As Hays County continues to grow at one of the fastest rates in Texas, local leaders are investing in resources designed to help residents navigate one of the most pressing public health challenges facing communities today: mental health.

The Hays County Health Department announced a new partnership with CredibleMind, a digital mental health and wellness platform that will provide free access to personalized, science-backed resources for the county’s more than 300,000 residents. The initiative is aimed at expanding access to preventive mental health tools and supporting community members before challenges escalate into crises.

For families balancing work and home responsibilities, students facing academic pressures, older adults navigating life transitions, and residents simply looking for ways to improve their overall well-being, county officials say the platform offers an additional pathway to support.

Expanding Behavioral Health Resources in Hays County

Mental health services continue to be in high demand nationwide, and local governments are increasingly exploring innovative ways to connect residents with resources. Through the partnership, Hays County residents will gain access to more than 10,000 evidence-based articles, videos, assessments, self-care tools, and educational resources covering topics such as stress, anxiety, depression, sleep, relationships, resilience, and overall wellness.

“Our community members deserve accessible and efficient ways to find resources that support their wellbeing,” said Matthew Gonzales, Hays County Health Department Director. “The formal partnership between CredibleMind and Hays County is one of many steps taken by the Hays County Commissioners Court and Health Department to expand meaningful behavioral health resources for our community.”

Founded in 2018 by public health professionals Deryk Van Brunt, DrPH, and Marcos Athanasoulis, DrPH, CredibleMind was created to help organizations deliver trusted mental health information while promoting early intervention and prevention. The platform also provides analytics that help organizations better understand community needs and resource utilization.

Building on Existing Community Wellness Efforts

The new partnership complements ongoing behavioral health initiatives led by the Hays County Health Department. The department coordinates behavioral health services throughout the county and works with local organizations, healthcare providers, schools, and community stakeholders to strengthen access to care.

Among those efforts is the work led by Behavioral Health Coordinator Dr. Isabella “Izzy” Vigil, PhD, whose role focuses on expanding behavioral health systems, increasing access to services, and developing community-based mental health programs.

Recent initiatives have included the Hays County Resource Directory, community wellness events, cross-sector partnerships, and the implementation of Behavioral Health 360, all designed to improve awareness and accessibility of behavioral health resources across the county.

As population growth continues throughout communities such as San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, Dripping Springs, Wimberley, and surrounding areas, county leaders say ensuring residents can easily find support remains a priority.

A First Step Toward Support

Officials emphasize that CredibleMind is not intended to replace professional counseling, clinical treatment, or emergency mental health services. Instead, it serves as an accessible starting point for individuals seeking information, self-help tools, and connections to local resources.

“We are facing a mental health crisis in our country, and the demand for mental health services is higher than ever,” said Deryk Van Brunt, CEO of CredibleMind. “We are thrilled to partner with the Hays County Health Department and provide on-demand, reliable self-care and mental health resources to help community members improve their overall well-being and flourish.”

The platform is available at hayscountytx.crediblemind.com, where residents can explore personalized mental health and wellness content at no cost.

What This Means for Residents

For many residents, finding reliable mental health information can be overwhelming. By offering a centralized, evidence-based resource tailored to local needs, Hays County hopes to make support easier to access while encouraging a proactive approach to mental wellness.

The partnership reflects a broader effort by county leaders to invest in preventive health strategies that support quality of life, strengthen community resilience, and help residents access the tools they need to thrive.

As Hays County continues to evolve, initiatives like this aim to ensure that growth is accompanied by investments in the health and well-being of the people who call the community home.

Residents can access the new platform at hayscountytx.crediblemind.com and learn more about county services at hayscountytx.gov.

For continued coverage of Hays County programs, public health initiatives, and community developments, stay tuned to My Neighborhood News.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.