EDINBURG, Texas - South Texas Health System Behavioral is dedicating its next Let’s Talk Mental Health webinar to educating the community on how to manage a mental health crisis.
The webinar, titled Managing A Crisis, will be streamed live via the STHS Facebook page on Thursday, October 3, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Leticia Sosa, director of Outpatient Services at STHS Behavioral, will lead the online seminar. During her presentation, Sosa will discuss how to develop a mental health crisis plan and support someone experiencing a crisis.
Mental health disorders are common in the United States, affecting millions of Americans each year. In fact, about one in 25 adults in the United States live with a serious mental illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
But, according to the American Psychological Association, only a fraction of people with mental health issues receive treatment.
In a press advisory, STHS Behavioral points out that without treatment, support or help, mental health disorders can reach a crisis point, which could result in a person in mental health crisis getting in trouble with the law or injuring themself on purpose or by accident. It’s also considered a crisis if someone develops a plan to take their own life or considers hurting others.
“Like a physical health crisis, a mental health emergency can be devastating for individuals, families and communities,” the STHS Behavioral press release states.
“While an individual crisis cannot be fully predicted, it’s possible to plan how to navigate through an emergency mental health situation, including structuring services and organizing approaches to best meet the needs of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, especially those living with a mental health condition, which can make it harder to traverse through a crisis.”
The advisory adds: “If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health challenges, help is available 24/7 at STHS Behavioral. For a confidential assessment, call 956-388-1300.”
In her role as the facility's new director of Outpatient Services, Sosa focuses on ensuring that STHS Behavioral provides the highest quality of care for patients while maintaining smooth operational processes. Her responsibilities include clinical oversight and supervision, program development and implementation, patient care coordination, quality improvement and performance monitoring, crisis management and professional development.
What Leticia enjoys most about working at STHS Behavioral is the profound satisfaction of helping those in need, particularly patients seeking mental health services and aftercare.
“It's incredibly fulfilling to guide individuals on their journey to well-being, providing them with the support and resources necessary for their recovery,” Leticia says. “Being able to make a positive impact on their lives and witnessing their progress and growth is truly rewarding.”
The opportunity to contribute to their mental health and overall well-being is what makes her role at STHS Behavioral so meaningful and gratifying.
"Every day, I am inspired by the courage of those seeking help, and I am honored to be a part of their journey toward healing and mental well-being," Leticia says.
