Payson Roundup | Payson, AZ

Horizon Human Services has been providing for clients in the Rim Country since 1996. It started with vocational rehabilitation for the developmentally disabled. In 2003 it added day services for this special population. Now, it is working with Cempatico Behavioral Health Services of Arizona to provide mental health counseling for all residents.

The counseling center is at 600 E Highway 260, Suite 8, Payson (Mario's Borgata). It will be offering the services to adults, children and families, said Fred Karst, chief operating officer.

In addition to providing outpatient counseling, Horizon is contracted by the Department of Economic Security for the Arizona Families in Recovery Succeeding Together (F.I.R.S.T.), behavioral health support and a 24-hour crisis line.

Behavioral health support takes services into the home, bringing assistance, education and socializing opportunities. It also provides parenting skills training.

The crisis help line is available at any time, 1 (866) 495-6735.

The new Horizon facility is up and running, but three additional staff members are to be added, with more brought on as the needs of the community dictate, Karst said.

"The majority of our clients will be on AHCCCS, but we take most insurances and people can self-refer," he said.

Horizon Human Services has been working in Arizona for more than 30 years and has been in Gila County for about 15 years.

"Cempatico uses the phrase ‘voice and choice' to describe its philosophy. It believes consumers should have a choice in the kind of mental health services available to them. And we are now one of those choices in the Rim Country," Karst said.

"We're excited to be expanding and serving the community more," he said.

An open house will be held at the new center before the end of October to introduce the services and staff to the community.

The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and after hours by appointment.