The University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center is the only academic medical center in Northeast Texas and serves a region of 23 rural counties. The region is characterized by 1) low income and below state average education level, 2) older average age, 3) high rates of chronic illness, 4) high rates of mental health problems, and 5) underutilization/limited access to mental health resources. The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine serves the community not only by providing quality, affordable mental health care, but also by training the next generation of providers in culturally competent services.
UTHSC Tyler's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine is a newer facility, with two accredited training programs, the Psychiatry Residency Program and the Psychology Internship Program, as well as a Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship. Additionally, the new Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship will host its inaugural class in July 2022. Comprehensive mental health services are provided through an outpatient program staffed by an interdisciplinary team of mental health professional of psychiatrists and psychologists, as well as specialists and nurses.
The Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network is the first behavioral health research program implemented at UTHSC Tyler. Dr. Jamon Blood will serve as the Node Lead, in collaboration with Dr. Kiley Schneider, Node Co-Lead, for this Node representing Northeast Texas. Through the research network, we have been able to partner with community mental health providers to better address the ever-changing needs of the youth in our community.
UTHSC Tyler is rapidly growing and officially aligned with The University of Texas at Tyler in December 2020. The Health Science Center at UT Tyler now stronger than ever. Together as one university system, these entities have been unified to serve Northeast Texas and beyond through innovative medical research, medical education and excellent patient care. The new Department Chair, Dr. Beverly Bryant MD, is excited and dedicated to build up this research program as well as many other child and adolescent mental health services.