrator, Housing and Healthcare for the Homeless Initiatives Kristi Kaiser, and Integral Care CEO Jeff Richardson.
For people with mental health challenges, lack of stable housing can exacerbate symptoms. Bungalows at Century Park is based on Housing First, an evidence-based model that offers permanent supportive housing (PSH) to address the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, who also live with mental illness. They may also live with substance use disorder and/or other chronic health conditions. PSH is a type of affordable housing that includes ongoing support services, such as case management, primary and mental health care, substance use treatment and employment services. It is designed for individuals with disabilities who need housing assistance and ongoing support to live healthy, stable, independent lives in the community.
Bungalows at Century Park will have 24-hour onsite property management, onsite security and security cameras, a laundry facility and a food pantry. Resident support will include case management, counseling, peer support services, nursing, and supported employment.
“Housing is a critical component of support for people experiencing mental health challenges,” says Integral Care CEO Jeff Richardson. “When people have a safe place to live and support services, recovery begins, and they can reach their full potential and contribute to their community. Integral Care is committed to providing housing and rehabilitation support as part of our system of care.”
To learn more about Bungalows at Century Park, visit Bungalows at Century Park – Integral Care.
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
ABOUT THE CITY OF AUSTIN HOUSING DEPARTMENT:
The City of Austin Housing Department provides equitable and comprehensive housing, community development, and displacement prevention to enhance the quality of life of all Austinites. To access affordable housing and community resources, visit www.austintexas.gov/housing.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Debra Joiner, Director of Communications and Engagement, debra.joiner@integralcare.org
EVENT PHOTOS:
Exterior of the Bungalows at Century Park.
Integral Care CEO Jeff Richardson speaks to attendees at the Bungalows at Century Park ribbon cutting.
On stage for the ribbon cutting, from left to right: Housing & Community Development Officer at Austin Housing Finance Corp, James May, Austin City Council Member for District 5, Ryan Alter, Austin Mayor Pro Tem Leslie Pool, Practice Administrator for Housing and Healthcare for the Homeless Initiatives Kristi Kaiser, Terrace at Oak Springs resident Dedrick Callins, Integral Care CEO Jeff Richardson, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, and City of Austin Housing Strategy Officer David Gray.
INTEGRAL CARE LOGO:
October 7, 2024
Integral Care to Open Therapeutic Diversion Program
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.
INTEGRAL CARE LOGO:
May 27, 2025
Austin Redefines 911 Crisis Response
AUSTIN, TX — May 27, 2025 — In a bold move to transform how the city responds to mental health crises, the City of Austin and Integral Care partnered to integrate trained mental health professionals directly into the 911 system. Now, when a person calls 911, they are asked: “Are you calling for Police, Fire, EMS—or Mental Health Services?”
This groundbreaking approach ensures that people experiencing a mental health crisis receive a compassionate, clinically appropriate response, often avoiding unnecessary law enforcement involvement, arrests, and hospitalizations.
A recent study conducted by the LBJ School of Public Affairs and Cornell University underscores the significant impact of Integral Care professionals in crisis response:
- Over 50% reduction in officer time on scene
- Significant decreases in use of force, arrests, and hospitalizations
“Integral Care’s partnership with the City of Austin’s 911 Call Center is saving lives and creating better outcomes for people in crisis,” says Jeff Richardson, CEO at Integral Care. “By embedding mental health professionals into emergency response, we are helping to ensure community members receive the appropriate care they need.”
Integral Care’s Expanded Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (EMCOT) has partnered with first responders since 2013. In 2019, Integral Care team members were co-located at Austin’s 911 Call Center, making it possible to triage calls in real-time and send the most appropriate help.
Mental health clinicians are trained to:
- Identify symptoms of mental illness
- Coordinate immediate access to treatment
- De-escalate high-risk situations
- Coordinate with hospitals, shelters, and social services
- Connect individuals to long-term support
This effort is part of a larger, citywide initiative involving local government, nonprofits, and healthcare partners to build a more robust, community-based mental health system. Residents in crisis can also access immediate support 24/7 by calling 988 or Integral Care’s Helpline at 512-472-HELP (4357).
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
PHOTOS:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Debra Joiner, Integral Care Director of Communications and Engagement
Phone: (512) 296-7661
Email: Debra.Joiner@integralcare.org
AUSTIN, TX — May 16, 2025 — Integral Care celebrated a significant milestone in community health with the launch of its new Mobile Behavioral Health Clinic during a ribbon-cutting event on Friday, May 16th. The event highlighted Integral Care’s commitment to increasing access to mental health and primary care services for individuals experiencing homelessness and others facing barriers such as limited transportation.
The program featured remarks from local leaders and stakeholders, including:
- Jeff Richardson, CEO, Integral Care
- Council Member Chito Vela, City of Austin
- Chris Anderson, Court Administrator, City of Austin
- Patricia Barrera, Housing Strategy Office, City of Austin
- Jose Gonzalez, Program Manager, Integral Care, accompanied by Mitchell, a former client who shared his lived experience
Attendees toured the state-of-the-art mobile clinic and participated in interactive stations, including:
- “What Does Mental Health Mean to You?” and “Why Mental Health Matters” creative reflection stations
- An “Ask A Mental Health Professional” Q&A station
- A meet-and-greet with design wrap contest winners, Marisa Torres and Richard Camastra, whose artwork will be used to wrap the mobile unit later in the summer
“In bringing care directly to the people who need it most, we’re removing barriers that stand between our neighbors and their health,” said Jeff Richardson. “Our mobile clinic will deliver critical outreach, screenings, and treatment to people who might otherwise go without support.”
The Mobile Behavioral Health Clinic is part of Integral Care’s ongoing efforts to provide compassionate, accessible care across Travis County, especially for underserved communities.
For more information about Integral Care and its programs, please visit www.integralcare.org.
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
Integral Care on Wheels:
For more information about Integral Care on Wheels, visit integralcare.org/CareOnWheels.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Integral Care Launches Art Contest for New Mobile Healthcare Clinics
AUSTIN, TX — March 11, 2025 — Integral Care is excited to announce an art contest for their new mobile healthcare clinics. These clinics will extend the reach of the organization, allowing for the delivery of vital health services to parts of Travis County that have historically been underserved, reaching individuals facing barriers such as unstable housing and lack of transportation.
Community members are invited to submit creative van wrap designs for the mobile clinics, focusing on themes of healthcare access, well-being, hope, dignity, and recovery. This art competition is a unique opportunity to visually represent the spirit of support and resilience in our community. Detailed contest guidelines can be found at integralcare.org/CareOnWheels.
“Our goal is to celebrate the creativity of the community we serve through the wrap design of these vans,” said Jeff Richardson, CEO of Integral Care. “Together, we can promote healthy living for everyone in every corner of Travis County.”
Media representatives are available for interviews upon request.
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
Integral Care on Wheels:
For more information about Integral Care on Wheels, visit integralcare.org/CareOnWheels. A video introducing the contest is available at https://youtu.be/dye-rrSDwWm.
Media Contact:
Debra Joiner, Director of Communications and Engagement, debra.joiner@integralcare.org
INTEGRAL CARE LOGO:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUSTIN, TX – Integral Care hosted an opening celebration event on November 1st at Bungalows at Century Park, a new 60-unit studio apartment community in North Austin for single adults experiencing chronic homelessness and a disabling condition in Travis County. Event speakers included Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, Austin Mayor Pro Tem Leslie Pool, City of Austin Housing Strategy Officer David Gray, Housing and Community Development Officer at Austin Housing Finance Corp James May, Integral Care Practice Administrator, Housing and Healthcare for the Homeless Initiatives Kristi Kaiser, and Integral Care CEO Jeff Richardson.
For people with mental health challenges, lack of stable housing can exacerbate symptoms. Bungalows at Century Park is based on Housing First, an evidence-based model that offers permanent supportive housing (PSH) to address the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, who also live with mental illness. They may also live with substance use disorder and/or other chronic health conditions. PSH is a type of affordable housing that includes ongoing support services, such as case management, primary and mental health care, substance use treatment and employment services. It is designed for individuals with disabilities who need housing assistance and ongoing support to live healthy, stable, independent lives in the community.
Bungalows at Century Park will have 24-hour onsite property management, onsite security and security cameras, a laundry facility and a food pantry. Resident support will include case management, counseling, peer support services, nursing, and supported employment.
“Housing is a critical component of support for people experiencing mental health challenges,” says Integral Care CEO Jeff Richardson. “When people have a safe place to live and support services, recovery begins, and they can reach their full potential and contribute to their community. Integral Care is committed to providing housing and rehabilitation support as part of our system of care.”
To learn more about Bungalows at Century Park, visit Bungalows at Century Park – Integral Care.
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
ABOUT THE CITY OF AUSTIN HOUSING DEPARTMENT:
The City of Austin Housing Department provides equitable and comprehensive housing, community development, and displacement prevention to enhance the quality of life of all Austinites. To access affordable housing and community resources, visit www.austintexas.gov/housing.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Debra Joiner, Director of Communications and Engagement, debra.joiner@integralcare.org
EVENT PHOTOS:
Exterior of the Bungalows at Century Park.
Integral Care CEO Jeff Richardson speaks to attendees at the Bungalows at Century Park ribbon cutting.
On stage for the ribbon cutting, from left to right: Housing & Community Development Officer at Austin Housing Finance Corp, James May, Austin City Council Member for District 5, Ryan Alter, Austin Mayor Pro Tem Leslie Pool, Practice Administrator for Housing and Healthcare for the Homeless Initiatives Kristi Kaiser, Terrace at Oak Springs resident Dedrick Callins, Integral Care CEO Jeff Richardson, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, and City of Austin Housing Strategy Officer David Gray.
INTEGRAL CARE LOGO:
October 7, 2024
Integral Care to Open Therapeutic Diversion Program
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.
INTEGRAL CARE LOGO:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUSTIN, TX – On August 23rd, Integral Care hosted a ribbon-cutting and open house event for a new Youth Crisis Respite Program. The program will offer a safe, supportive environment for young people ages 13-17 in Travis County who are facing a crisis or need a break from life’s challenges. This short-term, 24/7 supervised program provides a chance for youth to decompress in a less restrictive setting than psychiatric hospitalization. Stays can range from a few days with an average stay of 5 days, based on individual and family needs. The Integral Care Youth Crisis Respite Program will be the only one of its kind in Travis County.
Speakers at the event included Andy Brown, Travis County Judge, Liz Pearson, Adult and Children’s Mental Health Director at Texas Health & Human Services Commission, Laura Peveto, Division Director, Office of Children Services Travis County Health and Human Services, and Julia Spann, CEO, The SAFE Alliance.
“There was a need for a program to provide an alternative to psychiatric hospitalization for young people,” says Integral Care CEO Jeff Richardson. “The Youth Crisis Respite Program will provide a safe place to go where youth will receive support day and night. The program provides supervision, therapeutic support and skill-building in a home-like atmosphere.”
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
Youth Mental Health Resources
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Training is a 6.5-hour instructor led, interactive training. It is for anyone who works with youth and young adults ages 12-18 and 18-25 who may be in the early stages of a mental health problem or experiencing a crisis. MHFA can save a life, just like CPR can save someone who is having a heart attack.
- AskListenTalk.org provides parents and caregivers resources to support their children – how to spot a mental health issue, how to start the conversation, how to support your own mental health and how to get help throughout Austin and Travis County.
- The Children’s Mental Health Toolkit features articles to help parents and caregivers understand children’s mental health, activities to do together, and other tools and resources. The toolkit also includes articles in Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic and Vietnamese.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Debra Joiner, Director of Communications and Engagement, debra.joiner@integralcare.org
EVENT PHOTOS:
Guests touring the new Youth Crisis Respite Program on August 23, 2024.
Youth Crisis Respite Program Ribbon Cutting from left to right – Horace Edward Calahan and Emmitt W. Hayes, Jr. From the Integral Care Board of Trustees, Travis County Judge Andy Brown, Integral Care CEO Jeff Richardson, Liz Pearson, Adult and Children’s Mental Health Director at Texas Health & Human Services Commission, Laura Peveto, Division Director, Office of Children Services Travis County Health and Human Services, Julia Spann, CEO, The SAFE Alliance, and Hal Katz from the Integral Care Board of Trustees.
Entrance to Integral Care’s new Youth Crisis Respite Program.
One of the rooms that will house youth during their stay at the Youth Crisis Respite Program.
August 21, 2023
Understanding the Impact of Extreme Heat on Mental Health
Wendy Amozurrutia-Salazar, Practice Manager, recently spoke to KUT about how extreme heat can impact not only our physical health, but also our mental health. Read or listen here.
July 14, 2023
St. John Clinic Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
KUT, Spectrum News, CBS Austin, and KXAN recently ran pieces highlighting the ribbon cutting ceremony of the new St. John Clinic:
KUT, CBS Austin, and KVUE recently ran pieces highlighting the one-year anniversary of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Integral Care’s role in our community and the area our call center staff serve:
Check out this feature on Integral Care on the City of Austin’s YouTube channel.