Cardiologist Dr. Paulraj Samuel is teaming up with Mosaics, a nonprofit connecting people to mental health services before symptoms spiral into physical distress.
HOUSTON — Cardiologist Dr. Paulraj Samuel has spent more than a decade treating patients for heart-related concerns.
“Cardiovascular disease remains the number one killer of adults in America and globally,” said Dr. Samuel.
At one point he started seeing a shift. Patients were coming in with symptoms that looked like heart problems but often the root cause was something else.
“Feeling things like their heart racing or shortness of breath or some degree of tightness in their chest. Of course, in many, many cases, these can be things that are showing up because of primary cardiovascular disease,” Samuel said. “Just in talking to them in our clinic, that maybe there were bigger issues going on that related to anxiety, depression.”
Samuel wanted to help but realized he didn’t have a clear place to refer them. That’s what led him to Mosaics, a non-profit that connects people to mental health support.
“It became immediately clear to me that this was something that I need to be able to access for the benefit of my patients,” Samuel said.
He now serves on their board.
“Our goal is providing intervention and prevention before and after a crisis to ensure that people get to where they need to go,” said Mosaics Executive Director Jamie Freels Runey.
From crisis calls to general guidance, Mosaics takes the time to listen and then walk people through what comes next. Last year alone they helped more than 3,500 people access mental health services.
“So many times individuals don’t know how to navigate it, and they’re calling and leaving messages and not getting return calls back and mental health can get serious very quickly, Runey said.
Their team is made up of experts who know how to match people with the right care.
“They’re all licensed clinicians who know the right questions to ask and can hear what an individual needs and knows what level of care or services that are appropriate,” Runey said.
And it’s not just about finding any provider it’s about finding the right one.
“Sometimes we’ve made up to 20 calls to find the right provider for a person that calls them for services,” said Mosaics Lead Family Navigator Staci Rea.
And they follow up to make sure people actually get seen.
“If they call those providers within 48 hours, they’ll be able to get an appointment. Then in 72 hours after that, we’re following up to ensure where you connected,” said Runey. “If not, do you need additional resources? What can we do to support you?”
To bring a personal touch to every case, Mosaics sends out a heart-shaped token to each person they help.
“They’re synonymous with mosaics. They represent how life happens. And there’s broken pieces and how beautifully we can put those pieces back together,” Rea said.
Samuel says ignoring mental health needs can take a physical toll and partnering with Mosaics helps him get patients the support they need.
“We have a database that has over 1,900 verified providers, around the Houston, Montgomery County, Walker County, Grimes County and Waller County area,” Runey said.
Beyond referrals, their mission is clear end the stigma and care for both the mind and body.