Affective Disorders

Who We Serve

The Affective Disorders Stepped-Care Program is designed for adults (age 18 and older) seeking support for mood-related challenges. We provide care for individuals diagnosed with:

• Major depressive disorder
• Bipolar I or II disorder
• Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)
• Unspecified affective disorders
• Co-occurring anxiety or trauma-related disorders

Our program is ideal for those who are motivated to engage in treatment, build coping skills, and work toward meaningful recovery in a structured and supportive environment.

Exclusion Criteria

This program may not be appropriate for individuals who:

• Are under the age of 18
• Are medically unstable or require 24-hour supervision
• Exhibit significant cognitive impairment (e.g., intellectual disability with IQ below 70, or major neurocognitive disorder)
• Do not meet diagnostic criteria for mood disorders

1. Referral or Inquiry: Individuals may be referred by health care providers or family members, or they may refer themselves. You can contact us by calling 713-500-1535 or, if you're a UTHealth Houston provider, consulting us through Epic. You may also reach out via email at [email protected].
   Submit a Referral Online
   If you are a UTHealth Houston provider with Epic access and need assistance placing a consult, please use the BSC Affective Disorders chat in Epic. Our team is happy to support you.
2. Initial Screening: A member of our team will complete a brief phone screening to determine an individual's basic eligibility (e.g., age 18 or older, presence of a mood disorder, medical and psychiatric stability). This helps us ensure the program is a good fit before moving forward.
3. Comprehensive Assessment: If eligible, the individual is scheduled for a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment. This includes a structured clinical interview to clarify diagnosis, assess functioning, and determine the appropriate level of care, the Partial Hospitalization Program or Intensive Outpatient Program. If someone is not yet ready for a higher level of care, we collaborate to support their readiness and develop a plan tailored to their current stage of recovery.
4. Treatment Planning: Following assessment, the participant and clinical team co-create an individual treatment plan. This plan may include individual therapy, group programming, medication management, and case management aligned with the participant's goals and values.
5. Program Start: Once admitted, participants begin structured programming at their assigned level of care. This includes daily group sessions, regular individual therapy, and ongoing medication support as needed. The length of stay is unique to the participant and reviewed weekly by the clinical team.
6. Reassessment and Step-Down Planning: We assess clinical needs regularly to verify that care is appropriate and uses standard symptom measures. Participants may step down to a lower level of care or transition to aftercare support when they're ready. We reassess biweekly to inform our clinical decision-making and support a participant's smooth transition through the continuum of services.

We recognize that navigating mental health disorders can be complex without support. The sites below provide information and resources for mental health support:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Mood Disorders Overview
  Covers symptoms, treatment, and recovery strategies for depression and bipolar disorder.
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Provides downloadable brochures and symptom guides for:
• Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
  Includes educational materials, support groups, and wellness tools.

What insurance do you accept?
Currently we accept Medicare, Medicaid, and a variety of commercial insurances.

What if I'm not sure whether I (or someone I'm helping) have a mood disorder? Do I need a formal diagnosis before I can be assessed?
You don't need a formal diagnosis to begin assessment. If you (or someone you're helping) are experiencing mental health symptoms and you're concerned about a possible mood disorder, our team can help. We perform a comprehensive clinical evaluation to determine whether a mood disorder is present, and we assess the appropriate level of care. If our program is not the right fit for you, we offer tailored referrals to connect you with services that best meet your needs.

I'm a provider, and I'm not sure if a patient is a good referral to your program. Who can I ask?
Our team is happy to discuss a patient's circumstances and help you understand if our program can best meet their needs. You can contact the team by calling 713-500-4500. You may also contact our team on Epic Chat via BSC Affective Disorders. If we are not the right fit, we provide alternative referral options.

I don't have transportation. What options are available?
We can assist with bus vouchers or transportation by van. We provide hospital van transportation based on pick-up location and current van availability. If your insurance covers medical transportation, the intensive case manager can help you set this up.

Where do I park?
If you drive to treatment, you must park either in the secured TMC lot, which charges an hourly rate. When parking for IOP (3-4 hours) you can anticipate a cost of $12 per day. For PHP, you can anticipate a cost of $15 per day. Alternatively, there is on-street parking, which is unsecured with limited availability. The TMC lot is located at 2800 S. Macgregor Way, Houston, TX 77021.