Leah Walker Email & Phone Number

Merridell Achievement Center, located in Liberty Hill, Texas, has been providing specialized residential treatment for children and adolescents since 1961. For over 60 years, we have served youth with a wide range of behavioral and emotional challenges in the greater Austin area. Our programs include gender-affirming care, with both traditional behavioral and neurobehavioral treatments designed for individuals aged 10 to 17. Originally a rural community, Liberty Hill has evolved into a thriving northwest suburb of Austin, offering convenient access to the city center and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.Clinical Rotation (40 hours)-Patient assessments: Conduct mental health assessments, observe mood, behavior, and thought patterns, and assess suicide risk.-Therapeutic communication: Use active listening and therapeutic communication techniques to build rapport with patients.-Assist in leading or observing group therapy sessions and psychoeducation classes.

Austin, Texas, United States

Austin, St. David’s Medical Center includes a 371-bed acute care hospital and a 64-bed rehabilitation hospital providing diverse services from women's care to advanced surgeries. The center is also home to the region’s largest Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the internationally renowned Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute and St. David’s Neuroscience & Spine Institute.Clinical Rotation on Medical-Surgery Unit. (80 hours)-Patient assessments: Perform comprehensive head-to-toe assessments, monitor vital signs (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation), assess pain levels, and report any abnormal findings or changes in patient condition to the supervising nurse.-Medication administration: Safely administer medications, including oral and topical under supervision, double-check dosages, monitor for side effects, and ensure timely documentation of administered medications.-Patient care: Assist patients with personal hygiene (bathing, oral care), mobility (helping with ambulation, repositioning), daily living activities (feeding, toileting), and ensure comfort, while maintaining skin integrity and preventing pressure ulcers.

Rock Springs is committed to transforming behavioral health services and addressing the critical challenge of access to quality care for mental illness and addiction. By collaborating with patients, families, healthcare providers, and communities, we aim to increase access to care, integrate behavioral and medical healthcare, and provide high-quality, evidence-based treatment. Core values include—compassion, respect, safety, quality, and innovation— our mission to improve lives, destigmatize mental illness, and reduce the impact of addiction.Clinical rotation (40 hours)-Patient assessments: Observe and assess patients’ mental health status, behavior, and emotional well-being.-Therapeutic communication: Engage in therapeutic conversations, using empathy and active listening to support patient recovery.-Group participation: Facilitate or observe group therapy sessions and psychoeducation classes.