On Mark Wallace’s blog, he invites Dr. Kirti Saxena, Chief of Psychiatry, and Dr. Karin Price, Chief of Psychology, to discuss Mental Health Awareness Month and the importance of taking care of our mental health and well-being. Read more
Finding the right words to say just got easier. Learn more about why perception around mental health matters and ways you can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Read more
Tashia Bush reflects on Mental Health Awareness month and how Texas Children’s is focused on expanding care for behavioral health patients. Read More
As part of the many activities and initiatives recognizing May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, all Texas Children’s team members will receive a mental health wellness kit delivered directly to their homes. The kit includes multiple items to thank our One Amazing Team and to remind them on the importance of self-care.
“Recognizing that strong mental health and well-being encompasses self-care and a supportive environment, these kits are a small, fun way to celebrate your mental health and care for yourself as you care for others,” said Suzy Harrington, our new assistant vice president of workforce well-being, Human Resources. “Please don’t forget to complete the quick mental health survey so we can assess how to best meet the mental health needs of our One Amazing Team.”
The kit offers information on resources available to team members for care and support. The products are intended to remind us of a few ways to improve our mental health.
We’d love to hear how you plan to use your wellness items or share your tips and ideas on how to Be Kind to Your Mind during the month of May and beyond. CLICK HERE to post photos, videos, support and advice to your colleagues.
Please click here for more information about the events and initiatives for May Mental Health Awareness Month.
EAP is available to provide psychoeducation and emotional support for anyone in need. If you have questions or need assistance, please call 832-824-3327.
In honor of Nurse’s Week May 6-12 and Mental Health Awareness Month, we are highlighting the role of the nurse in mental health care. Nurses have always been on the frontlines of caring for patients with behavioral health needs and will continue to be essential as the demand for mental health services increases. We are spotlighting two types of nurses: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners.
Behavioral health nursing can be one of the most challenging, but also rewarding career paths for a nurse to choose. Nurses work in a variety of roles and mental health settings and have different certifications. Like other specialties, mental health nurses can obtain certification in their specialty as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse (PMH-BC). The PMH-BC is awarded once a nurse has worked for two or more hears and has completed at least 2000 hours of direct psychiatric patient care.
“Obtaining certification as a PMH-BC along with three of our other psychiatry registered nurses (RNs) is one of the things I am proudest of as a nurse leader,” said Tiffany Bittner, Patient Care Management (PCM) nurse for Psychiatry and Developmental Pediatrics and Autism. “We have a passion for the behavioral health population and are dedicated to serving them with the most up-to-date care processes and information.”
A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is a licensed, nationally board certified provider specializing in the care of psychiatric patients. Working alongside the psychiatrist, they often provide some of the same services as medical doctors as part of the holistic team. They are trained to care for patients with mental health issues across the lifespan and in various stages of care and recovery. Nurse practitioners are qualified in assessment, diagnosis, planning and evaluation, and medication management.
One of the unique things about nurses is the wealth of knowledge they bring with them and their desire to share knowledge. PMHNPs are able to assist families through the challenges of navigating the vast, often confusing world of mental health diagnosis, resources and in-depth education.
Did you know that Texas Children’s is actively hiring and recruiting for psychiatric advanced practice providers and has already hired its first nurse practitioner dedicated to our behavioral health population? These psychiatric nurse practitioners and other advance practice providers will be seen all over the organization within all campuses and within inpatient and outpatient settings.
“This could not have come at a more appropriate time for our organization,” said Bittner. “With the behavioral health population increasing daily, these nurse practitioners and other physician extenders allow us to increase the number of patients who we are able to provide excellent and thorough care for in their most critical time of need.”
Cigna also has a list of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (NPs) available on their provider network. “Psychiatric NPs are helping expand the options for clients in getting immediate care when they need mental health assistance,” said Allison Bell, EAP Manager.
To see the Cigna Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner resources close to you go to: mycigna .com – Fina Care – Behavioral Health Counselor – Local Provider – Psychiatrists and Nurse Practitioners.
During the month of May, Texas Children’s employees are invited to complete the World Health Organization WHO-5 survey. For those working in remote locations or those who would like to take the survey at any time during May, you can access the survey here.
Mental Health in May is the perfect opportunity to remind us to: Be Kind to Your Mind as part of our overall well-being. When we focus on good mental health, its benefits can ripple into every aspect of our lives.
To support the mental health and well-being of our strong and resilient team, during Mental Health Awareness Month the Texas Children’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Well-Being team has organized a variety of programs and resources to help each of us purposefully commit to our own health and happiness.
Be Kind to Your Mind and put your mental health first by taking advantage of any of the tools and resources to follow and also located on the Mental Health Awareness website.
Texas Children’s employees are invited to complete the World Health Organization WHO-5 survey. Your participation in this short, five-item survey is voluntary and can:
Click here any time during May to participate in the survey, or look for the QR code, which will be available at various Mental Health Awareness Month campus events throughout the month.
For those working in remote locations or anyone who would like to take the survey at any time during May, you can access the survey here.
Baylor partners and staff members interested in taking a well-being survey, please click here to access the Well-Being Index (WBI).
Any team member interested in taking additional confidential and free mental health surveys offered through Mental Health America, can access them here.
The EAP and Well-Being team has invited all of our mental health vendors for our first Mental Health Fair virtually and on-site at several locations. Join us to identify all the mental health resources available to you and your family:
Monday, May 16 – Noon to 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 17 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wednesday, May 18 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thursday, May 19 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Friday, May 20 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
On-site massages will be available on a first come, first served basis at all Mental Health Fairs at all locations.
Consider setting aside 30 minutes every Wednesday throughout May for a variety of webinars hosted by EAP and Well-Being featuring additional resources to support your mental well-being. Click here to register.
Wednesday, May 4 – Noon to 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 11 – Noon to 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 18 – Noon to 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 25 – Noon to 12:30 p.m.
Coming in June, the Burnout Prevention & Resiliency Support Group might be for you if you feel perpetual exhaustion, like nothing you do makes a difference or is appreciated. Or, if you are feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands and prefer isolating from others.
Within an interactive, safe, and supportive virtual Teams environment, you can come together with others in your shoes to process your feelings, share similar experiences and learn ways to cope and reduce symptoms of burnout. You are welcome to join any or all sessions.
Wednesdays in June – Noon to 12:30 p.m. Register here
Throughout the year, EAP offers various classes to assist employees with improving overall wellness. Go to HealthStream to learn more about dates and times and register.
For questions or further assistance, please contact our EAP and Well-Being team at 832-824-3327. You can also visit our EAP website where you can find information on additional confidential programs, virtual care options and resources to support your mental health and well-being.
Life is busy, especially more so during the pandemic. As we continue to navigate our reconstructed future, it is more important than ever to keep healthy and strong for ourselves, and our families and friends.
As part of our commitment to your total well-being, Texas Children’s Employee Health and Well-Being teams have organized a variety of programs and resources around Women’s Health Month to help refresh your focus on your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Watch for more on Connect.
This week, we are focusing on your mental well-being.
Work-life satisfaction: Take advantage of EAP Plus, the enhanced Employee Assistance Program, available to all employees and their eligible dependents. In addition to round-the-clock access to counseling services by phone and referrals to qualified mental health providers in the community, EAP Plus provides legal guidance, financial information and unlimited work-life solutions to help you take care of tasks such as planning a party, securing child or elder care, arranging home repairs and more. Call 833.EAP.PLUS 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to connect with a certified counselor, or visit the EAP Plus website and enter EAPPLUS as the Organization Web ID.
Virtual Mental Health Care: Taking care of your mental health can help you live a happier, healthier, and more productive life. Cigna now offers the following options: