鈥淵ou Matter鈥 Outreach Launches Hope for Improved Behavioral Health Recovery
Navigating a mental health crisis is never easy. Asking for help is one of the bravest things a person can do, but support doesn鈥檛 have to end once you are discharged from mental health hospitalization or a crisis care center.
麻豆学生精品版 (UUH) and Huntsman Mental Health Institute have launched the 鈥淵ou Matter鈥 Outreach Program, which aims to provide patients with continued support after they are discharged with the goals of reducing the need for readmittance and improving long-term outcomes for the patient. 鈥淵ou Matter鈥 is rooted in the Zero Suicide framework and developed in collaboration with UUH鈥檚 Zero Suicide programming.
鈥淵ou Matter鈥 celebrated a soft launch on July 8, 2025, and will expand to all Huntsman Mental Health Institute locations and UUH emergency departments on August 10, 2025.
Why the Name 鈥淵ou Matter?鈥
The program was named 鈥淵ou Matter鈥 intentionally, as many patients may feel isolated, forgotten, or overwhelmed after leaving a mental health or crisis care center.
鈥淭he name sends a direct, compassionate message that you are seen, valued, and not alone鈥
鈥淚t reflects our core belief that every person鈥檚 well-being and story are important, and that follow-up care is an act of dignity and respect,鈥 says Teresa Lopez, LCSW, director of behavioral health integration at the institute.
How the Program Works
After a patient is discharged from Huntsman Mental Health Institute, the Crisis Care Center, or a UUH emergency department after being admitted for suicidal ideation, they are automatically enrolled into the program.
鈥淵ou Matter鈥 helps to bridge the gaps in follow-up support after discharge by providing phone-based outreach with a mental health professional, which includes the following evidence-based interventions:
- Emotional check-ins
- Suicide risks and safety assessments
- Safety plan reviews and updates
- Referrals to outpatient therapy, psychiatry, and primary care
- Support with navigating follow-up appointments
- Help connecting with care teams who assist with transportation, housing, food, medication co-pays, and other resources
- Active listening and validation
- Behavioral strategies to manage symptoms and promote hope
The frequency of these outreach calls is tailored to the individual, but are typically offered at key intervals, such as 48 hours, 7 to 10 days, and 30 & 60 days post-discharge.
鈥淧atients often leave care with a discharge plan or resources, but little practical or emotional support to follow through,鈥 Lopez says. 鈥淵ou Matter鈥 fills that gap by reaching out directly, checking on progress, problem-solving barriers like transportation or missed appointments, and offering emotional reassurance during a vulnerable transition.鈥
Remember, you never have to go through a mental health crisis alone. 鈥淵ou Matter鈥 is here to ensure that.
Why Continued Care is Critical
Not everyone has a strong support system to lean on or help them navigate their post-discharge journey. 鈥淵ou Matter鈥 aims to ensure no one has to do it alone. The immediate days and weeks after leaving a mental healthcare facility can be a vulnerable time for patients, as they may face the following common challenges:
- Returning to stressful environments or situations
- Lack of a structured daily routine
- Fear of being judged by others for needing mental health support
- Difficulty managing medication or appointments on their own
- Daily stressors such as finances or day-to-day responsibilities
- Feeling stressed about losing the progress they made during treatment
Without adequate support to face these challenges, their risk for relapse, suicide, or readmission is higher.
Continuing to have regular mental healthcare can reduce a person鈥檚 need for readmission by:
- Encouraging treatment engagement
- Identifying warning signs before they escalate into a crisis
- Reducing reliance on emergency services
- Reinforcing hope and connection, which are two key drivers of recovery.
A Commitment to Whole-Person Care
Mental health is health. Prioritizing a program that ensures continued mental health support during a difficult time demonstrates a commitment to caring for the whole person.
鈥淯UH and the institute recognize that the moments after discharge are just as critical as the care provided during a hospital stay,鈥 Lopez says. 鈥淭his program aligns with the institute鈥檚 goals to improve mental health access, prevent suicide, and reduce avoidable emergency care through compassionate, community-based solutions.鈥