When operating as a Doctor of Behavioral Health integrated care practitioner in Texas, I will bring an approach to patient care that prioritizes individual need and preferences. My approach bridges physical health, behavioral health, and other support systems to improve overall well-being for individuals being served. I am outcome focused anchored in a passion for treating the whole person. This translates into experience leading state system level transformation that is sustainable in the long-term.

With experience leading multidisciplinary teams both as a practitioner and at the state level, I have worked closely with physicians, therapists, case managers, and community organizations to ensure optimal care for patients. Continuity of care and reducing access to care barriers that often prevent patients from achieving preferred health outcomes will be guiding principles for me as a DBH. I have an intimate understanding of the diverse healthcare challenges facing Texas’s most vulnerable citizens and strive to provide solutions that are both practical and responsive to what is most essential in controlling costs while optimizing care. This is evident in my stewardship responsibility with contracted Local Mental Health and Behavioral Health (LMHA/LBHA) in Texas that are Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). To learn more about Texas CCBHCs please use the following link: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/behavioral-health-services-providers-programs/texas-certified-community-behavioral-health-clinics.

My approach emphasizes individual agency, prevention, and education at the state level. I believe patients achieve better outcomes when they are active participants in their healthcare experience and demonstrate this by informing policy standards accentuating that point. While patient care is front and center in my approach, I recognize that adequate budgetary pathways are critical to sustaining an integrated care model of service. Therefore, development of tools and provider technical assistance plans that optimize billing at the state level will be a priority. This will aid in building operational practices that ensure sustainability of a state level integrated model of care.

To meet today’s demands in an evolving healthcare environment, integrated care is essential for improving quality, reducing costs, and enhancing patient satisfaction. Advancing comprehensive service delivery and care model such as CCBHC that promotes efficacy, cost effectiveness, and quality care is aligned the principles of a DBH and integrated care. I do not deliver services at the practitioner level, but am enclosing a link for information outlining outpatient behavioral codes for Texas providers: https://www.tmhp.com/sites/default/files/file-library/resources/provider-manuals/cshcn/2020-09-september/29_Out_Behav_Health_0.pdf.