New Horizons

Geriatric counselingADULT COUNSELING SERVICES

Help is Nearby

Individuals experiencing troublesome mental health symptoms now have convenient access to for mental health treatment. The New Horizons Program, available at Yoakum Community Hospital, is designed to address a significant need in our community for those who are experiencing difficult behavior, mental, emotional, and/or physical changes that are impacting their quality of life. New Horizons at Yoakum Community Hospital provides a mental health assessment and appropriate interventions for these individuals.

Assessment Process

Our clinical team will assess and develop a treatment plan that will address mental health and psychosocial stressors affecting the individual’s quality of life.  We encourage family involvement in the assessment process, as it is a critical part of accurately diagnosing and treating mental health issues. The assessment does not require a referral from your primary care physician.

Treatment Programs

The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed to assist patients age 50 years and above who need relief from emotional or personal distress, such as:

  • Social Withdrawal
  • Grief
  • Depression
  • Mild Cognitive Decline
  • Acute Memory Impairment
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Psychosis
  • Mood Changes
  • Unfounded Fears and Anxiety
  • Caregiver Burnout and Stress

This program provides six to nine hours per week of intensive treatment for those with mental health needs. Our treatment team, consisting of a psychiatrist, nurses, and social workers, provides each patient with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary assessment and individually tailored treatment plan. A doctor referral is not required for this program.

The New Horizons Inpatient Program provides a brief, intensive service within the general hospital setting for patients age 50 years and above who may be experiencing more severe mental health symptoms. A psychiatric evaluation by our psychiatrist is available as part of this program. A doctor referral is required for this service.

Individual Counseling is available for adults with less severe symptoms.  Counseling allows individuals to explore their feelings, beliefs, and behaviors, work through challenging or influential memories, identify aspects of their lives that they would like to change, better understand themselves and others, set personal goals, and work toward desired change.  These individualized sessions are led by an experienced social worker.

F.A.Q.

How will I pay for treatment? 
Medicare, Medicaid, and supplementary insurances are accepted. Assistance is available for those who qualify. Most private insurances cover this service.

What if I can’t drive?
Rural transit is available free of charge for those who qualify.

Are the elderly at risk for suicide? 
Untreated depression in the elderly has led to multiple recent suicides in this treatment area.


New Horizons Staff:

Stephanie Lerch, RN | Program Director
(361) 293-2321, ext. 464

Sara Konvicka, LCSW | Social Worker
(361) 293-2321, ext. 140

Chrissy Wagner, LMSW | Social Worker
(361) 293-2321, ext. 463

Desire’e Peagler, LVN – Patient Advocate
(361) 293-2321, ext. 576