Specialized Coordinated Care
We provide Coordinated Specialized Care for youth residing in the Greater Houston Area who are facing suicide thoughts and behavior and/or diverse degrees of non-suicidal self-injury, with or without the presence of severe emotional disturbances.
Our Program
The City of Houston Mayor's Office of Education, in partnership with Baylor College of Medicine, has been awarded a four-million, four-year grant, by the federal agency Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
This grant, titled "The Next Day Project (NDP)," underscores our commitment to combat the troubling escalation of youth suicide within the Greater Houston Area. Guided by Baylor College of Medicine and close collaboration with The Texas Children’s Hospital, the NDP aims to fortify our community's clinical capacity, fostering comprehensive care management and collaborative treatment planning. Key partners include prominent institutions such as Menninger Clinic, Mental Health America of Greater Houston, National Alliance on Mental Health Illness of Greater Houston, and state-funded programs such as the Texas Child Health Access Thru Telemedicine (TCHATT) and the Texas Child Psychiatry Access Network (CPAN).
The project is named the Next Day Project (NDP) because this is the critical gap for vulnerable youth who are struggling with suicidal ideation and behaviors. The NDP has been strategically designed to implement a robust framework composed of vigilant detection, thorough assessment, diligent monitoring, proficient referral, and tailored treatment protocols grounded in evidence-based, trauma-informed practices. Over the envisioned four-year trajectory, the NDP is aimed to make a tangible impact by screening 40,000 youths, extending mental health services to 5,000 youths and families, providing 400 consultations to primary care providers, and delivering specialized training on suicide prevention to 420 mental health practitioners and school counselors. Principal investigators of this initiative include Dr. Laurel L. Williams, Dr. Eric A. Storch, Dr. Kirti Saxena, and Dr. Karin L. Price.
Baylor College of Medicine along with its partner organizations are committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of our youth and the Greater Houston community at large.
What is Coordinated Specialized Care (CSC)
Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) is a team-based, interdisciplinary approach to mental health treatment. Created for individuals experiencing first episode psychosis, this approach is also applied to other conditions such as suicide thoughts and behavior and/or diverse forms of non-suicidal self-harm, as well as people facing severe mental illnesses such as bipolar, severe depression and other emotional disturbances. Members of a CSC team included psychiatrists who can support medication management, therapists who provide psychotherapy, family navigators who will provide education and support to parents, and case management. CSC teams also aim to coordinate with additional care providers in the community (e.g., school counselors or social workers) as needed. CSC teams are designed to foster independence for the populations served while providing guidance on treatment planning and family involvement. Teams of this type are growing in popularity in the United States and have been found to reduce negative outcomes in individuals with severe mental illness or serious emotional disturbances.
Who do we Serve?
The Next Day Project serves youth ages 11-17 who are experiencing suicidal and self-harming thoughts and behaviors with or without the presence of severe emotional disturbances and/or previous hospitalizations.
Our Services
Our services include individual, family and group psychotherapy, support and reeducation on mental health, case management, and close coordination with the assigned psychiatrist for medication management and ongoing treatment, if required. This collaborative approach has been proven to be more effective than a solely intervention.
Next Day Project services will be delivered to the youth as well as the family, and they are aimed to:
- Understand triggers which affect the youth’s behavior and its impact on the family.
- Identify alternative and more positive ways to handle crisis, emotions, and behaviors.
- Develop resources to cope more effectively to crisis and improve life satisfaction
The program will assign a therapist who will work with the youth from one to three sessions per week, depending on the needs of the case. Sessions can be held virtually, in person, at school, or in the community. Therapists coordinate with psychiatrists, group leaders, community members, and school counselors to carry out these activities.
These sessions are offered with the family to improve family communication and provide support to caregivers.
Mental health skills and process groups are offered separately for pre-teens, teens, and parents.
A team of psychiatrists with expertise on treating youth with severe emotional disturbances is an essential component of the services offered.
Additional group offerings through our community partners such as National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Houston which families and patients can choose to join. These sessions are facilitated by professionals and parents who have lived similar experiences and who have successfully helped their children to overcome their emotional and behavioral problems.
These wraparound services complement then therapeutical offering and are oriented to facilitate the independence and success of youths in society by a variety of activities such as resume writing or job search. Other services are also provided for families in need for legal, housing or crisis handling.
The Next Day Program has extensive connections with local organizations to provide information to the community and provide additional services to families in the program.
The Next Day Clinic: Supporting Youth Mental Health
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors, as well as non-suicidal self-injury, is a significant public health concern, particularly among adolescents. Understanding the factors that contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors is crucial in preventing them.
As parents, recognizing and addressing concerns about your child’s mental health can be challenging but essential. Suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) are serious issues that require understanding, compassion, and timely intervention.
When a friend or family member has suicidal thoughts or attempts suicide, the impact extends to the entire family. It is normal to feel scared, confused, or even angry. If you are unsure whether your loved one is at risk, seek help—don’t wait. Families and friends play a critical role in suicide prevention.
Suicidality includes thoughts of suicide, making plans, or attempting to end one’s life. It often stems from feelings of hopelessness, intense sadness, or being overwhelmed by life circumstances. Underlying mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or trauma frequently contribute to suicidality. It can be a one-time occurrence or a recurring struggle.
NSSI refers to intentional self-inflicted harm without the intent to end one’s life. Common forms include cutting, burning, or hitting oneself. While not a suicide attempt, NSSI is often a way of coping with emotional pain or distress. It can also indicate deeper mental health struggles that require attention.
It's important to be aware of the signs that may indicate an adolescent is struggling with suicidal thoughts or self-harm:
- Sudden changes in behavior or mood (e.g., withdrawal, irritability, or sadness).
- Posting distressing messages on social media.
- Expressing feelings of being trapped or having no way out.
- Engaging in reckless behavior or increased substance use.
- Unexplained injuries (cuts, burns, or bruises), often hidden under clothing.
- Expressing hopelessness, worthlessness, or feeling like a burden.
- Talking about death, suicide, or self-harm.
- Persistent withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities.
- Increased isolation, changes in sleeping or eating habits.
Several factors can contribute to the risk of suicide in adolescents:
- Mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety
- Experiences of trauma or abuse
- Bullying or social isolation
- Family conflicts or instability
- Significant life changes or losses
- Encourage open conversations about thoughts and feelings.
Let adolescents know that it’s okay to talk about what they are experiencing. For example, choose a calm moment to express your concern, using open-ended statements like, “I’ve noticed some changes in your behavior, and I’m worried about you. Can you help me understand what’s been going on?” Be patient and allow them to share at their own pace.
- Validate Their Feelings:
Let your child know their emotions are valid and that it’s okay to talk about their struggles. You might say, “I can see that you’re feeling overwhelmed, and I’m sorry I didn’t realize how much pain you’ve been in. Let’s find ways to make things better together.” Avoid dismissing their feelings or offering quick fixes, as this can make them feel misunderstood.
- Encourage Connections
Help adolescents build strong connections with peers and supportive adults to create a safety net. It is critical that they feel safe, loved, and accepted. Encourage open communication and reassure them that they can talk to you without fear of judgment.
- Professional Help:
Encourage seeking help from mental health professionals when needed. Early intervention can save lives. The Next Day Program has specialized staff addressing complex emotional and behavioral challenges. Through evidence-based therapies, we help identify underlying issues, develop personalized treatment plans, and equip young people with coping skills to manage their emotions and distress.
Additionally, we offer parental guidance and support, along with non-clinical case management to create comprehensive care plans that address both immediate concerns and long-term mental health needs.
- Create a Supportive Environment:
Foster an environment where adolescents feel safe, respected, and supported. Establish consistent routines to provide stability and celebrate small achievements to build their confidence.
- Remove Immediate Dangers:
Minimize the risk of self-harm by securing sharp objects, medications, and firearms. Regularly check for hidden items your child might use to hurt themselves. Emphasize that these precautions are about their safety, not punishment.
What is the state of mental health in youth in the United States?
A recent study indicates the following:
- 13-20 percent of children and/or adolescents have a diagnosable mental disorder.
- 50 percent of adults with mental illness experienced onset by age 14. 75 percent of adults present the onset by age 24
- 13.84 percent of youth (ages 12-17) reported at least one episode of Major Depression Disorder in the past year. The number of youths who experienced depressive episodes increased by 206,000 from the previous year.
- 9.7 percent of youths in the United States had an experience of severe depression in the past year. This increased by 126,000 from last year.
- 4.3-11.3 percent of children have a Serious Emotional Disturbance
- More than 50 percent of children and adolescents do not receive mental health services
These figures have been increased after the appearance of COVID-19. Concretely there have been an:
- Increase rates of mental health diagnoses
- Increased emergency room visits for mental health reasons
- Increased rates of suicidal ideation and attempts
- Mental illnesses have been found to increase the risk of COVID-19 by 65 percent
Source: Mental Health America
Frequently Asked Questions
No, our program is not income based. Eligibility is based on age and diagnosis.
Services are provided in-home, at the school campus, and through telehealth.
It will be required the same documentation used for standard care such as name and date of birth of the child, names and other contact information of parents or legal guardians, and insurance information.
No, although it is expected that the majority of participants live within this county.
For Telehealth services through the school the child can have up to four visits after the initial assessment. For the intensive therapy services for youth with bipolar or first episode psychosis participation will depend on the family desire and need for continued services anywhere from 6 to 36 months.
We understand that reaching out for help can be hard. Many people do not like to talk about their emotional or mental problems and challenges for fear of being misunderstood or labeled “crazy.” But our brains and emotions are a part of who we are and mental health is very important for our well-being. You or your loved one will receive a thorough assessment and review by a team of professionals. You may talk to a psychiatrist or a professional counselor who will help you by talking in a private and caring manner. We are here to help and want to work with you and your family in a time of need.