Overcoming the Odds: A Father's Struggle to Find Help for His Son and the Lifeline He Discovered

 When David, an 11-year-old boy from San Antonio, made a heart-wrenching suicidal outcry, his father, Mr. Martinez, faced a whirlwind of challenges. This alarming situation triggered an intervention by Child Protective Services (CPS) and the possibility of hospitalization. However, finding a bed in a psychiatric hospital proved to be a nightmarish ordeal, riddled with insurance complications and endless confusion.

Mr. Martinez described those days as "exhausting and confusing," feeling lost in a system that seemed anything but helpful. Believing in his strong communication with David, he decided against hospitalization, determined to find a more suitable form of help for his son.

 The search for a therapist was another uphill battle. Living in an underserved part of San Antonio and dealing with David’s lack of insurance at the time made the process even more daunting. Despite the recent acquisition of Medicaid, navigating the healthcare system remained a significant challenge.

 In a moment of desperation and hope, Mr. Martinez received a referral from his church to Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services'(PCHAS) Counseling Center. Overwhelmed with relief, he was tearful as he expressed his gratitude for finding a place that genuinely cared.

 He shared that Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services’ Counseling Center was the only place willing to work through the insurance issues and schedule an appointment for David. After nearly three weeks of battling the system, Mr. Martinez finally felt he was on the right path.

 When he called, Yvonne, a PCHAS staff member, was accommodating and informative. Mr. Martinez noted how starkly different this experience was from other places he had contacted. He also appreciated that the Counseling Center provided a Christian environment, which he felt was essential for his son’s healing.

 Now, with the support of Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services' Counseling Center, Mr. Martinez and David are beginning a new chapter filled with hope and the promise of a brighter future.