Brittany Simpkins’ path to a career in mental health was shaped by a pivotal moment during her undergraduate studies. “Second semester of undergrad. I took a class in psychology of personality and was completely fascinated,” she recalls. This fascination led her to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing and eventually to a role at LifeGift, where she encountered patients who had attempted suicide. The experience solidified her commitment to help individuals before they reach such a critical point.
Today, Simpkins serves as the intake director at Oceans Behavioral Hospital in Lubbock, a 32-bed facility that opened last year offering both inpatient and outpatient services for those struggling with mental health issues and behavioral changes. “Watching somebody come in and they are completely at the end of their rope and don’t have any hope, don’t think that it’s going to get any better, walk out with a smile on their face and a hug and, ‘Thank you for saving my life,’ it doesn’t get any better than that,” she says.
Expansion of Services at Oceans Behavioral Hospital
Initially, Oceans Behavioral Hospital focused on patients aged 50 and older, reflecting its corporate history in geriatric psychiatry. However, as director of marketing Kelsey Robinson explains, the hospital began receiving numerous calls and referrals for younger patients. Recognizing the broader need, they expanded their services to include individuals aged 18 and older. This expansion led to a rapid increase in patient admissions. Since opening in January 2023, the hospital has admitted 1,194 patients.
Texas’ Mental Health Crisis
Texas ranks last in the United States for access to mental health services, highlighting a significant crisis. Facilities like Oceans Behavioral Hospital are crucial in addressing this gap, offering much-needed support and treatment for mental health conditions across a wider age range.
Impact and Need for Mental Health Services
The stories from Oceans Behavioral Hospital illustrate the profound impact that dedicated mental health services can have on individuals’ lives. Despite the challenges, the work done by professionals like Simpkins and Robinson is vital in providing hope and recovery to those in need. The expansion and success of their facility underscore the urgent need for accessible mental health services in Texas and the importance of continuing to advocate for better mental health care access across the state.
Related topics:
