Emergence Health Network Revs Up A Game-Changing Approach to Mental Healthcare

Emergence Health Network (EHN) is redefining how mental healthcare is delivered in Texas. As the first organization in the state to deploy Vandoit innovative mobile healthcare units, EHN is leading the way in providing accessible, high-quality mental health services when and where people need them the most.

By integrating mobile clinics with advanced telehealth and mobile dispatch tools, EHN is shaping the future of mental healthcare—wherever people are. It’s with this vision in mind that the organization embarked on a partnership with Netsmart and Vandoit to bring care directly to people in a way that addresses gaps in the traditional healthcare system.

Problem: Expanding Access to Mental Healthcare in Texas

Despite being one of the largest states in the U.S., many areas in Texas—particularly rural regions—face significant barriers to accessing mental health services. EHN wanted to reach individuals who struggled with access to care due to distance, stigmas or limited local resources. Moreover, they sought a solution that could help alleviate the pressure on emergency rooms by providing psychiatric crisis services outside of the traditional healthcare setting.

“Part of our vision is to maximize our healthcare system from an emergency care perspective and ensure we don’t have individuals sitting in trauma or emergency room beds who don’t need to be there”, said Kristi Daugherty, Emergence Health Network CEO.

EHN's goal was clear: deliver timely, effective care directly to those in need, without overburdening emergency facilities or forcing patients to navigate long wait times. A tall order, even for Texas. This was where the need for a mobile solution equipped with a robust suite of technology became clear. 

Solution: Mobile Healthcare Units With Integrated Technology

EHN found the perfect solution in Vandoit, a Netsmart third-party partner that builds mobile healthcare units. These specially designed mobile healthcare vehicles are equipped with Netsmart technology solutions that support mental health services on the go—whether in a remote rural area or a busy urban center.

By integrating Vandoit mobile healthcare units with Netsmart telehealth solutions and Netsmart CareRouter, EHN will be able to take their services beyond traditional clinic walls. CareRouter is a purpose-built solution that increases speed to care, tracks and efficiently routes mobile teams in the field, and enables secure exchange of clinical data to provide care teams with the right information and support regardless of where they deliver care. This setup not only allows providers to offer in-person mental healthcare in various locations but also brings a more integrated approach to care, combining in-person services with virtual support.

As Daugherty put it, “We knew we needed to get creative. It’s important for us to take our services to the situation, rather than have the person come find us.”

Expected Results: A Transformative Impact on Mental Healthcare Delivery

"I'm super excited to see the impact we’re going to have with four tires," said Daugherty. "To look at it from that way—we’ve got four tires on the ground, but how many lives are we going to impact?"

The Vandoit mobile healthcare units aim to make it easier for EHN to carry out their mission: to offer care where it’s needed most, improving both access and outcomes for individuals facing mental health challenges. With Vandoit’s innovation and the support of integrated Netsmart technology, EHN is setting a new standard for mobile mental healthcare in Texas.

By equipping their mobile units with cutting-edge technology and taking mental healthcare directly to individuals, Emergence Health Network is demonstrating how forward-thinking partnerships can shape the future of healthcare.

“Connection is the first word that comes to mind when we think about mobile access to care,” Daugherty proclaimed. “It’s also one of our service standards.” Through this collaboration with Netsmart and Vandoit, Emergence Health Network is out in front of the pack, making that connection more accessible than ever.