Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Families Together of Orange County (FTOC) has seen a drastic growth in the need for behavioral health services, including a 156% increase in patients under 18 years old seeking behavioral health services. In support of this need, Families Together has sought to empower patients to take control of their health through an integrated health model that combines medical and wellness services.
Families Together launched its Wellness Center in 2019, which houses a myriad of wellness services including behavioral health services. Since its inception, the behavioral health team has grown from just one therapist to a total of 15 providers. The increase in providers has allowed Families Together to implement new programs, such as group therapy which has benefited teens in particular.
The Wellness Center takes a holistic approach for patients seeking medical and behavioral health services, offering services such as cooking classes with a certified nutritionist and strength training with a weight resistance trainer. The medical and behavioral health teams work together and, as needed, provide comprehensive health plans for patients. In addition, Families Together serves a mainly Latino population and the behavioral health team has multiple therapists who are fluent in English and Spanish, reducing language barriers.
Families Together continues to see an increase in the need for behavioral health services as well as an increase in trauma and stressor-related disorders. The health center plans to keep expanding its behavioral health offering to meet patient needs.