TRANSPARENCIES

A monthly newsletter from Integral Care

Expanding Access to Critical Mental Health Support

A Message From Our CEO

Last month marked a historic milestone for mental health. On Saturday, July 16th, 988 – an extension of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – launched nationwide. This 3-digit number is not replacing the Lifeline’s previous number or Integral Care’s 24/7 Helpline but will make it easier for people to reach out for help via phone, text or chat. This launch is an important step to increasing access to timely suicide prevention, crisis services and behavioral healthcare as well as reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Integral Care has been part of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network since 2012. For the last decade, we’ve been taking calls routed to their 800 number for 76 counties in Texas, including Travis County. When someone calls the Lifeline from an area code covered by Integral Care, that call rolls to our Helpline team. The same process now happens with 988. Our compassionate team of mental health professionals provide immediate emotional support. If the caller is not located in Travis County and needs ongoing support services, Integral Care will connect them to mental health resources local to them.

With comprehensive crisis service hotline coverage for all 254 counties in Texas, Texas is well-positioned for this launch – as is our incredible team. They answered nearly double the call volume on launch day. We are so grateful to this team for their dedication. They are truly providing life-changing support. When you think about the fact that 90% of calls are resolved on the phone, it really shows the impact of their amazing work.

“I want to take a moment to personally thank you and your team for a job well done in your readiness for the 988 launch that occurred over the weekend. The 988 launch came at a time when we have experienced some of our greatest statewide challenges including workforce, the impact of COVID-19 and most recently; the Uvalde shooting. In spite of the hurdles, you and your team responded to the call in true Integral Care style. I am eternally grateful for the incredible response exhibited by Integral Care on so many fronts including the 988 launch and your tremendous support to the people you served throughout the pandemic. You and your team members represent the unsung heroes who are committed to showing up each day to conquer impossible challenges. As we embark on the newest endeavor with 988 and countless other initiatives ahead of us, please know that my team and I are truly grateful.”

– Sonja Gaines, MBA, Deputy Executive Commissioner, Texas Health and Human Services

“Over the past few years, we have seen how important it is to care for our mental health. I’m hoping that collaborations like 988 will help to destigmatize the ability to ask for help when our mental health struggles, because we all go through difficult times,” said Nicole Warren, Practice Manager for the Helpline and Crisis Line. “I feel incredibly proud to work with such an amazing team as I know how hard everyone works, from our skilled clinicians that share space with individuals during incredibly difficult times to our talented leadership team that supports them.”

 

While this launch is just the beginning, I’m proud of Integral Care’s involvement and the work our team is doing to support the mental health and well-being of not only our community but the mental health of Central Texas.

David Evans
Chief Executive Officer

Transparencies Archive

Past Transparencies sorted by year

2022

July 2022: Supporting BIPOC Mental Health through Data

June 2022: Celebrating Pride Month

April-May 2022: Looking Ahead to Mental Health Month

March 2022: Honoring Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

February 2022: Strengthening Our Network of Mental Health Support

January 2022: Looking Ahead in 2022

2021

December 2021: Celebrating Progress & Innovation in 2021

November 2021: Action Steps Toward Preventing and Ending Homelessness

October 2021: Language Access & Racial Equity

September 2021: Treatment & Addiction Psychiatry at Integral Care

August 2021: Returning to School plus the Legislative Wrap-up

July 2021: Creating Lasting Change for BIPOC Mental Health

June 2021: Facts & Resources This Pride Month

May 2021: Mental Health Month

April 2021: How do we help Austinites experiencing homelessness?

March 2021: Growth and Positive Change

February 2021: How Do We Create a Better Future?

January 2021: Looking Ahead to the Legislative Session

2020

December 2020: Supporting Your Mental Health This Winter

November 2020: How do we rebuild health and well-being during a pandemic?

October 2020: With Collaboration Comes Innovation

September 2020: Success Stories of Recovery and Suicide Prevention

August 2020: A Back to School Season Like Never Before

July 2020: Minority Health Disparities & COVID-19

June 2020: Stronger Together

May 2020: Surviving and Thriving During Uncertain Times

April 2020: Persevering During COVID-19

March 2020: Collaborations and Initiatives to Improve Health for the IDD Population

February 2020:Solutions to Health and Health Care Disparities

January 2020: Sucicide Prevention a Local Effort

2019

December 2019: A Year of Thriving Care & Collaboration

November 2019: Teamwork and Collaboration Impact Homelessness in Travis County

October 2019:Making Strides for World Mental Health

September 2019: Taking Steps to Recovery Support

August 2019: Working Together for Child & Youth Mental Health

July 2019: Legislative Wrap-Up – Some Bipartisan Wins for Healthcare

June 2019: Strengthening Access for Veterans and the Entire Military Family

May 2019: Women and Mental Health

April 2019: Legislative Session Status Report

March 2019: Making Opportunities for Recovery More Accessible

February 2019: Recovery is Possible

January 2019: Stronger Outcomes Through Collaboration

December 2018: Looking ahead to the 86th Texas Legislature

November 2018: How Tech is Changing the Face of Mental Health

October 2018: A Few Questions Could Help Save a Life

September 2018: Anyone Can Save a Life

August 2018: A Milestone Moment

July 2018: Equity in Mental Health Care for All

June 2018: Expanding Services for Veterans

2018

May 2018: Your Mental Health Toolkit

April 2018: Time of Terror Calls for Increased Emotional Support

March 2018: Stopping the cycle of incarceration for individuals with mental illness

February 2018: Equity in mental healthcare for everyone

January 2018 : Improving Mental Health Through Partnership & Collaboration

2017

December 2017: Strength Through Community

November 2017 : Healthy Lifestyles Improve Well-Being

October 2017 : National Child Health Day

September 2017 : Strengthening Families and Communities

Highlight: Austin City Council Unanimously Approves New PSH Community

Last Thursday, July 28th, the Austin City Council unanimously voted in favor of moving forward with the proposed Seabrook Square project on 3515 Manor Road, a collaboration between Integral Care, Capital A Housing and The NHP Foundation. This project will bring a total of 262 housing units to East Austin addressing the city’s need for more affordable housing. There will be live-work residence-studios for East Austin artists, market-rate units, family units and 60 permanent supportive housing (PSH) units. Seabrook Square will also feature green space, community space, ecosystem services, active transportation linkages and public art.

 

Integral Care will operate the PSH units at Seabrook Square, bringing years of experience successfully using this evidence-based type of affordable housing – a safe home with critical wraparound services and ongoing support, similar to Terrace at Oak Springs. We are thrilled to help the City of Austin expand PSH in Austin/Travis County. Project partners also include SixSquare, Austin Area Urban League, Origin Studio House and Raasin in the Sun. Special thanks to Marlene Buchanan, Director of Systems of Care, and Ruth Ahearn, Practice Administrator- Housing and Health Care for the Homeless Initiatives, for leading our efforts.

Learn more about the project here.

Highlight: Uvalde Response Team

Last month, Wendy Ramirez, Program Manager, Child & Family Services, Emily Beasley, Therapist, Child & Family Services, Leah Kelly, Parent Partner, Child & Family Services, Debbie Valdez, Family-Based Therapist, Child & Family Services, Gus Rodriguez, LPHA, Crisis Services, and Ashley Chowdhury, LPHA, Adult Behavioral Health, were on the ground in Uvalde, Texas, providing support to the Uvalde Mental Health Clinic in the wake of the recent shooting at Robb Elementary. Our Uvalde Response Team assisted with walk-in intakes, crisis support, day rehabilitation services and community outreach. Thank you to our incredible staff for their critical work supporting the health and well-being of our neighbors in Uvalde during this difficult time. And thank you to our friends at Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Centers who are caring for the Uvalde community every day.

Highlight: Submit Your Proposal to Present at the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference

The 2023 Central Texas African American Family Support Conference is requesting workshop proposals from mental health and behavioral health professionals as well as people with lived experience with mental health issues, substance use disorder or intellectual and developmental disabilities who would like to share their stories.

Topics May Include

• Mental health and suicide prevention
• Race and health equity
• Substance use disorders and prevention
• Intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Sexuality and mental health
• Foster care and mental wellness
• Faith and mental health
• …and many more!

What's New

Austin Pride 2022

After two years of postponements due to the pandemic, the Austin PRIDE Festival and Parade is back, and Integral Care is proud to be a sponsor! We will be tabling at this year’s festival on Saturday, August 20th from 11 am to 6 pm. Be sure to stop by and say hello! Click the button below to learn more about the celebration and event activities and purchase tickets.

NAMIWalks Your Way 2022

We are excited to share that Integral Care is the presenting sponsor of NAMIWalks Your Way 2022! This event, happening on September 24th, 2022, invites participants to share their stories, build community and walk together to achieve Mental Health for All. Click the button below to register for the event for free or join us in helping NAMI Central Texas raise funds for their free, top-rated programs.

New Careers Page

We’re happy to announce the launch of our newly revamped Careers page! Learn more about what a career at Integral Care has to offer, browse our open positions and set up time to meet with our team to find the best role for you based on your skills and interests. Click the button below to check it out!

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