LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Brittany Simpkins Found Her Calling Early
Brittany Simpkins recalls the exact moment she discovered her passion.
“During my second semester of undergrad, I took a psychology of personality class and was completely fascinated,” she said.
After graduating with a Master of Science in Nursing, Simpkins joined LifeGift.
“I saw patients who had succeeded in their suicide attempts. Now, I get to help them before it’s too late. It’s incredibly rewarding,” Simpkins explained.
Currently, Simpkins is the intake director at Oceans Behavioral Hospital in Lubbock.
This 32-bed facility, which opened last year, offers both inpatient and outpatient services for those struggling with mental health issues and behavioral changes.
“Seeing someone come in at their lowest point and leave with a smile and a hug, thanking us for saving their life, is priceless,” Simpkins shared.
Expanding Services to Meet Community Needs
Kelsey Robinson, the hospital’s marketing director, noted that they initially focused on patients aged 50 and older.
“Oceans has a strong background in geriatric psychiatry, but we soon realized there was a demand for treating younger patients,” Robinson said.
They expanded their services to include those 18 and older, leading to a rapid increase in patients.
Since opening in January 2023, Oceans Behavioral Hospital has admitted 1,194 patients. Robinson reported that 47% of these patients were diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, 26% with Bipolar Disorder, and 13% with Schizoaffective Disorder.
A Nationwide Need for Mental Health Services
Facilities like Oceans are crucial across the country. Mental Health America reported that there are 350 individuals for every mental health provider. Their 2023 report ranked Texas last in the nation for access to mental health care, considering factors like insurance access, treatment availability, and workforce quality.
The report highlighted that low reimbursement rates for mental health providers drive many to other specialties, exacerbating the provider shortage. According to the Texas Department of State and Human Services, 246 of Texas’ 254 counties are designated as mental health professional shortage areas.
Projections are grim. A 2023 brief from the Department of Health and Human Services anticipates a shortage of about 87,000 behavioral health workers by 2036, including psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and therapists.
Overcoming Stigma and Encouraging Care
In Lubbock, stigma remains a significant barrier to seeking mental health care.
“Many people are scared to seek inpatient care, thinking it’s like the scary places in movies. In reality, it’s a therapeutic, safe environment,” Robinson said.
The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis also cited stigma as a major barrier to accessing behavioral services.
Robinson and Simpkins hope that increased awareness will encourage those battling mental illness to seek help and inspire others to pursue careers in this vital field.
