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.
July 29, 2024
Seeking Public Comment on Plan Drafts
Integral Care is seeking public comment on two draft plans, the draft Consolidated Local Service Plan (CLSP), and the draft Local Provider Network Plan (LPND). Integral Care invites the Travis County community to review and provide feedback. These formal documents address service priorities and plans developed through input from various planning groups throughout the Travis County community. They describe the array of local services provided by Integral Care, as well as opportunities for expansion of provider services. Download the plans on our publications page or view them directly: Consolidated Local Service Plan and Local Provider Network Development Plan. Please send comments to Lesa Brown-Valades, Interim Provider Network and Authority Officer, at lesa.brown-valades@integralcare.org by 8/29/24.
May 20, 2024
May Executive Committee Meeting
DATE: Thursday, May 23, 2024
TIME: 6:00 PM
PLACE: 1430 Collier Street
Board Room
Austin, Texas 78704
AGENDA
1. Citizens Comments
2. Recommendation to Approve Board Resolution Regarding Lease, Financing and Other
Actions Related to Seabrook Project (2210 Pershing Dr, Austin TX 78723) (Marlene
Buchanan/Lisa Laky)
3. Adjournment
A Quorum of the Board may be Present
Integral Care is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Reasonable Modifications and equal access to communication are provided upon request.
Please call 440-4031 for information.
WHAT: Meet and greet with Jeff Richardson, the newly appointed CEO of Integral Care. This is a unique opportunity to interact with Mr. Richardson and learn about his vision for Integral Care. There will also be an opportunity for B-roll of the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference.
WHO: Jeff Richardson, Incoming CEO, Integral Care
WHEN: Tuesday, February 6, 11:30 AM – Noon
WHERE: Palmer Event Center, 900 Barton Springs Road. Parking available on round about off Riverside Drive.
We invite all media representatives to join us at this event. Jeff Richardson looks forward to meeting you and answering any questions you may have about his new role and the future of 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
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Dr. Kathleen Casey, Chief Strategy, and Innovation Officer
(512) 445-7771
December 4, 2023
Integral Care Hosts Community Forums to Meet CEO Finalists
MEDIA ADVISORY
[For Immediate Release]
Media Contact:
Jessica Casarez
Jessica.Casarez@integralcare.org
Integral Care Hosts Community Forums to Meet CEO Finalists
AUSTIN, Texas (Dec. 4, 2023) – After a rigorous national search, Integral Care’s Board of Trustees CEO Search Committee has recommended final candidates. The Local Mental Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Authority is inviting members of the community to attend three open forums. Each event will feature an introduction to one of the candidates, followed by an opportunity for attendees to submit questions. After each Q&A session, the public will be invited to meet the candidates personally. Details of each forum are outlined below.
Dates:
Candidate 1: Tuesday, December 5
Candidate 2: Wednesday, December 6
Candidate 3: Thursday, December 7
Time:
5:30 – 7:00 p.m. CT
Location:
Rudy Zapata Room, Integral Care’s Dove Springs
5015 S. IH-35
Austin, TX 78744
RSVP FOR IN-PERSON OPTION RSVP FOR ZOOM OPTION
Background on the Search:
After 30 years of dedicated service, David Evans announced earlier this year he would be transitioning out of his role as Integral Care’s CEO. He remains in the position until his successor is in place. Integral Care’s Board of Trustees has been leading CEO succession planning efforts since the spring and regularly updating the public on its efforts through open meetings and announcements on its website here. Over the summer, this included sharing a survey with the community, collaborators, staff and stakeholders to gain insight into the qualities and strengths they are seeking in Integral Care’s new CEO.
After months of searching and interviewing highly qualified professionals, the Board has now narrowed its search down to three nationally acclaimed mental health leaders. After hearing from the public this week, the Board is slated to vote on a final candidate during its Board of Trustees meeting on December 14.
About Integral Care: Integral Care is committed to fostering health and well-being for individuals in Travis County, supporting those facing mental illness, substance use disorder and developmental disabilities. By providing essential services like a 24-hour helpline, ongoing counseling and housing assistance, we empower our community to regain 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.
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December 1, 2023
CEO Search – Meet the Candidates
Meet the Candidates
After a rigorous national search, Integral Care’s Board of Trustees CEO Search Committee has recommended three final candidates.
Please join us for our Meet the Final Candidates Forums. Each forum will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the candidates and ask questions, as time allows. After each Q&A session, there will be an opportunity to personally meet the candidate.
Dates:
Candidate 1: Tuesday, December 5
Candidate 2: Wednesday, December 6
Candidate 3: Thursday, December 7
Time:
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Location:
Rudy Zapata Room, Integral Care’s Dove Springs
5015 S. IH-35, Austin, TX 78744
November 20, 2023
Board of Trustees Meeting – November 27 2023
Meetings are open to the public.
Click here to watch the 11/27 Board of Trustees meeting live webinar.
Then, click the “Continue on this browser” button. The meeting starts at 5:30 pm.
November 14, 2023
Board of Trustees Meeting – November 2023
Meetings are open to the public.
Click here to watch the 11/17 Board of Trustees meeting live webinar. The meeting starts at 4:30 pm.
Click here to watch the 11/18 Board of Trustees meeting live webinar. The meeting starts at 9 am.
Then, click the “Continue on this browser” button.
October 24, 2023
Board of Trustees Meeting – October 2023
Meetings are open to the public.
Click here to watch the 10/26 Board of Trustees meeting live webinar.
Then, click the “Continue on this browser” button. The meeting starts at 5pm.
September 25, 2023
Board of Trustees Meeting – September 2023
Meetings are open to the public.
Click here to watch the 9/28 Board of Trustees meeting live webinar.
Then, click the “Continue on this browser” button. The meeting starts at 5pm.
The University of Texas at Austin’s Dell Medical School and LBJ School of Public Affairs have released a cost-saving analysis of The Inn, Integral Care’s 16-bed residential treatment program. The study found that The Inn saves taxpayers millions of dollars in public costs while improving outcomes for people experiencing a mental health crisis.
Mental Health Weekly talked to Integral Care about The Inn’s approach.
We are proud to receive national recognition from CrisisNow for our co-location at the 911 Call Center. Our collaboration with first responders streamlines the entire system of crisis care in our community. We have consulted approximately 30 other cities, states, and even a police department in Canada on our model. Our first responder friends, the City of Austin and Travis County are true collaborators helping move this innovation forward.
April 21, 2020
Kirk Watson: A True Champion for Brain Health
As our community grapples with COVID-19 and the impact on patients, healthcare workers and the healthcare system, we are beginning to recognize the toll this situation is taking on mental health. Whether it is an essential worker under pressure to perform on the job while worrying about exposure or someone with a compromised immune system isolated at home, COVID-19 is having short and long-term impact on our mental health. During these anxiety ridden times, it is reassuring to know that we have systems in place to address our community’s mental health needs and unexpected challenges.
The changes and concerns that have come with the COVID-19 pandemic are impacting the mental health and well-being of many in our community — with job losses, school closures, health concerns and separation from our loved ones. KXAN talked to Integral Care about how to support someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis.
https://www.kxan.com/news/simplehealth/tips-on-identifying-and-responding-to-a-mental-health-crisis-during-covid-19/?fbclid=IwAR1R9AYe30k_x6zTVQTDj308qjMuFQFT2_xM0S5i4it4wFJYN7zGZcQcBvU
September 23, 2019
Integral Care Celebrates Completion of Terrace at Oak Springs
Integral Care marked completion of Terrace at Oak Springs with a Ribbon Cutting and Community Celebration. KXAN attended both events to learn more about this new 50-unit Housing First apartment community that supports recovery from homelessness, mental health issues and substance use disorder. Watch it here.
September 4, 2019
Suicide Prevention – Connecting Texans to the Right Resources
Integral Care talked to KXAN about how our Helpline will soon take calls from regions outside of Travis County via the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Check it out.
Dawn Handley, Chief Operations Officer, talked to KXAN about how the City expanded funding to support mental health crisis care in our community. The goal – get people the help they need faster. This funding will expand telehealth services with APD and add EMCOT clinicians to the 911 call center floor. Learn more.
August 30, 2019
EMCOT Partners with APD and EMS on Telehealth Pilot
EMCOT has partnered with APD and EMS to support the health of our community for over 5 years. As part of a new pilot, EMCOT and APD are using telehealth to expand access to mental health crisis care in Travis County. Check out how it works in this Spectrum story.
Texas is expanding access to early psychosis treatment programs, opening 13 new sites across the state with a focus on rural areas. KXAN talked to Integral Care about our RA1SE program and the importance of early intervention. Learn more
The Austin Chronicle published an article focused on how Austin women are dispelling stigma and moving mental health issues forward. The article features Deborah Rosales-Elkins, Peer Support Specialist, and Ellen Richards, Chief Strategy Officer, as well as key Integral Care partners from NAMI Central Texas and Travis County Sheriff’s Office. Read it out here or grab the 7/4 issue off the stands.