As of 2023, the state of Texas is among the lowest ranked for mental health, according to a report from national nonprofit Mental Health America.
In addition to a low overall ranking, Texas came 51st in access to care, which accounts for insurance, treatment, quality, cost, special education, and the ratio of health care providers against the population.
One local counseling center is hoping to be part of making mental health care more accessible for the Lubbock community.
Kristi Hosek is the founder and CEO of Journeys Counseling Center, which cut the ribbon on its new facility Thursday afternoon.
When Hosek began her private practice in Lubbock in 2010, she said she quickly noticed a major need in the community.
“An office such as ours,” Hosek said. “An office with one phone number that any client of any age could call and get a hold of multiple providers. And easily get access to counseling.”
Over the years, she brought on more therapists and expanded coverage, before eventually rebranding as Journeys Counseling Center in 2018.
Today, with 16 therapists, Journeys is the largest multi-disciplinary counseling center in Lubbock, meaning the counselors have different specialties, including depression, career counseling, PTSD, behavioral issues in children, and more. Hosek described the center as a “one-stop shop” and said having a diverse group of providers and focuses was a priority. The providers themselves cover a wide range of genders, ages, and specialties.
“We have someone for everyone,” Hosek said.
Journeys has individual counseling for anyone 5 and older, as well as counseling for couples and families.
Accessibility continues to be a primary goal of the center.
It can be discouraging for someone who is seeking help to call three different individual counselors and not find one that fits their needs, Hosek said at that point a lot of people give up
Making the process easier will allow more people to get counseling, she explained.
Journeys’ office has four administrative workers who answer phone calls and questions, both for current clients and for those seeking guidance. People can call with questions on where to start, how to find a counselor, and about pricing.
Journeys is open six days a week, including Saturdays, and has extended hours on weekdays.
Hosek said her team strives to create a welcoming and comfortable counseling environment. She described Journeys style as “modern.”
Counseling at Journeys is unique to each individual and guided by the client.
“Nobody that comes in here has the same story, has the same background, has the same future,” Hosek said.
She described Journeys’ approach to counseling as a “teamwork process.”
For those who may be hesitant to seek mental health care, Hosek stressed that they are not alone and said Journeys sees at least 400 clients a week.
Hosek’s other main advice was not to wait until you’re in crisis to seek help and that a person does not have to be in a dire situation to seek counseling. She said many people come in for life changes and adjustments.
“You are helping yourself by coming to counseling,” Hosek said. “Sometimes it just helps to talk to a neutral person and hear some of the skills that we know, that we’ve learned over years of counseling.”
Journeys Counseling Center’s new location is now open at 4703 S Loop 289, Lubbock, Texas 79424.