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You Are Not Alone

When life feels overwhelming;
When it seems things have never been worse;
When you think there’s nowhere left to turn;

Mental health services have historically been inaccessible to much of the population across the United States.

River City Advocacy is dedicated to reducing the barriers to high quality mental health and peer support. Our services weren’t created for only those who can afford support, but for anyone who needs it, regardless of their ability to pay.

The goal of River City Advocacy and Counseling Center is to bring healing and hope to all members of our community through affordable and accessible counseling and peer support. Learn more about our services to get started on your own healing journey.

River City Advocacy and Counseling Services Support

Support comes in many forms. Find the right option for you, a loved one or a family member at River City Advocacy and Counseling Center.

Support River City Advocacy

Donate to our mission to bring hope and healing to our community. Our ability to serve our community relies on the generous donations from businesses and individuals like you. Without your support, we would not be able to serve everyone who needs the services that we offer.

Our History

A mission of healing, hope and community.
River City Advocacy and Counseling Center was founded through the grassroots effort of Don and Donna Guenther, who recognized their own need for mental health support and realized there were no affordable services available to them in the Comal County region. Through self-advocacy and support from a community of like-minded people, River City Advocacy was established as a 501c3 in New Braunfels, Texas in 2001.

Who We Are

Hope and healing are at the center of all we do.

River City Advocacy & Counseling Center is a community mental health non-profit in New Braunfels, Texas. It’s our ultimate mission to bring hope and healing to the residents of New Braunfels and Comal County through affordable mental health counseling and peer support services.

We offer services to residents living in Comal and surrounding counties, and we actively seek collaboration with other nonprofits to provide specialized care to meet the individual needs of citizens within our community.

We know how difficult it is to ask for help. Organizing care can feel daunting when you’re already overwhelmed and burdened by your circumstances. Let River City Advocacy and Counseling Center help make that process easier, our counselors walk new applicants through the process of receiving care every step of the way.

The Impact of Inaccessible Care

Mental health and emotional wellness are important issues for millions of Texans.

Unaddressed mental health issues have a widespread and harmful effect on our communities. When surveyed, 76% of Texans reported that a friend or family member had experienced a mental health issue. Nine out of ten believe discussing a mental health condition is harder than discussing a physical illness. And on average, Texans who suffer from depression miss 19 work-days per year due to their struggles — and experience nearly a month and a half of unproductive or “lost” days due to the symptoms of depression.*

The statistics regarding loss of life due to lack of mental health support are even more damaging. Despite these facts, many people in need of care do not have access to affordable, quality mental health services.

Texans, and our communities, deserve better.

76%

of Texans know someone with mental health concerns

9 in 10

say discussing mental health is difficult

19.2

average of workdays missed due to depression

Visit Us

1614 W. San Antonio St. in New Braunfels, TX.

How You Can Support River City Advocacy’s efforts

Now, YOU can have a positive impact on the lives of others. Support someone in need through River City Advocacy. Ready to contribute to the care of a community member?

Sign a Petition

Challenge the stigma surrounding mental illness by visiting www.okaytosay.org.

Gift Art Supplies to River City Advocacy

Members of our community have expressed the desire to give back to our programs. Gifting supplies to the Art & Creative Expression program is a great way to contribute in a positive and impactful way. Some supplies we consistently need:
  • Glue sticks
  • Scissors
  • Mini glue sticks for small glue guns
  • Canvases (varieties of sizes)
  • Acrylic paint (brands: FolkArt, DecoArt Americana, Apple Barrel, Anita’s)
  • Paint brushes
  • Watercolor paper
  • White card stock paper
  • Dry erase markers
  • Mod podge
We greatly appreciate any art supply donations to our Art & Creative Expression program. Drop off supplies to the center during business hours or contact us for more information.

Community Events Made for Healing

Humans are biologically wired for love and connection. We can foster connection with others and feel heard by attending support groups or wellness events. River City Advocacy offers a range of support groups, available Monday through Thursday weekly. Family members of those who have mental health issues also attend group sessions hosted by NAMI (National Association of Mental Illness) that are available twice per month. For special one-time events, check our upcoming events page.

Do You Need Assistance?

We’re here to help.

If you’re ready to explore your support options, we encourage you to take the next step. We are accepting applications for our Counseling Program for ages 14 and up. We have built a team of licensed counselors and talented interns working toward their master’s and full licenses.

Some months, we experience higher volumes of counseling requests. The average wait time for the first appointment is approximately two weeks, depending on counselor availability.

For questions or to explore our resources, please visit our contact page.

Impact that Speaks for Itself

  • This is such an inviting and judgement free place. I’m thankful to have found a safe place where people actually listen and care. All the events are community friendly and open hearted. I look forward to the moms support group on Friday’s it’s one of my favorite days because I know I will be around the support I need.
    – Sunny
  • The best environment to get support and feel your best. Art supplies are always available to create during hours of 9:30 to 3 pm. I feel supported and part of the best community for mental health consumers.
    – Michelle
  • I absolutely love RCA! And everyone there is so loving and nice to everyone! And I met some amazing people there! And the art room is amazing they have everything in the closet you could find just to craft! RCA a really nice place where they support you and care about you!
    – Cloriss
  • My daughter enjoys socializing with other clients, group therapy sessions, art & creative activities, outings & many other skills. Great place to spend time. Thanks to the RCA staff.
    – Frances
  • This is the best Group of people Staff and Friends, that you could hope to find. If you go on a semi regular basis and get to know some folks, you are bound to find out there are some incredibly interesting and good hearted people here. It is the only place I have ever found like this. Thanks to all of you guys who make it a special time when I get to come and visit, or come to Group…Love ya, Steph
    – Stephanie