HOTBHN services grow in county

Behavioral Health Network moves office to Clifton

• The Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network recently expanded its services in Bosque County by opening an office in Clifton. The Clifton Chamber of Commerce welcomed the new office with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, February 7. Nathan Diebenow | Meridian Tribune
• HOTBHN services grow in county
• HOTBHN services grow in county
• HOTBHN services grow in county
• Sharing gratitude and excitement for the new Bosque County office of the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network in Clifton were (from left) HOTBHN CEO Kevin Thompson, Bosque County Judge Cindy Vanlandingham, HOTBHN’s Board Secretary Jimmie Lou Lewis, and Clifton Chamber of Commerce President Paige Key on Wednesday, February 7. Nathan Diebenow | Meridian Tribune

The Bosque County office of the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network is now open in Clifton.

The six HOTBHN staff members were welcomed with a ribbon-cutting by the Clifton Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, February 7.

Daniel Thompson, Executive Director/ CEO of HOTBHN, said the organization plans to stay in Bosque County for the long haul in this newly renovated facility.

“When I first came to HOTBHN, I promised former Bosque County Judge Don Pool that we would move towards expanding services within Bosque County so that citizens could receive more services closer to home,” Thompson said. “Promise fulfilled.”

Thompson thanked local realtor Sydney Carlisle for assisting with finding this space as well as Intrepid Design and K4 Construction for renovating the building.

“These guys came through,” he said. Bosque County Judge Cindy Vanlandingham expressed her gratitude for HOTBHN and its services in Bosque County.

“We’re so blessed to have the services provided by the Heart of Texas Behavioral Network here in Bosque County. It’s my sincere pleasure to be a part of the ribbon cutting ceremony here at the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network Center Bosque County Office,” she said.

The judge added, “The services as well as the staff provided by BHN are a godsend, affecting the lives of individuals beginning at birth through childhood and adulthood touching not only the intellectual development, disabilities, substance abuse disorders, veterans’ services, and so much more.

HOTBHN Board of Trustees Secretary Jimmie Lou Lewis of Bosque County said she was proud that the new facility would be more visible to the public, a fix in the making during the 13 years she has served on the board.

“One of my largest concerns was that no one knew about it, including me. I didn’t even know it existed until I got on the board,” she said. “It’s just exciting to know that we have this to help people.”

Clifton Chamber of Commerce President Paige Key thanked the group for attending before introducing Chamber Ambassador Joann Gloff who read a proclamation and led the ribbon cutting.

Present for the ribbon cutting were several members of HOTBHN’s board of trustees Dennis Wilson, Josh Porter, Michelle Hicks, Josh Blake, and CEO Daniel Thompson.

Also present were Chief Regulatory Officer Ralph Whaite, Adult Behavioral Health Services Director Jennifer Higginbotham, and Klaras Center Director Ron Kimbell.

Vince Erickson, Community and Governmental Relations Director, invited the guests to partake in refreshments inside as they toured the facility.

“As you see when you take the tour, we kept the spirit of this building. A lot of work went into this... because we love being here in Bosque County. We’re here with you,” Erickson said.

Megan Maxwell, LCSW-S, LPHA, HOTBHN Adult Mental Health Program Director, said that the office moved from its previous location in Meridian because its staff and clients in Bosque County needed more space to operate.

HOTBHN will no longer utilize the location, which Bosque County owns, she said.

“The move was official on October 30, 2023, and services resumed on the same day. There was never a lapse in care,” Maxwell said.

Services

HOTBHN offers a variety of services to child/adolescent and adult consumers during its hours of operation, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., at 110 South Avenue D in historic downtown Clifton.

The services offered include mental health intake/admissions, MHMR psychiatric services, mental health outpatient, mental health case management, intake and continuity of service for developmental disabilities, and Klaras Children’s Center ECI.

The admissions unit also has open access in Waco at the Clifton Street Clinic located at 1200 Clifton Street, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Later assessment times are available by appointment.

About HOTBHN

In December 2021, the Heart of Texas Region MHMR Center began doing business as the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network (HOTBHN).

At the same time, the center also earned Texas Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) status.

The center employs around 450 full and parttime staff, and is governed by a nine-member Board of Trustees appointed by county commissioners.

In 1968, local taxing authority established the center, which is currently sponsored by Bosque, Hill, Limestone, and McLennan Counties.

The center services Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, McLennan Counties, under contracts with federal, state, and other entities to individuals with a mental illness and/or a developmental disability identified as a priority population. The center also serves developmentally delayed children.

The mental/behavioral health and IDD services the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network offers are funded by the State of Texas, local government, and consumers who can pay.

“The center will not turn you away from services because you cannot pay for them. The amount that the center charges for services is based on your ability to pay. How we decide your ability to pay is fair and is the same for everyone. We will show you the way we did it and answer your questions,” the HOTBHN website stated.

For more information about charges for services, visit its website at www. hotbhn.org. Call toll-free for all services at (866) 752-3451.