Andrews Center Behavioral Healthcare System

12/13/2025

In the preceding shared post, you’ll see one example of the meaningful work Jeff Hurley and his team have done for our local Veterans community.

That’s why we’re incredibly excited to share that Jeff is stepping into a leadership role with the Texas Veterans Commission, serving the State of Texas.

The best part? Jeff isn’t going far. He will continue living and working in our region, expanding support for the brave men and women who have served our country and defended our freedom.

While we’re sad to see Jeff leave Andrews, we’re deeply grateful that he’ll continue partnering with us—now at a broader level. This kind of growth is something to celebrate, and it speaks volumes about his dedication and leadership.

We’re proud of Jeff, thankful for his continued presence in our community, and excited for what lies ahead. 💚🇺🇸

A few of us gathered Thursday at The Jalapeño Tree to wish him well and send him off with our very best in the photos below.

Please take the opportunity to wish Jeff well in the comments below:

12/13/2025

12/10/2025

💚 Andrews: Your LMHA & LIDDA for East Texas 💚

Most people know Andrews Behavioral Health provides counseling and crisis support — especially for individuals and families in need of care but can't afford it. But many don’t realize we’re also the state-designated LMHA and LIDDA for our region.

What do those acronyms mean?

LMHA (Local Mental Health Authority)
We’re the hub that connects all mental-health partners — hospitals, schools, law enforcement, clinics, nonprofits, faith communities, and more. Our job is to coordinate services, close gaps, and make sure people don’t fall through the cracks.

LIDDA (Local Intellectual & Developmental Disability Authority)
We serve as the entry point for IDD services, helping individuals and families access evaluations, support programs, long-term resources, and essential community connections.

Why this matters:
✔️ One doorway for finding the right help
✔️ Stronger collaboration across the entire region
✔️ Better care coordination when crises happen
✔️ A safety net for individuals with the greatest needs
✔️ More efficient use of community resources

Andrews isn’t just a clinic — we’re the backbone of the mental-health/IDD network for East Texas.

Connecting. Coordinating. Caring. 💚 Andrews is always here for our community. Together, we are moving mountains.

12/09/2025

✨This time of year brings a mix of emotions. That’s “normal”... and very human. Truly.

But in the middle of the routines, responsibilities, and memories, there’s also room for something gentle and good.

Remember that joy doesn’t always arrive as a big moment.

Sometimes it’s:
💚 a quiet morning
💚 a laugh you didn’t expect
💚 a small kindness from someone
💚 the feeling of being included, even once
💚 the sense that today is a little lighter than yesterday

You don’t have to force joy, earn it, or pretend life is perfect.
Just be open to it — little flashes that remind us of the good still present in the world.

And if this season is complicated for you, you’re not doing it wrong.

You’re a person, not a checklist of “right” answers. 💚
And around here, being human is perfectly okay.

From all of us at Andrews Behavioral Health: May your weeks ahead make room for peace, warmth, and unexpected joy.🕊️🌟

12/05/2025

🎄 Be Gentle to Yourself Over the Holidays 💚

December can be a wondrous and beautiful season — but it can also be a lot to carry. Busy schedules, family expectations, financial pressure, and other types of stress can creep in quietly and make everything feel… a bit too much.

That’s why many mental-health organizations recognize December as National Stress-Free Family Holidays Month — a reminder to slow down, breathe, and take care of yourself in the middle of the rush.

Here are a few simple ways to keep the season manageable:

✔️ Set kinder expectations. You don’t have to do everything — or do it perfectly.

✔️ Take short breaks. A five-minute reset can change the tone of your whole day.

✔️ Stay connected to safe people. A quick call or message can steady the heart.

✔️ Name what you’re feeling. Stress loses power when you give it words.

✔️ Reach out early if you need support. It’s a strength, not a burden.|

✨And remember: The holidays are meant to be about connection, compassion, and rest — not pressure, perfection, or performing. This season focus on what matters, not what others expect.

A little gentleness to yourself and to others goes a long way. After all, we all need and deserve care — during the holidays and all year long.

12/03/2025

🎄✨ A December Gathering to Celebrate Our Team

Yesterday we held our December board meeting — complete with a mini-Christmas celebration — and it reminded us just how far this organization has come.

Our board chairman, Keith Youngblood, shared a heartfelt message praising the Andrews team for the coordination, cooperation, care, and community outreach we’ve built together over the past few years. His words were a powerful reminder of what can happen when people stay committed to the work and to one another.

To those who couldn’t join us in person, we hope you were able to hear Mr. Youngblood’s message online and feel the encouragement he shared. 💚

As we approach the end of the year, we are grateful for every team member, community partner, and neighbor who makes this mission possible.

Together, we are moving mountains for East Texas — one act of care at a time. 🏔️

12/02/2025

We’re proud to celebrate Shakendra Williams, program manager for our Crisis Respite facility, as the November Andrews Employee of the Month.

Every day, Andrews Crisis Respite offers a safe, stabilizing place for individuals facing overwhelming moments. Under Shakendra’s steady leadership, that space becomes more than shelter — it becomes support, dignity, and a chance to regroup.

Recently, thanks to Shakendra’s care and oversight, one of our clients was able to move into a welcoming new space filled with donated essentials — everything from household basics to a TV… even dog food so he and his pups could start fresh together.
Shakendra, thank you for leading with heart. 💚

🏔️Your commitment helps our neighbors take their next steps with hope and stability.

11/27/2025

🦃 🍂 🍁 Happy Thanksgiving from Andrews Behavioral Health! 🥧 🍗🍽️

As we gather around tables big and small today, our hearts are especially thankful for the people of East Texas — for families showing resilience, caregivers offering quiet strength, and neighbors who look out for one another every single day. 💚

Holidays can be joyful, but they can also be complicated. If this season brings mixed emotions, please know you’re not alone. Small pauses, deep breaths, and simple kindness toward yourself can make all the difference.

From our entire Andrews team — thank you for trusting us, supporting us, and walking with us as we continue moving mountains together. 💚🏔️

Wishing you warmth, peace, and moments of true rest this Thanksgiving.

11/26/2025

TLC Autism services (a division of Andrews Behavioral Health) has had a full holiday week! We kicked it off with our annual feast and were able to spend quality time with our families and co-workers. Then, we partnered with True Vine to raise money and gather canned goods for our local food bank. True Vine is November's Give Back partner, and we are so grateful for their hospitality and kindness to TLC! We wish you and your family a beautiful holiday season.

11/26/2025

💚Andrews Roadshow — Tyler Edition 🥌

Another county, another great day on the road — and yes, you guessed it… more curling! 😄 Several Roadshows were held for those in the main Tyler facility, TLC Autism services, and IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) services.

Our Roadshows bring together neighbors, providers, families, and community partners for conversation, connection, and a surprising number of people who enjoy the competitive spirit of faux-curling.

What matters most is what happens around the tables — learning about services, getting questions answered, and reminding folks that mental health care is right here at home.

Thank you, Tyler, for showing up, laughing with us, and helping us keep the mission moving forward. 💚

11/22/2025

💚 Noticing the Seasonal Shift? Here’s What Can Help. 💚

As daylight grows shorter, many people feel a dip in mood, energy, and motivation. It’s a natural response to changing seasons — and knowing what to expect can make this time of year easier.

Here are a few simple, research-supported tips that can help brighten the darker months:

🟩 Get morning light when you can.
Even 10–15 minutes outdoors shortly after waking can boost your energy and reset your internal clock.

🟩 Keep a steady routine.
Regular sleep, meals, and activity patterns help your body stay regulated during seasonal changes.

🟩 Move a little each day.
You don’t need a full workout — a short walk, stretching, or light activity can lift mood and reduce stress.

🟩 Stay connected.
Shorter days often lead to more isolation. A quick call or coffee with a friend can make a big difference.

🟩 Give yourself grace.
It’s normal to feel a little “off” this time of year. Small steps count, and it’s OK to adjust your expectations.

At Andrews Behavioral Health, we’re committed to supporting our community with education, resources, and practical tools for everyday mental health.

💚 Take care this season. 💚

11/18/2025

🏔️💚 Canton Roadshow: Van Zandt County Brings the Energy!

Yes… it’s another Roadshow and another curling extravaganza — and we’re not slowing down anytime soon! The Canton team showed up ready to slide, sweep, and laugh their way through another round of Texas-style curling.

But beneath the friendly competition, the heart of the Roadshow stays the same: connection, conversation, and celebrating the important work our teams do every single day.

From meaningful table talk to some surprisingly competitive sweeping, the Van Zandt County crew reminded us once again that joy and teamwork go hand-in-hand.

And yes, never fear — more Roadshow posts (and more curling) are absolutely on the way!

Moving mountains together, one simulated curling stone at a time.