The Highland Counseling Center was opened with the purpose of providing accessible and affordable mental, emotional, and relational help for Highland members and the community of Abilene.
Highland Counseling Center is a professional counseling practice and a Church-based ministry. Our counselors/therapists are local professionals who collaborate with us to provide exceptional care at a convenient location and an affordable price. Each counselor has a Master’s Degree in the field of Marriage & Family Therapy and is either fully licensed or provisionally licensed as a counselor in the state of Texas. Many of our practitioners have other practice locations but agree to meet with our referrals at 238 Sayles Boulevard. It is our goal to create the most effective therapeutic relationship by choosing the particular professional(s) within the practice that will best meet each individual client’s needs.
While the counselors at Highland Counseling Center may have different approaches to treatment, utilizing a variety of techniques, theories and interventions, they all share in their belief in Jesus Christ as our Savior. Our belief that all healing counsel flows through Christ is the overriding influence of our counseling ministry. We believe in a holistic approach and the importance of psychological, emotional, relational, spiritual, and physical health and healing. It is not essential that you share your counselor’s Christian faith, but you have the right to know that their value assumptions are rooted in their faith and influenced by their experiences. We encourage you to discuss with your counselor his or her background and training before your proceed with counseling to ensure you are comfortable and confident in him or her.
Restoration comes in many forms at the counseling center. We offer help for a range of needs, including:
- Premarital counseling
- Marriage counseling
- Family therapy
- Divorce recovery + Adjustment
- Unhealthy coping mechanisms
- Sexual abuse trauma
- Grief counseling
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Self Exploration
Other Counseling Center Offerings
Sexaholics Anonymous
Sexaholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem of lust, sex and pornography addiction and help others to recover. This is a closed group that follows the 12-step tradition. For weekly meeting time and information, click the button below or call (325) 704-8847.
Online Therapy
Technology assisted therapy, or online therapy is becoming increasingly more common because of its convenience and accessibility. Technology assisted therapy sessions utilize live video through a secure (HIPAA Compliant) platform. Online therapy could be a beneficial option for a stay at home parent during nap time, a client with limited time to leave their office during the day, or a couple or individual who might prefer the comforts of their own home for their therapy session.
If you are interested in online individual or couples counseling, please let us know so we can discuss with you if this would be a good fit to meet your mental health and relational needs.
Resources for Counseling Center
PODCASTS
That Relationship Show (For Couples)
Apple PodcastsSpotify podcasts
Foreplay Radio (For Couples)
Apple PodcastsSpotify podcastsWebsite
Meditative Story (For Anyone Who Needs More Peace & Calm)
Apple PodcastsSpotify podcasts
Unlocking Us by Brene Brown
Apple PodcastsSpotify podcasts
The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman
Apple PodcastsSpotify podcast
Fun Therapy by Mike Foster (Resources, Meditations, & Podcast)
Apple PodcastsSpotify podcastswebsite
Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick
BOOKS
Try Softer: A Fresh Approach to Move Us out of Anxiety, Stress, and Survival Mode--and into a Life of Connection and Joy by Aundi Kolber
Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brene Brown
Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation by Ruth Haley Barton
Invitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God's Transforming Presence by Ruth Haley Barton
Other Resources
Face COVID: How to Respond Effectively to the Corona Crisis
The Story of the Oyster & the Butterfly: The Corona Virus and Me
Counseling Center Staff
Highland Counseling Center
238 Sayles Boulevard, Abilene Texas 79605
(325) 201-3030
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risks and benefits of therapy?
Research studies repeatedly demonstrate the effectiveness of marriage and family therapy in treating the full range of mental and emotional disorders and health problems. Clients report marked improvement in work productivity, co-worker relationships, family relationships, partner relationships, emotional health, overall health, social life, and community involvement. Other benefits of counseling you may experience are improvements in your general mood; increased self-esteem and self-confidence; increased ability to set realistic goals and accomplish them; increased ability to manage stressful life circumstances; increased ability to manage strong emotional reactions such as anger, fear, or sadness; increased ability to trust, feel close to, and communicate your feelings, thoughts, and needs more openly to others; and an increased ability to stop behaviors that are not serving you well and start engaging in healthier behaviors.
A few risks associated with therapy and counseling include: some feelings or behaviors may seem to get worse, especially in the beginning; important people in your life may not support your decision to be in therapy; and you may develop strong positive feelings for your counselor and feel sad or distressed when therapy ends. Effective therapy is sometimes uncomfortable as sensitive issues may need to be explored or challenged. You are strongly encouraged to discuss any fears, concerns, or doubts you have with your counselor, including specific risks and benefits not listed that may be associated with your situation. Every effort will be made to support your personal needs.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Initial appointment inquiries are made by calling The Highland Counseling Center at (325) 201-3030.
Do you accept insurance? How much does it cost?
We do not accept insurance at this time. However, we can provide a detailed receipt for those who would like to file on their own. The counseling center uses a sliding scale based upon annual income to calculate fees. We work hard to provide options that keep finances from being a barrier to help.
What should I expect in a therapy session?
Typically, a counselor will allot approximately 45-50 minutes for each session. During sessions, the primary goal is to establish a trusting relationship that is honest and genuine in nature and purposed for the client’s individual growth and positive change in emotional well-being. Additionally, in order to protect the client-practitioner relationship and ensure that it is a professional one, the practitioner will focus sessions solely on the client, and every effort will be made for the contact between practitioner and client to be limited to session time only. Since Highland Counseling Center is a church-based ministry your counselor may attend your church or be at local functions. Contact in these situations should be limited in order to protect the integrity of the therapeutic relationship.