Choosing the Right Behavioral Health Specialist in Lamesa, Texas

How Our Environment Affects Access to Behavioral Health in Lamesa, Texas

With a predominantly Hispanic population (62%) in an already small community, seeking help in Lamesa, Texas, is no easy feat. The Hispanic community faces different barriers when it comes to accessing mental health care, including lack of health insurance and language. However, the biggest challenge to tackle is stigma around mental health issues. In 2017, a survey revealed that close to 70% of Hispanic respondents believed that mental health issues were caused by a “personal weakness or failing.” 

Because there are so many barriers to behavioral health access, professionals in rural areas like Lamesa, Texas, for example, the staff at South Plains Rural Health Services are stepping up to foster a behaviorally healthy community. Our bilingual and bicultural doctors and nurses offer comprehensive behavioral health services in Lamesa so that the community can prosper alongside you. 

🤲 Learn more: Is It Time to Seek Counseling Services in Texas? 

What to Consider When Choosing a Behavioral Specialist in Lamesa, Texas

1. Specialization and Expertise

A dedicated space where you can find support through multiple points of contact can secure an environment where you will prosper. If you are dealing with mental health and substance (ab)use disorders, life stressors, crises, and stres–induced symptoms, you want to find a center where they can offer comprehensive behavioral health services in Lamesa to address not only your symptoms, but the root cause of the issue.

2. Cultural Competency

Seeking behavioral health counseling is more than sitting down discussing your issues with a professional. Your feelings about the person sitting across from you are essential to a positive journey, being that you cannot possibly open up to someone if you are not comfortable with them. Because of that, you ideally want to find a healthcare professional who understands your cultural background, values and belief system. When the professional can relate and comprehend the cultural implications of what you are expressing, you can feel better supported throughout your mental health journey. With the population in Lamesa, Texas, being so diverse, you want to find specialists that can understand your cultural background to provide effective services. 

3. Treatment Approach

Different therapists use various therapeutic approaches. Some common methods include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused therapies. Research these approaches or ask potential providers about their treatment methods to ensure they align with your preferences.

What to Ask Your Provider

Consider asking these important questions:

• How do you measure progress in treatment?
• What can I expect from our first few sessions?
• How do you handle crisis situations or urgent needs?
• Do you coordinate care with other healthcare providers if needed?
• What are your policies regarding appointment cancellations and missed sessions?

🚩 Mind the Red Flags

Be cautious of providers who guarantee quick fixes, push expensive treatments, don’t respect your boundaries, seem judgmental, or don’t explain their treatment approach clearly. Trust your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to seek care elsewhere.