At Texas Children’s, our Behavioral Health Support Team is an essential part of caring for the emotional well-being of children and adolescents. As behavioral health needs have increased, this team was established to ensure patients receive specialized, compassionate care tailored to their unique challenges. Functioning as a mobile unit, the team provides expertise and guidance throughout the hospital, assisting staff in managing complex behavioral health cases. By offering this support, they help create a safer environment and enhance the care experience for patients and their families.
One of the key members of this team is Psychiatric Technician LaTasha Hawks, who joined Texas Children’s in 2022. With a background as a CNA and experience as a psych tech working with the geriatric population, LaTasha found her calling in pediatric care after witnessing her own child’s struggles with mental health. Her transition to working with younger patients allowed her to deepen her understanding of conditions like autism and develop her skills in compassionate care. Her empathetic approach and keen observational skills have made her an invaluable member of the team.
A Typical Day as a Psych Tech
In her role, LaTasha works with children facing a variety of issues, including aggression, suicidal ideation and developmental disorders. “Every day is different,” she shared. “I love getting to know each patient and figuring out how best to support them.” The job requires adaptability, empathy and a sharp sense of observation, which are crucial when working with kids in distress. Behavioral Health Manager Gricelda Ron explained, “Great therapeutic communication builds trust, allowing us to treat the problem, not just the symptoms.”
LaTasha’s ability to connect with patients and her attention to detail have positively impacted many children’s lives. She often collaborates with nurses, social workers and care coordinators to provide comprehensive support. “It’s a challenge, but that’s what makes the job so rewarding,” she noted.
A Life-Saving Intervention
LaTasha’s observational skills once prevented a young patient from being discharged into a potentially unsafe situation. Noticing troubling interactions between the child and a family member, she trusted her instincts and raised her concerns. Her actions led to further investigation, ensuring the child’s safety. For her quick thinking, LaTasha received the Shamrock Award, an honor given to staff who go above and beyond in patient care. “I was just doing what felt right, with incredible support from my team,” she reflected.
Finding Balance and Staying Grounded
Given the emotional demands of her role, LaTasha finds support in her colleagues and prioritizes self-care. “Even if I called our Assistant Clinical Director Kristine at 2 a.m., she was there,” she explained. To decompress, LaTasha enjoys taking cruises, finding solace in the ocean’s calm. “It’s my time to reset,” she added.
LaTasha’s dedication to her patients and her ability to be ‘The Difference’ embody the compassionate spirit of Texas Children’s Behavioral Health Support Team. “Every day, I come to work wanting to be there for these kids the way I’d want someone to be there for my own child,” she said.