Resiliency Through Healing
Amanda Ottinger, MA, LCCA
Resiliency Through Healing, a program provided by BCFS Health and Human Services, offers free counseling and case management services for young people who have experienced childhood trauma, according to program director Amanda Ottinger. Ottinger said the program has been operating for several years and is staffed by two full-time clinicians, with additional support from highly trained interns. Services are tailored to meet individual needs and are eligible to receive services until they age out of the program at 26.
To increase accessibility, Resiliency Through Healing offers hybrid sessions, allowing participants to attend in person and virtually. This option is especially helpful for family group sessions when not all members can attend in person. Appointments are also available during the evenings and the program partners with several local schools. Eligibility requirements include living in one of the counties: Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, and Wilson. The individual needs to be between 14 and 25 years old and needs to complete an Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) survey with at least one identified indicator.
Ottinger explained that the ACEs survey helps clinicians identify childhood trauma and barriers that may be affecting individuals in adulthood, such as repressed emotions, workplace challenges, or undiagnosed ADHD. Understanding these experiences allows clinicians to better tailor treatment plans and guide clients toward healing.
Ottinger said, Resiliency Through Healing offers Single-Session Walk-In (SSWI) counseling. A brief, accessible intervention model designed to provide immediate mental health support at the time a concern arises. Rather than requiring ongoing appointments or long wait times, SSWI allows individuals to access counseling in a single, focused session to address a specific issue, gain clarity, and develop practical coping strategies. This model is especially helpful in reducing barriers to care, normalizing help-seeking, and offering timely support during moments of distress. Even within one session, SSWI can foster insight, emotional regulation, and connection to additional resources when needed, making it an effective entry point into counseling services.
Resiliency Through Healing provides approximately 150 clinical hours per month. While most clinical services do not address basic needs, Ottinger said the program’s funding allows staff to assist clients with essentials such as gas, food, or other essential needs, subject to funding availability and when appropriate.
People can access Resiliency Through Healing services:
In person: 4100 East Piedras Drive, Suite 150, San Antonio, Texas 78228
By phone: (210) 283-5110
Online:
www.bcfscsd.org/data_post/resiliency-through-healing-rth
