Covenant HEALTH
september 2021
Covenant pilots new rapid response team for mental health crises
When someone has a heart attack, a stroke, kidney failure, trouble breathing, or some other physical health emergency, there’s an ambulatory system in place to help people recover as quickly as possible. But what if that person experiences a mental health crisis?
When someone has a heart attack, a stroke, kidney failure, trouble breathing, or some other physical health emergency, there’s an ambulatory system in place to help people recover as quickly as possible. But what if that person experiences a mental health crisis?
Up until now, most of those patients would have wound up in the Emergency Room, where the staff is often overwhelmed and may not be fully trained in behavioral health issues. But in West Texas and eastern New Mexico, that’s starting to change. Covenant Health Partners initiated a pilot program at HealthPlus, a Covenant Medical Group clinic, to address the growing need for behavioral health services. The idea is that if an individual presents as suicidal or is experiencing some other mental health crisis, the Behavioral Health Rapid Response Team (BHRRT) can be called and will respond within 30 minutes for intervention.
In other parts of the world you don't have to ask for help; it's built into the way things are. Here, you have to humble yourself.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance with mental health concerns, please visit work2bewell.org/wellnessresources. Please know there’s always help available whenever you need to talk to someone. Reach out to the Crisis Text Line (Text TALK to 741741) or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK to talk to someone who can help.
We are following the other models that are disease specific. We have 10 disease-specific teams such as a pulmonary team, a cardiac team, and now we have a behavioral health team.
— Kim Beierschmitt
Manager of the Comprehensive Disease Management Program for Covenant Health Partners
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The goal was to have the team respond within 30 minutes of getting the call. So far, the average response time is 9 minutes. Eventually we will be available 24/7, whenever they are called.
Tavia Hatfield - Regional Director of Community Health investment
PROVIDENCE HEALTH & SERVICES Texas/New Mexico
The initial goal was to have the team respond within 30 minutes of getting the call. But so far the average response time is 9 minutes.
The Behavioral Health Team is a shining example of the current trend toward integrating care and breaking down boundaries to holistic treatment. This team is comprised of a masters prepared nurse, two Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and a certified Community Health Worker. There is also access to a clinical pharmacist who can aid in prescribing necessary medications.
For now, the team is only in the Lubbock area, but Covenant plans to expand the program to offer fast access to crisis care across the region. Eventually the team will be available 24/7, whenever it is called.