Outpatient Mental Health
At New Horizon we take a client-centered approach to mental health and behavioral health treatment to help patients and their families handle life’s challenges in a way that works best for them. Our staff of therapists, social workers, and community mental health professionals work together to help you get the support you need in order to live a healthier life.
We offer out-patient treatment in a comfortable office setting, intensive in-home treatment for at risk families, and a variety of other services including, but not limited to, Family Preservation, Marriage and Family Therapy and Family Treatment Drug Court.
Aakanksha Punj, ADDC, LPC
My therapeutic approach is rooted in client-centered care, utilizing evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I integrate trauma-informed care with relapse prevention to ensure a holistic approach that acknowledges and addresses past traumas, fostering a safer and more effective recovery process for individuals struggling with addictions. I find immense fulfillment in working with adolescents, young adults, and adults from all walks of life, offering a safe and supportive environment to explore life’s complexities and navigate its twists and turns. Together, we can uncover strengths, overcome obstacles, and embrace the transformative power of personal resilience.
Rachel Archer, MA, LPC
Rachel has earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Utah in 2008. After moving to Colorado in 2012, she earned a master’s degree in Human Services with an emphasis in School Counseling from the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs in 2017.
“I primarily work as a school counselor and am working toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. I currently specialize in working with adolescents who struggle with a myriad of things, such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, self-image, non-suicidal self-injury, motivation, school-related stress, family conflict and/or trauma.”
Courtney Kahl, BS, MSW
Courtney has her bachelor’s degree in the Science of Psychology and a master’s degree in Social Work. I’ve worked in the mental health field since 2011, in El Paso County.
“I have dedicated my career to serving the community, to the best of my ability. I specialize in working with clients with Anxiety, ADHD, Trauma, Truancy, Delinquency, and OCD. I also work with whole families. I use an Eclectic approach – I use Polyvagal Theory exercises to assist clients with safety and connection. This approach also incorporates self-help exercises for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Autism. I do mindfulness, guided imagery, and meditative practices to assist clients with their well-being and over all mental health. I enjoy using an experiential technique by doing activities that promote positive experiences that clients can use in their daily lives.”
Samantha Taylor, MSW
My therapeutic approach is being able to support people with rediscovering their inner self-worth by applying the Strengths Perspective. Throughout my career, I’ve worked primarily with at-risk youth in different capacities. Through my experience, I’ve gained skills in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trust Based Relational Intervention, Polyvagal Theory, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. My goal through my career is to walk beside individuals with disabilities and clients with anxiety, depression, truancy, ADHD, Mood Disorders, and with those working through grief and past traumas to learn how to be resilient.
In 2012 I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Communication from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. After working for eight years in the social services field, I completed my master’s degree in Social Work at Newman University in 2024.
Janet Starr, MSW
Janet believes in second chances and the power of all types of therapeutic relationships to empower
people and create lasting change! She also believes in the power of community and family – whether it’s biological family or a chosen family to help create healing for individuals and the whole!
While Janet works with all demographics, she is interested in growing her clinical practice skills by working with couples and families.
She has a BA in psychology and completed her MSW in May of 2023 and is hoping to get her licensure by
2025.
Cary Hileman, MA, LPC
Bio coming soon!
Bri-Anne Palacios, MSW
Bri-Anne just recently moved to Colorado from Austin, Texas. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a Master’s in Social Work from Texas State University. Before moving to Colorado, she obtained experience working at a middle school and a residential treatment center for kids and adolescents. While working with New Horizons, Bri-Anne is also working toward becoming an LCSW. She is very excited to begin impacting the lives of her clients and will do everything in her power to guide them toward success.
“My therapeutic approach centers around getting clients to see the strength I see in them. I believe everyone is capable of achieving their goals and has the resilience to overcome any obstacle life throws their way. Through my practice, I focus on using modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Person/Family Centered Therapy, and Humanistic Therapy while also incorporating strength based perspectives and mindfulness techniques. I have a great passion for guiding others toward greatness. I believe that a client/therapist relationship should be cohesive but the client always knows they are in the driver’s seat. I empower my clients to be the most authentic version of themselves and learn about ways to continue growing as an individual and as part of their community.”
Hannah Widger, LSW
My therapeutic approach is grounded in creating a non-judgmental and trusting therapeutic relationship with my clients in which they can explore their unique path to healing and growth. I utilize a range of evidence-based interventions with clients including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
While I work with individuals of all ages, I have a particular passion for working with children with a range of diagnoses. I find fulfillment in helping young minds navigate the complexities of childhood and adolescence and support them in developing resilience and emotional well-being during big life challenges.
I earned my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Colorado Mesa University followed by my Master of Social Work (MSW) from Baylor University.