Health & wellness
BY JOEL VALLEY
Health & Wellness Edition 2026
Welcome to the 2026 Health & Wellness edition for Bastrop-Cedar Creek! This issue highlights the people, places and programs in Bastrop County that make it easier to live well mentally and physically. From local peer support groups to the county’s new mental health platform, we explore meaningful ways to care for yourself close to home. For those looking to get moving, Reporter Joel Valley takes us through parks and recreation updates across the city, while Reporter Sienna Wight highlights Café Monet’s hands-on stress relief through art. We also spotlight three Bastrop juice shops promoting healthy lifestyles and share a curated list of wellness events to help you recharge and connect with neighbors. As always, our goal is to connect you to local resources and businesses that make well- being accessible here in Bastrop County. Whether you’re seeking advice, inspiration or a new routine, this edition is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. Here’s to wellness, growth and balance—right here in our own backyard.
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Amanda Cutshall Editor acutshall@ communityimpact.com
Ascension Seton Smithville https://healthcare.ascension.org/locations/ texas/txaus/smithville-ascension-seton-smithville (512) 2373214 High-quality rural care for Bastrop County— trusted emergency and everyday services close to home.
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County mental health platform helps 1,200 in rst 3 months
The Bastrop Public Health Department reported more than 1,200 adults and youth have registered to use its free mental health services platform since its launch in October. Ocials said they are pleased with that gure and expect it to grow. Why it matters The Behavioral Health 360 program provides free public access to resources for user mental health and well-being improvement; interactive assess- ments; and mental health and well-being topic write-ups, according to county documents. “It has gone really well since its launch,” said BPHD Director Donna Nichols, noting the response has been “phenomenal.” Zooming in Nichols highlighted that youth aged 18 and younger are utilizing the program the most. “We just nished talking with the Smithville ISD School Health Advisory Committee, and
they’re going to add [the program] to their list of resources.” Some background Bastrop County Commissioners Court authorized the licensing agreement with the CredibleMind platform for its Behavioral Health 360 program during a meeting July 28. Bastrop County residents can access the Behav- ioral Health 360 program online, where there are a variety of resources available, including: • The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline • Thriveworks, an online platform that helps users search for virtual and in-person mental health care providers • Counseling for veterans and their families • The Texas Youth Helpline • The Smithville Community Clinic
The outlook Credible Mind is currently nanced with funds from a previously awarded grant. Nichols said the county plans to use money received through opioid settlements for its second annual license fee.
The cost of Bastrop's Behavioral Health 360 program Paid for with remaining funds from a National Association of County and City Health Ocials grant
Annual license fee Annual Spanish language translation fee Cost of implementation
$13.2K
$2.5K $2K
Total: $17,700
SOURCE: BASTROP COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION
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