Local veteran brings Ellie Mental Health’s innovative approach to mental health care to Houston area
As the demand for mental health care continues to skyrocket, Ellie Mental Health, a franchise that makes quality mental health services more accessible, is thrilled to continue its rapid national expansion with a new location in Clear Lake. Local veteran and former law enforcement officers, Corey & Nicole Kauffman, plan to transform the mental health culture in Houston’s Clear Lake area by bringing Ellie’s creative solutions and innovative thinking to help reduce barriers to quality mental health services. The new clinic is located at 2200 Space Park Dr., and officially opened for services on May 1.
Prior to their involvement with Ellie Mental Health, the Kauffmans came from a military and policing background. After serving in the US Coast Guard, Corey spent 15 years in law enforcement. In his time in the force, he and his colleagues worked on various major crimes, exposing them to many things that effected their mental health, causing trauma, depression, and even leading some to take their own life. Nicole, who owns the franchise consulting agency Franchising Smarter, introduced Corey to Ellie Mental Health, and they decided it was something they could offer the community and others who needed help with their mental health. The facility, located right next to NASA, draws in a unique, diverse clientele that includes healthcare and petrochemical workers, as well as law enforcement workers like the Kauffmans.
“My goal with Ellie is to have the ability to serve everyone,” said Corey Kauffman. “I’m adamant about being inclusive to every sector of the community, as there are a lot of people in the area with a diverse array of needs. Many jobs in the area require a level of mental strain that we hope to be able to assist with by giving the community a welcoming place to engage with our talented staff of therapists.”
Rendie Brown, the Clinic Director at Ellie Mental Health in Clear Lake and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist-Supervisor, is proud to be a part of the brand. Like the Kauffmans, she understands the impact that trauma has in one’s life, and seeks to help everyone overcome that trauma through repairing attachments as a practitioner of Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI).
“Choosing therapists who value their work is of big priority to me,” said Brown. “I’m handpicking our team for their unique skills who will assist us in our goal of providing the best experience possible to our clients.” For example, one of the unique services that Ellie Houston Clear Lake offers is Canine Assisted Therapy with Brittany Kicker, LMSW, and canine, Lilly.
The Kauffmans and Brown are proud to bring Ellie Mental Health’s unique and accessible care to the Clear Lake Community. They are committed to ensuring the location delivers quality mental health care and has a strong, diverse, and committed team of faculty to help the community feel safe and supported through both in-person and online therapy for individuals, couples, families, and more.
“An important aspect of the business to me is ensuring my therapists are happy in their jobs by prioritizing our internal company culture,” continued Corey. “Ellie Mental Health gives employees the ability to choose their own hours and clientele, which gives them flexibility and work-life balance. I know the value in having good mental health and I want to ensure my staff have that just as much as our clients.”
