The University of Texas at Tyler is making monumental strides in addressing the critical need for timely, accessible mental health care in East Texas. Thanks to a $1.75 million grant from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), UT Tyler’s RISE NETX (Rural Integrated behavioral health care Supports Everyone) initiative will facilitate the provision of on-site tele-counseling and psychiatric consultation services in rural primary care clinics in northeast Texas. Primary care physicians will be able to connect their patients with mental health trainees through telehealth for ongoing treatment of depression, anxiety, and other behavioral health conditions.
The psychiatry and psychology faculty at UT Tyler will supervise the trainees and provide direct consultation, ensuring high-quality care for patients while offering invaluable training opportunities for the next generation of mental health professionals.
“This grant will help address the critical need for mental health accessibility in rural areas,” said Julie V. Philley, M.D., UT Tyler president in a statement. “We are excited to use this generous funding to support our service to East Texas.”
Expanding Access to Mental Health Care
East Texas faces significant mental health challenges, with 32 counties falling below the state average in mental health provider availability and suicide rates exceeding both state and national averages.
“Through this funding … we are addressing a critical gap in mental health care and creating a sustainable model that will have a lasting impact on East Texas,” said Dr. Sue Cox, dean of the UT Tyler School of Medicine, in a statement.
The Role of Teaching Hospitals
“This grant is a testament to the positive relationship between UT Tyler and its community,” said Maureen Milligan, PhD, CEO of the Teaching Hospitals of Texas. “The quality and innovation of behavioral health resources at UT Tyler cannot be overstated.”
Teaching hospitals like UT Tyler are lifelines for their communities, offering cutting-edge treatments and pioneering innovative care models. Their unique combination of clinical expertise, education, and research allows them to:
- Train Future Healthcare Providers: Programs like RISE NETX give trainees hands-on experience in underserved areas, preparing them to meet the specific challenges of rural healthcare.
- Support Local Clinics: By integrating mental health specialists into primary care settings, teaching hospitals empower local physicians to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.
- Address Health Disparities: Teaching hospitals serve as safety nets, ensuring care reaches even the most underserved populations.
- Foster Innovation: The integration of behavioral health and primary care in RISE NETX exemplifies the forward-thinking and partnership-oriented approaches teaching hospitals bring to today’s healthcare challenges.
A Lasting Impact on East Texas
RISE NETX exemplifies UT Tyler’s work to increase care capacity and address the shortage of behavioral health professionals in the region. Another example is its partnership with Andrews Behavioral Health, the local mental health authority. Through the partnership, UT Tyler psychiatry residents and child and adolescent psychiatry fellows see patients at the Andrews center and receive vital training in community-based mental health models and practices.
Both initiatives underscore UT Tyler’s mission to improve health outcomes for East Texas communities. By increasing access to mental health services, building a sustainable model of integrated care, and training the next generation of professions, UT Tyler enhances patients’ well-being while strengthening the region’s healthcare ecosystem.
