Mental Health Matters
Dr. Kristine Muñoz Glass Advances Mental Health Care in Our Borderplex
U.S. Navy veteran is committed to innovation in psychiatric care and physician wellness
Kristine Muñoz Glass, M.D., served seven years in the U.S. Navy as a psychiatric medical officer. After her active-duty service, she became a community psychiatrist in San Diego, and eventually returned to her hometown of El Paso, where she delivered psychiatric care for veterans for eight years. Today, that valuable experience is benefiting her patients at Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso.
"I encourage patients to ask questions and share any concerns they may have," said Dr. Glass. "My goal is to create a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to seek the psychiatric care they deserve."
Her extensive background in military and veteran mental health care uniquely positions her to address the complex needs of patients in our Borderplex, a medically underserved area. During her time in the Navy, she held leadership roles including department head of psychiatry and medical director of a substance clinic. Dr. Glass was also the sole psychiatrist on base for a year and a half.
Transformative Approaches to Psychiatric Care
Dr. Glass offers a holistic and patient-centered approach to psychiatry. She has board certifications in psychiatry and addiction medicine, a life coach certification and expertise in perinatal (pregnancy and post-partum) mental health. She cultivates meaningful collaborations between patients and providers, ensuring care is both evidence-based and aligned with patient preferences.
A key initiative in her work is her recently awarded grant through the Texas Mental Health Care Consortium. This grant supports her research into the effectiveness of life coaching programs for physicians as a means of reducing burnout and improving retention rates. Through this research, she hopes to strengthen a sustainable mental health workforce in the region.
In addition to her practice at Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso, Dr. Glass serves as an assistant professor in Texas Tech Health El Paso’s Department of Psychiatry at Transmountain.
"It’s an incredible privilege to work alongside and help shape the next generation of health care heroes," said Dr. Glass. "Their passion and commitment give me hope for the future of mental health care in our community."
Passion for Psychiatry
Dr. Glass’s passion for psychiatry is rooted in her upbringing in El Paso, where she witnessed the challenges of accessing mental health care through a family member’s experience.
Now, as a psychiatrist, she advocates for improvements in mental health and finds fulfillment in helping her patients receive the care they need to improve their quality of life.
Dr. Glass sees patients at Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso’s Alberta and Transmountain locations. To make an appointment at TTP El Paso at Alberta, call 915-215-5850. To make an appointment at TTP El Paso at Transmountain, call 915-215-8400.
About Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso
Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso is the clinical practice of the Foster School of Medicine. It’s the region’s largest multispecialty medical group practice, with over 250 specialists providing world-class patient care for the entire family at several locations across El Paso, while also providing a hands-on learning space for Texas Tech Health El Paso resident physicians and students. For more information, visit ttpelpaso.com.
About Texas Tech Health El Paso
Texas Tech Health El Paso serves 108 rural counties in West Texas and is a federally designated Hispanic-serving institution dedicated to preparing the next generation of health care heroes. Established as an independent university in 2013, Texas Tech Health El Paso is a uniquely innovative destination for medical, nursing, biomedical sciences and dental education.
With a focus on excellence in health care education, research, and clinical service, Texas Tech Health El Paso has graduated over 2,400 professionals over the past decade, and will include dental graduates beginning in 2025. For more information, visit ttuhscepimpact.org.