About this partner
When a child is experiencing a mental health emergency, Clarity Child Guidance Center works with families to provide treatment regardless of their ability to pay.
Founded in 1886, Clarity is the only nonprofit mental health treatment center for children ages three to 17 in San Antonio and South Texas, and its staff of children’s mental health professionals is the largest in the region. Across their 8-acre campus, they offer inpatient and outpatient care and crisis assessment services.
In 2023, Clarity launched their HEROES Campaign for Clarity: a multi-phase campus expansion spread over three phases. This capital campaign expands Clarity’s capacity to serve children and families by creating a pediatric psychiatric acute care unit, renovating the kitchen and dining hall, expanding crisis services, and completing construction on the 3rd floor outpatient therapy building. Kronkosky funding specifically went towards increasing patient beds and strengthening crisis services.
Clarity’s Crisis Services department provides 24/7 walk-in care for children experiencing a psychiatric emergency and is often where children and families take their first steps towards mental wellness. Since 2022, walk-ins for crisis assessments at Clarity have surged by 75%. Funding this specific department expands its capacity to provide trauma informed treatment and adapt to the needs of every child.
Recently, Clarity assessed a 9-year-old child who was dropped off by the guardian on their campus. When their staff contacted the guardian to discuss outpatient care, they were informed that the child would not be picked up. Over the next three days, staff worked with Child Protective Services, law enforcement, and the guardian to identify a solution. In the interim, the child stayed with staff in Crisis Services. The staff took the time to take him outside to play, provide individual attention and soothe his anxiety. Having a safe and therapeutic physical environment contributed to the child’s eventual transition into the care of Child Protective Services.