Texas Tech Mental Health Initiative

Beginning in fall 2016, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) and Texas Tech University (TTU) assessed mental health–related activities across their institutions, leading to a shared vision for a collaborative, system-wide approach to mental health. The Texas Tech Mental Health Initiative (TTMHI) was created to coordinate efforts across the Texas Tech System, encourage collaboration across institutions and with community partners, promote implementation of evidence-based practices, translate research to clinical practice, and inform public policy.

The TTMHI efforts are guided by the understanding that optimal health outcomes require a whole-person perspective and must consider the individual within the context of their family and community. With this in mind, the TTMHI builds and maintains collaborations that leverage the strengths of system institutions and community partnerships to improve access to integrated services across the continuum of care. Research, education and training initiatives enhance workforce knowledge and increase capacity by focusing on promotion and implementation of evidence-based practices and evidence-informed frameworks. The TTMHI utilizes a multifaceted approach to expand public understanding of mental health, the impacts of mental illness and co-occurring conditions, and reduce stigma. Through these ongoing collaborations, the TTMHI will gain recognition as a leading mental health institute.