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A virtual program aims to expand access to critical mental health services by bringing treatment directly to patients’ homes.Lubbock Today
Oceans Healthcare, a healthcare provider in Texas, has launched a new virtual outpatient program to expand access to behavioral health services. The program allows patients to receive treatment from the comfort of their own homes, addressing barriers like long commutes and wait times that often prevent people from seeking mental health care, especially in rural areas.
Why it matters
Access to mental health services is a significant challenge, with many people facing obstacles like transportation, scheduling conflicts, and long waitlists. Oceans Healthcare’s virtual program aims to remove these barriers and make it easier for more people to get the care they need, which is especially important in underserved communities.
The details
The virtual outpatient program typically runs 8-12 weeks and offers a hybrid model where patients can choose to receive treatment online or in-person. Oceans Healthcare says the program’s priorities are quick response times and easy accessibility, allowing patients to access care through their phones, by calling, or by visiting in person. The organization hopes the program will continue to grow to meet the community’s increasing need for mental health support.
Oceans Healthcare launched the virtual outpatient program in March 2026.The program typically runs 8-12 weeks for each patient.
The players
Oceans Healthcare
A healthcare provider in Texas that has launched a new virtual outpatient program to expand access to behavioral health services.
Chris Carrillo
The outpatient director for Oceans Healthcare, who oversees the organization’s virtual care program.
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What they’re saying
“We are expanding our virtual outpatient program, due to the need and the more awareness of mental health in our community, and we want to make sure we are able to reach everyone in rural areas…not only in West Texas, but throughout the state of Texas.”
— Chris Carrillo, Outpatient Director, Oceans Healthcare
“How quickly someone can respond back to them, how easy it is to access, is it easy to access through your phone or calling our phone line, or just coming in person. We offer hybrid as well so you can come in person and online if you can’t make it in person.”
— Chris Carrillo, Outpatient Director, Oceans Healthcare
“Some of the people are at the worst of the worse, they are very down, but they kind of see them go through that metamorphosis, that transformation and be a whole different person to get out of that depression, be able to manage the depression, manage the anxiety, and to say hey I learned coping skills that I can take out into the real world with me and apply that to my everyday life.”
— Chris Carrillo, Outpatient Director, Oceans Healthcare
What’s next
Oceans Healthcare plans to continue expanding its virtual outpatient program to reach more people in need of mental health services, especially in rural areas across Texas.
The takeaway
Oceans Healthcare’s new virtual outpatient program demonstrates the importance of innovative solutions to improve access to behavioral health care. By offering remote treatment options, the organization is helping to break down barriers and ensure more people can get the support they need, which is crucial for addressing the growing mental health crisis.