Lamb Behavioral Health Center has been serving the mental health needs of our community for over a decade. As we wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month, we’ll reminisce about our history and share some insights for wherever you find yourself on your mental health journey.

In the Beginning

LBHC began as a side job, providing mental health services to a few local church members. In a mental health shortage area, providing therapy to a few fellow congregants gave much-needed support that prevented them from having to travel or remain on a long waiting list for psychological services.

As we saw the need for therapy in the area, we began to dive into all that is necessary to establish a business. Insurance, office space, business bank accounts, official business name, taxes—let’s just say a double major in business would be a great suggestion for those interested in becoming a licensed psychologist! In addition to all this, Dr. Lamb was teaching at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville. It was a busy time for the Lamb family. We all pitched in to make things happen, and eventually, they did. Lamb Behavioral Health Center was official!

The Early Years

Our first rented office space consisted of a single room with a closet. Some of you may remember this! The art from that office now resides in one of our therapy rooms. As our reach grew, Dr. Lamb left the university to see patients full-time. Two years in, we were scheduling over 30 patients each week.

As we grew, we needed a waiting area and space to add additional providers. We expanded into the office space that adjoined our original room. Our daughters tested – and approved – the kid’s room. Many of those toys were contributions from their younger years, which helps keep memories alive. The horse pictures in the waiting room, and currently in our main waiting room, were from Dr. Lamb’s grandfather’s experience racing chuck wagons.

As we hired receptionists and providers, we expanded our experiences and our ability to serve our community. Providing work and opportunities for other psychologists (or soon-to-be psychologists) has been a great way to do our part in this shortage area. Most of our receptionist positions at this time were filled by A&M undergrads interested in the mental health field. As for the employee handbook…there is truth to the statement that every rule has a story behind it! New employers as we were, we would not be where we are today without the helping hands of those who contributed to LBHC in one way or another.

Growing

Eventually it came time to move into a bigger office. We spent a while getting the floor plan just so, and the landlord agreed to our design. It was exciting to see the office take shape as our paper plans became therapy rooms! We shopped for furniture, toys, and artwork so each room would be a useful space for our patients. Then we packed up the old office and made the official move.

We continued to grow and recruit providers so we could best serve the mental health needs of the area. We felt it important to keep our providers’ desks in a single workroom environment to foster collaboration. LBHC also began holding regular group supervision sessions in which our providers met under the direction of Dr. Lamb to discuss therapeutic practices and the best ways to accomplish LBHC’s mission. Continued learning and collaboration is essential to hone our craft and provide the most effective, research-based services for our patients.

The Covid pandemic brought about changes, including beginning to offer telehealth services. While there are pros and cons to telehealth vs in-person therapy, we are glad to have this option to accommodate the needs of our patients. Regardless of the format of therapy, all new patients benefit from a streamlined intake process thanks to our growth in the online sphere.

Looking Ahead

What is in store for LBHC? We have been working on expanding our network throughout the community. Look for us at the 3^rd annual Brazos Valley Family Expo on July 18. We also hope to continue growing in the services we offer in addition to therapy. LBHC will offer another semester of our new Homework Helper service this fall. We will continue writing blog posts which we started in January. At the end of the day, our future depends on you – your needs and the needs of the community.  

What Is Your Mental Health Journey?

Like us, your life has probably had its ups and downs, its growth and stagnation, its frustrations and its victories. No matter what walk of life you find yourself in, we are here for you, and we probably have experience serving someone in a similar situation. LBHC has seen straight-A students and students who were flunking out of school. We have seen people with graduate degrees and those who had never stepped foot on a college campus (except maybe to see an Aggie game!). We have seen parents who don’t know anything about child development and parents who are professionals in the education or psychology fields.

In the spirit of mental health awareness, how is your mental health? Do you or someone you love have a chronic condition? What stressors are you facing and how are you coping with them? What brings you joy in life? Who is in your support system? How do you approach obstacles, large or small?

Take a moment to ponder your journey, where you are today, and what your future holds. If the current state of your journey is not to your liking, what adjustments can you make? Exchange bad habits for more positive activities. Find someone to serve. Make a new friend. Strengthen a family relationship. Make sure your journey is taking you where you want to go.

Mental Health Awareness: Conclusion

You have probably noticed our fondness for lighthouses. You see a lighthouse featured on our website’s home page, in our logo header, and on several pages within the website. Why?

Lighthouses symbolize hope. When the night is dark, when harsh waves threaten, when rocky obstacles loom, a lighthouse provides unwavering light. The light that shines from these towers helps sailors navigate the dangerous conditions they face. Vacationing tourists climb the hill to lighthouse towers all along the coastline. This is not just for exercise but to see the breathtaking view of the beach, the rocks, and the endless sea. Whether you feel like a vacationing tourist or a storm-tossed sailor on your mental health journey, we at LBHC remind you there is always hope.

Contact us if you or your loved one needs help navigating life’s challenges.

If you found this post helpful, please share it with a friend! Thank you!

Post written by LBHC Staff Writer

Please note posts are educational in nature and are not intended to replace psychological services when needed.