Rock Springs Expands Mental Health Care Options for Active Military, Veterans and First Responders

New “Help for Heroes” outpatient program complements Rock Springs’ inpatient services at crucial time of year

GEORGETOWN, Texas – Rock Springs, a leading provider of behavioral health services in the Georgetown/ Austin area, is pleased to announce that it has launched outpatient programming dedicated to meeting the needs of active military, veterans and first responders with PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, behavioral issues and addiction.

“The latest Veterans Affairs report tells us that 17 veterans die by suicide each day,” said Mark Puckett, CEO, Rock Springs.  “In fact, we know that veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than Americans who did not serve in the military, and this number is even higher for female veterans.  In addition, more first responders die by suicide than those that are killed in the line of duty.  We knew that we could do more to support those who serve and help save more lives.”

Rock Springs is currently pleased to serve a number of U.S. military bases, as well as local veterans and first responders, as part of the national Help for Heroes program.  The facility has been providing inpatient, evidence-based care for trauma treatment (including treatment for PTSD) while focusing on the emotional and psychological effects of combat stress, addiction, depression and other trauma-related disorders. 

Rock Springs’ Help for Heroes inpatient program is a 24-bed unit dedicated exclusively to the unique needs of this population, meaning first responders are able to receive the help they need in an environment with others who share similar experiences.   Individuals participate in specialized treatment tracks led by clinical staff with the expertise to assist those with challenges brought on by repeated exposure to stress and trauma in the line of duty.  In addition to the specialized clinical programming, individuals are also able to participate in off-campus therapeutic activities and community reintegration outings.  The inpatient program at Rock Springs is the only dedicated unit exclusively for this population in the Georgetown/Austin area.

The facility has now expanded this offering to include intensive outpatient services at its off-campus outpatient clinic located in Cedar Park.  Providing these services in an offsite location allows for increased confidentiality in a less intimidating setting, further improving access to care for this important population.  Intensive outpatient programs are designed for those patients who would benefit from additional support while they continue building community-based resources.  Patients are encouraged to take the skills they are learning and apply them in daily life.   On-site group therapy, education, training, and skill building may be offered as part of intensive outpatient treatment.  “We know that it is difficult for our men and women who wear, or have worn, a uniform to seek help,” said Erin Basalay, Psy.D., Chief Operating Officer, Rock Springs.  “As a trained clinician, I understand the valuable role that our Help for Heroes program can play in both changing and saving lives.  I am happy that we are introducing our new outpatient program in advance of the holidays, when so many can feel hopeless and alone.  The ultimate goal of the Help for Heroes program is to address the psychological and emotional challenges facing this unique population and restore their resiliency in returning to their lives and line of service.”

*Sources: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/data-sheets/2019/2019_National_Veteran_Suicide_Prevention_Annual_Report_508.pdf
https://rudermanfoundation.org/white_papers/police-officers-and-firefighters-are-more-likely-to-die-by-suicide-than-in-line-of-duty/