Diagnosing and treating mental illness keeps me current, well informed and effective in my teaching role with both undergraduate and graduate students. It also helps me better understand the challenges faced by our physician colleagues.

Theresa Raphael-Grimm, PhD, PMHCNS

The Taking Care of Our Own Program (TCOOO) is a unique initiative aimed at the care of a patient population that sometimes goes unnoticed: providers themselves. Medical staff often put others first, sometimes leaving their own needs unmet. The resulting mental health issues, like burnout, anxiety, and mood changes, can impact caregivers both personally and professionally. TCOOO, which is based in the UNC School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry, provides services to all UNC Healthcare system practitioners, faculty and staff who might need wellness or mental health care.

School of Nursing Professor Theresa Raphael-Grimm acts as the Associate Director of the TCOOO and also practices as a psychotherapist. Raphael-Grimm also facilitates Schwartz Rounds, an interprofessional education activity that brings providers together and creates a space for candid conversations about the challenges and joys of working in the medical sphere.