South Texas Health System Behavioral

Comprehensive Care for Behavioral Health Conditions

At South Texas Health System® Behavioral, the focus is on transforming lives through compassionate and comprehensive behavioral healthcare. The dedicated team works to deliver personalized solutions, ensuring every individual receives care tailored to their unique needs.

Understanding the appropriate level of care can often be confusing. Below is a quick guide:

Inpatient Programs

Inpatient treatment represents the most intensive level of care. It is typically designed for individuals experiencing severe behavioral health issues, such as acute depression, suicidal thoughts, or severe anxiety. The team at South Texas Health System Behavioral provides comprehensive and confidential treatment aimed at enhancing one’s ability to live a better life. Inpatient programs include:

Kid’s Early Discovery Program

The Kid’s Early Discovery Treatment Program serves children ages 7–12, focusing on early detection and intervention of behavioral health issues. In this program, children learn coping mechanisms while parents receive guidance on how to support them.

Teen Discovery Program

The Teen Discovery Treatment Program is designed for adolescents aged 13–17, assisting them in exploring positive options that lead to healthier life choices.

Adult Better Living Program

The Better Living Treatment Program reinforces the necessary skills for adults aged 18 and older to make sound choices in their lives.

Chemical Dependency Unit

For individuals struggling with substance use disorders, the Chemical Dependency Unit at South Texas Health System Behavioral offers the support needed to navigate the path to recovery.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

The Intensive Outpatient Program at South Texas Health System Behavioral is a time-limited, individualized treatment plan for those who require more intensive behavioral health care than typically offered through outpatient psychiatric clinics but do not require inpatient hospitalization. Individualized care plans facilitate a collaborative treatment approach to help patients achieve positive outcomes.

Participants discuss topics including:

• Coping with depression and anxiety

• Stress and anger management

• Communication and socialization skills

• Relaxation skills

• And more

Choosing the Right Care

Selecting the appropriate level of care depends on the severity of symptoms, the level of support needed, and personal circumstances. Consulting a healthcare provider can assist in determining the best path toward recovery. Seeking help is a courageous first step toward improved mental health.

For more information, visit southtexashealthsystembehavioral.com

South Texas Health System Behavioral offers confidential assessments for individuals in need of behavioral health or substance use treatment. Staff are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to schedule assessments at 956-388-1300.

Hope & Help: Preventing Suicide in the Rio Grande Valley

A message from STHS Behavioral CEO, Jessica Becker

Suicide can be prevented.

September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Unfortunately, the Rio Grande Valley continues to experience an increase in the number of individuals who need support and care. A recent study shows the majority of adults (94%) believe that suicide can be prevented, at least some of the time, and 96% of adults in the U.S. would take action if someone close to them was thinking about suicide.

There is hope. We are listening.

As a behavioral healthcare provider here serving Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr and Willacy counties and the greater South Texas region, our team at South Texas Health System Behavioral is dedicated to #BeThere in a manner that promotes connectedness. Culturally relevant services, evidence-based treatments and support are available.

It is imperative that we equip our community with hope, resilience and the tools to feel empowered. People needing help can contact:

• 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline that provides 24/7 confidential support. Text, chat or call today. Trained crisis counselors are ready to serve.

• The Veterans Crisis Line for U.S. Military Veterans, call 988, press 1.

• Trevor Lifeline, the only national 24/7 lifeline for LGBTQ youth, at 1-866-488-7386.

You can help save a life.

Your Mental Health Matters: Tune In To STHS Behavioral’s ‘Let’s Talk’ Webinar Series

As part of its commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues, South Texas Health System Behavioral has been hosting a series of monthly virtual seminars for more than three years. Held on the first Thursday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., these online seminars feature presentations by mental health professionals on a variety of topics affecting the community.

“It’s a simple fact: your mental health matters, affecting how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. It’s just as important as your physical health,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations at South Texas Health System. “By offering insights and advice on mental health through these webinars, hopefully, more people will feel secure talking about their own mental health struggles and get the help they need, if necessary.”

South Texas Health System Behavioral’s Let’s Talk Mental Health webinars are broadcast live on the STHS Facebook page, with all previous webinars available at STHSLetsTalk.com.

To watch any previous Let’s Talk Mental Health webinars, visit STHSLetsTalk.com.