History of ACCESS

Access Counseling & Educational Support Services (“ACCESS”) was established in 1992 and formalized in 1995 in response to a simple yet urgent community need: affordable, local counseling and mental health support for Aransas County families. At the time, many residents had to drive to Corpus Christi or beyond to receive professional mental health care. A small group of committed community leaders, counselors, and volunteers came together to change that.

From the beginning, Access has stood for stigma-free, family-friendly support. Over the years, Access has grown from a small office with just one counselor to a hub of services offering counseling, parent and workforce education, and support for children and teens. Today, Access is still the only nonprofit counseling center based in Aransas County and has served thousands of families over its 30+ year history.

Major Milestones
● 1992–2005 – Access launched community-based counseling, focusing on affordability and confidentiality. Early services emphasized one-on-one and family therapy and integrating educational services. Established 501(c)(3) in December 1995.
● 2006–2016 – Expanded programs to include school-readiness support and community initiatives.
● 2017–2018 – Following Hurricane Harvey, Access provided critical counseling for displaced families and children affected by trauma. Demand for services doubled.
● 2019–2024 – In the wake of COVID-19, Access saw a surge in mental health needs as families faced rising risks of poverty, truancy, and school disengagement. In response, Access expanded telehealth counseling and increased educational support services to help stabilize children and families.
● 2025–Present – Access launched a major organizational turnaround effort, modernizing operations and reaffirming our mission. Currently developing family-parent-child learning labs, “calm-down” kits, and educational resources in response to rising youth anxiety and literacy challenges. Access recently celebrated its 30th anniversary of service in December 2025.

Looking Ahead
As we prepare to celebrate over three decades of service, Access is focused on sustainability and innovation. Our community has been a part of this from the beginning, helping establish ACCESS as a reliable resource. With your continued partnership, we can ensure that every Coastal Bend family has access to counseling and educational support, carrying this foundation of service into the next 30 years.

ACCESS 365 - Sustain support all year!