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.
Dr. Brittany Stahnke
Dr. Stahnke joined New Horizon in October, 2022, as the Director of Behavioral Health. She completed her Doctor of Social Work at Florida Atlantic University in 2020 before moving to Colorado Springs.
Aside from teaching master’s students, Brittany is performing assessments and providing supervision to other therapists.
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.”
Aakanksha Punj, LPC
With a foundation rooted in compassion and a commitment to fostering resilience, I am Aakanksha Punj, a licensed therapist specializing in empowering individuals to navigate life’s challenges and cultivate positive change. My journey in mental health began with a passion for supporting at-risk youth and families within the foster system, where I facilitated the development of positive parent-child relationships, social and emotional skills, and provided essential guidance through complex government systems.
Transitioning from this impactful work, I dedicated several years to helping adults facing long-term addictions and various mental health disorders. Through this experience, I gained valuable insights into addressing Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar disorder, PTSD, BPD, and Substance use disorder. My therapeutic approach is rooted in client-centered care, utilizing evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to empower individuals in their journey toward healing and growth.
I find immense fulfillment in working with 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.
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.
Alexis Claycomb, AAS, BS, MSW
Alexis graduated in 2015 with an associate degree in Human Services and in 2017 with her bachelor’s degree in social science.
She has recently graduated with a master’s degree in social work from Newman University.
“I utilize a client-centered approach to my work with children and adolescents primarily working with experiential therapies. My previous work with students with behavioral needs and Title 1 schools has sparked my passion to work with youth. I think of therapy as a partnership, meeting the client where they are at and working together to meet their goals.”