Affiliation Will Benefit Children with Mental Health Needs

Houston-area children, adolescents and their families may have better access to mental health services thanks to a recently signed affiliation agreement between Memorial Hermann Healthcare System and DePelchin Children's Center.

The agreement primarily utilizes Memorial Hermann's inpatient services and DePelchin's outpatient clinics. DePelchin has two offices inside the Loop, as well as facilities in Clear Lake, Baytown, The Woodlands and a shelter in Richmond.

Both non-profit organizations treat a large number of patients who are not able to pay for services.

"As non-profits, we're able to sit at the table and look at our community's needs in a non-competitive manner to determine what is the best way to deliver these services," says Sue Green, chief executive officer of Memorial Hermann Behavioral Health Center and vice president of behavioral health for the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System. "We've been proud of our psychiatric services, but there are currently some unique unmet needs, particularly for children."

To better meet these needs, the partnership will:

- Allow Memorial Hermann clients access to Depelchin's prevention and parent education programs;

- Provide outpatient services for patients discharged from Memorial Hermann by referring them to DePelchin;

- Provide inpatient services for DePelchin by referring clients to Memorial Hermann Behavioral Healthcare;

- Offer clients better geographical choices for more intense outpatient services; and

- Provide medical care for DePelchin clients, such as accessing services through teen pregnancy programs.

"It is critical for families that their children receive appropriate and timely mental health services," says Dr. Curtis Mooney, president of DePelchin Children's Center. "In many instances, there just isn't the knowledge of where to go for help."

DePelchin receives 2,200 calls per month seeking services.

- From DePelchin Children's Center

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