Betty Hardwick Center

What Betty Hardwick Center does

Betty Hardwick Center (BHC) is an independent local unit of government of the State of Texas, operating under Texas Health and Safety Code Section 534 et seq. as the designated Mental Health, Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority for Callahan, Jones, Shackelford, Stephens, and Taylor Counties. Founded in 1971, BHC runs a portfolio of approximately 12 service lines spanning adult and child/adolescent mental health, early childhood intervention (ECI), intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD, including HCS, ICF/IID, and Texas Home Living programs), substance use disorder treatment, Specialized Treatment for Early Psychosis (STEP), veterans services via the Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN), adaptive recreation, Mental Health First Aid training, and the Elm Creek Psychiatry telemedicine clinic. The organization operates from six facilities — five in Abilene plus a Breckenridge satellite — and a 24/7 crisis hotline, and partners with the Abilene Police and Fire departments on two co-responder Community Response Teams (CRT1 and CRT2). BHC achieved CCBHC federal certification in 2020.

The business model is a hybrid government-contract and fee-for-service structure. Revenue streams include contracts with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) for community-based mental health and IDD services across the five-county service area, insurance reimbursement (Medicaid, Medicare, and most third-party plans) particularly for Elm Creek Psychiatry and crisis services, a sliding fee scale based on family size and income (with medications provided at no cost for those unable to pay), and tax-deductible charitable donations as a 501(c)(3). Approximately 222 employees support an operating budget of approximately $21 million. Go-to-market is community-led and sales-led through walk-in intake, 15-20 minute phone screenings, peer centers, community coalitions (West Texas Homeless Network, United Way of Abilene), and public education via MHFA training and the BHC News/Blog channel.

Governance is provided by a Board of Trustees chaired by Elijah Anderson (with Tyler Cagle as Vice-Chair, Vicky Hicks as Secretary, Rosendo Contreras as Treasurer, and additional members Dee Moore, Priscilla Rayford, Ed Miller, Steven Borris, Dr. Gustavo Villanueva, Doug Stanley, and Vickie Street). The executive team is led by Chief Executive Officer Jenny Goode, supported by Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Farrar, Chief Clinical Officer Starla Cason, Chief Administrative Officer Dena Heaton, and Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Papineau. The organization is independently funded through its HHSC authority designation rather than owned by private equity, venture capital, or a parent entity, and its growth is structurally constrained to the statutorily defined five-county catchment absent redesignation.

Name

Betty Hardwick Center

Legal name

Betty Hardwick Center

Website

https://bettyhardwick.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Betty Hardwick Center is the designated Mental Health, Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority for five Texas counties, providing mental health, IDD, substance use, veteran, early childhood, and crisis services through approximately 222 employees and an approximately $21 million operating budget.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Behavioral Health Services

NAICS

Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities (6232), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers (621420)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) & Public Behavioral Health Providers (HLAFACAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Outpatient Mental Health Clinics & Counseling Centers (HLAFACAA), Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGACAD), Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG)

Keywords

• Community mental health services
• Developmental disability services
• Substance use treatment
• Crisis intervention
• Veterans mental health

Headquarters

HQ city

Abilene

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Government Contracts: Contracts with Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) for mental health and IDD services as the designated local authority for 5 Texas counties
2. Insurance Reimbursement: Accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and most third-party insurance plans for services including Elm Creek Psychiatry clinic
3. Sliding Fee Scale: Services provided using a sliding fee scale based on family size and income; medications provided at no cost if patient demonstrates inability to pay
4. Donations: 501(c)(3) charitable organization accepting tax-deductible donations from the public

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Betty Hardwick Center is the designated Mental Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority for five Texas counties (Callahan, Jones, Shackelford, Stephens, and Taylor). It delivers community-based outpatient mental health services for adults and children, intellectual and developmental disability services, early childhood intervention for ages 0-3, substance use disorder treatment, specialized treatment for early psychosis, veterans mental health services, a 24-hour crisis hotline, adaptive recreation programming, and a telemedicine-enabled psychiatry clinic (Elm Creek). The Center serves as the statutory local behavioral health authority under contract with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Product overview

Betty Hardwick Center is the Mental Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority for Callahan, Jones, Shackelford, Stephens, and Taylor Counties in Texas. Operating as an independent local unit of government since 1971, the Center offers a comprehensive portfolio of mental health and IDD services including Adult and Child/Adolescent Mental Health Services, Early Childhood Intervention (ECI), Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Services (IDD), Substance Use Disorder Treatment & Recovery, Specialized Treatment for Early Psychosis (STEP), Veterans Services through the Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN), and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. Additional programs include a 24-Hour Crisis Hotline, Adaptive Recreation day programming, Elm Creek Psychiatry telemedicine clinic, and the Community Response Team (CRT) collaborative crisis response model. The Center operates with approximately 222 employees and a budget of just over $21 million.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Adult Mental Health Services Outpatient mental health services for adults using the Texas Recovery and Resiliency (TRR) model, including crisis intervention, counseling, case management, medication management, and psychosocial rehabilitative services for adults in the five-county service area.
• Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services Family-focused, community-based mental health services for children ages 3-17 with serious emotional, behavioral, or mental disorders, including screenings, assessments, case management, treatment planning, skills training, medication services, Multi Systemic Therapy (MST), and school-based services.
• Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Services Comprehensive IDD services for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including screening and eligibility, service coordination, day habilitation, employment assistance, respite services, community support, Home and Community Based Services (HCS), Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF/IID), and Texas Home Living Program (TxHmL) residential options.
• Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Statewide program for families with children ages birth to three with disabilities and developmental delays, providing services in the child's natural environment including assistive technology, audiology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and family counseling.
• Elm Creek Psychiatry Private psychiatry clinic for adults utilizing telemedicine technology to provide mental health care, accepting Medicaid, Medicare, third-party insurance, and private pay.
• 24-Hour Crisis Hotline 24-hour telephone crisis line (800-758-3344) staffed by trained Qualified Mental Health Professionals providing screening, assessment, and intervention for mental health emergencies across the five-county service area.
• Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment & Recovery Evidence-based, trauma-informed outpatient treatment for adults with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, including a three-month Intensive Outpatient Program with individual counseling, group therapy, psychoeducational groups, peer support, case management, and ambulatory detoxification.
• Specialized Treatment for Early Psychosis (STEP) Coordinated Specialty Care program for individuals experiencing first episode psychosis, providing case management, peer support, supported employment/education, and family partner services.
• Veterans Services / Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN) Program connecting veterans and military families with peer support, mental health services, and community resources, including AS+K suicide prevention, Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM), Military Cultural Competency training, Veteran Counselor Program with evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and EMDR.
• Adaptive Recreation Day programming providing meaningful activities that assist individuals with cognitive and/or physical challenges in acquiring, retaining, or improving self-help, socialization, and adaptive skills for community participation. $50 monthly program fee.
• Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Public education program teaching participants to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use disorders, available in Adult, Youth, In-Person, Virtual, and Blended formats through the national Mental Health First Aid USA program.
• Community Response Team (CRT) Collaborative crisis response team combining an Abilene Police Department officer, Abilene Fire Department paramedic, and Betty Hardwick Center mental health clinician to provide tailored assistance to those in crisis. CRT1 operational since approximately November 2019, CRT2 launched December 2020.

Quantifiable outcome

• Functional Zero achieved and sustained for Military Veteran population in homelessness

Named customers2 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Abilene Police Department - Community Response Team (CRT)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 December 2020Joint crisis response team consisting of APD officer, AFD paramedic, and BHC mental health clinician. CRT1 operational since approximately November 2019, CRT2 launched December 2020. Only the second such team in Texas and one of three nationwide. Model has been presented to Chicago and Philadelphia.
• Abilene Fire Department - Community Response Team (CRT)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 December 2020Joint crisis response team with APD officer and BHC mental health clinician providing tailored assistance to those in mental health crisis. CRT2 operational since December 14, 2020.
• Abilene Recovery CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOSAR (Outreach, Screening, Assessment, Referral) partner for inpatient substance use treatment referrals when clients need more intensive care than outpatient can provide.
• Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBHC contracts with HHSC as the designated Mental Health Authority to plan, coordinate, develop policy, allocate resources, and ensure provision of community-based mental health and IDD services for the 5-county service area.
• Texas Council of Community MHMR CentersminorOthersStatewide association of community mental health and intellectual and developmental disability centers. BHC is one of 39 such centers in Texas. Betty Hardwick served on the Board of Directors from 1985-2000.
• United Way of AbileneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner supporting Adaptive Recreation programs, HUD Rapid Rehousing, and Permanent Supportive Housing Programs.
• West Texas Homeless Network (WTHN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBHC Supported Housing Specialist Courtney Horton serves as Coalition Coordinator for WTHN. WTHN has achieved Functional Zero for military veterans and is working toward milestone for children and families.
• Texas Veterans CommissionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVeterans Counselors are trained and certified by the Texas Veterans Commission. BHC provides veteran mental health services under this certification.
• Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN) - StatewidecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide network connecting Veterans and families to resources through trained Veteran peers. BHC coordinates the Abilene chapter through Ann McKee. Affiliated with veteransmentalhealth.texas.gov and tvc.texas.gov.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Andrews Center: Andrews Center is a designated Local Mental Health and IDD Authority for Smith and surrounding East Texas counties, operating as an independent local unit of government under the same Texas Health and Safety Code framework as BHC. It runs a comparable portfolio of outpatient mental health, IDD, crisis, and substance use services for a rural/suburban Texas catchment.
• Lakes Regional MHMR Center: Lakes Regional MHMR Center is a designated Texas LMHA/IDD Authority serving a multi-county North Texas catchment, providing outpatient mental health, IDD, substance use, and crisis services under the same statutory model as BHC. Directly comparable in service scope and rural Texas operating context.
• Helen Farabee Centers: Helen Farabee Centers is a designated LMHA/IDD Authority serving 19 North Texas counties from Wichita Falls, providing mental health, IDD, substance use, and crisis services under the same Texas governmental-unit framework as BHC. Comparable multi-county rural catchment and similar CCBHC participation.
• Burke Center: Burke Center is the designated LMHA and IDD Authority for a 12-county East Texas region, providing mental health, IDD, and early childhood intervention services under the same Texas statutory structure as BHC. Comparable operating budget scale (~200+ employees, multi-county catchment) and similar service line breadth make it a direct operational peer.
• PermiaCare (Permian Basin Community Centers): PermiaCare is the LMHA serving the Permian Basin/West Texas region, providing community mental health, IDD, and crisis services under the same Texas statutory model as BHC. It is geographically adjacent to BHC's catchment and faces similar rural West Texas labor-market dynamics.
• Pecan Valley Centers: Pecan Valley Centers is a designated Texas LMHA/IDD Authority for a 10-county region around Granbury/Stephenville, offering community mental health, IDD, substance use, and crisis services. Comparable governance model, scope, and rural/mixed catchment to BHC.
• ACCESS (Amarillo): ACCESS is the designated LMHA serving the Texas Panhandle, providing community mental health, IDD, and crisis services under the same Texas Health and Safety Code structure as BHC. Operates in a similarly rural West Texas geography with overlapping veteran and homelessness program models.
• StarCare Specialty Health System: StarCare is the designated LMHA/IDD Authority serving Lubbock County and surrounding West Texas counties, providing mental health, IDD, substance use, and crisis services under the same Texas governmental-unit framework as BHC. Directly comparable peer operating in a similar West Texas regional market.

Others

• Texas Council of Community MHMR Centers: Statewide industry association representing all 39 Texas community mental health and IDD centers, including BHC. It functions as a peer-level coordination and advocacy body rather than a direct competitor, but shapes the funding and policy environment BHC operates in.
• Mental Health First Aid (National Council for Mental Wellbeing): National program in which BHC delivers MHFA courses through a coordinated instructor network. While not a direct competitor, it is a programmatic peer enabling BHC's public MHFA training line and connecting it to a national curriculum and credentialing framework.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/BHCAbilene
• Facebookfacebook.com/bettyhardwickcenter
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/betty-hardwick-center

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles21 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Betty Hardwick Center