Month: July 2025

Free Trauma Therapy for Camp Mystic Families

Posted on by innovaAdmin

In the aftermath of the devastating flooding at Camp Mystic, many families in our community are facing overwhelming emotions, from grief and fear to uncertainty and anxiety. Children and teens, in particular, may be struggling to process what has happened.

At Innova Recovery Center, we know that early support is key to helping young people navigate trauma in healthy, effective ways. As leaders in trauma treatment and as Texans committed to serving our neighbors, we are honored to offer free virtual group therapy sessions for Camp Mystic flood victims and their siblings, from kindergarten through 12th grade.

What These Groups Offer

Led by trauma-trained therapists, these virtual sessions provide a safe, nurturing space for kids and teens to:

  • Begin processing their experiences
  • Learn healthy coping skills to manage anxiety, fear, and grief
  • Connect with peers who understand what they’re going through
  • Build resilience through Crisis Intervention & Stress Management (CISM) tools

Whether your child is feeling anxious, withdrawn, or simply needs a safe place to talk, these groups are designed to meet them right where they are, with compassion and clinical care.

Group Details

Sessions are held virtually via secure telehealth every week at the following times, organized by age group to ensure appropriate support:

  • K through 5th Grade:
    • Tuesday and Thursday
    • 10:00 AM
    • Starting July 15
  • 6th through 12th Grade:
    • Wednesday and Friday
    • 12:00 PM
    • Starting July 16

Each session will be facilitated by licensed, trauma-focused therapists who are dedicated to helping children and teens start their healing journey in a safe and supportive environment.

How to Register

If your child or teen would benefit from participating in these free therapy groups, we encourage you to reach out to us immediately:

Call or Text: (210) 254-3618
Email: admin@innovarecoverycenter.com

We’re Here for You

These sessions are offered completely free of charge as part of Innova’s commitment to stand alongside our community during this difficult time. We believe that no family should face trauma alone, and this is our way of helping those impacted take the first step toward healing.

At Innova, we understand that healing takes time, and it’s a journey best undertaken together. Whether you need help for your child, yourself, or your family, please know we are here to walk alongside you every step of the way. Please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can also learn more about our relief efforts and resources here.

Together, we heal.

How to Talk to Kids About Traumatic Events

Posted on by innovaAdmin

When disaster strikes—whether it’s flooding, a fire, or another crisis—it’s not just adults who feel shaken. Kids notice everything. They sense stress, overhear conversations, and sometimes directly experience scary events themselves.

As parents, caregivers, and community members, we often wonder: How do I talk to my child about something so complicated?

In this video, Dr. Kasi Howard, founder of Innova Recovery Center, shares heartfelt advice for having these important conversations with children after traumatic events:

Here’s what she recommends:

1. Be Honest, But Gentle

Children are incredibly perceptive. Dr. Howard says it best:

“Kids are big old truth sniffers.”

They can tell when adults are withholding information or not being honest. It’s essential to convey the truth but with discretion. Skip the graphic or frightening details that could further traumatize them. Focus on sharing just the basic facts calmly and clearly.

2. Avoid Figurative Language

While phrases like “they live on in our hearts” may comfort adults, they can confuse young children who think literally.

Instead, use simple, concrete words. For example: “We will always be able to remember them.” This helps kids process their feelings without confusion.

3. Encourage Expression Through Activities

Children often express their emotions through creative outlets. Drawing or writing can help them make sense of what’s happening. Dr. Howard also suggests empowering children to help others:

  • Making cards for kids affected by the flooding
  • Collecting donations, like bottled water or supplies

These simple actions help children feel less powerless and show them they can make a difference, even during hard times.

4. Limit Exposure to News & Media

During crises, it’s tempting to keep news channels on or scroll social media for constant updates. But this can overwhelm kids quickly.

Be mindful of the amount of news your child is exposed to. Instead, choose quiet, calming activities together and only share updates that are necessary for them to understand.

5. Share Stories of Hope & Rescue

Balance difficult news with positive stories about helpers, heroes, and community support. These uplifting examples can restore hope and remind kids that even in scary times, people are good and caring.

6. Reassure Them of Their Safety

Perhaps most importantly, children need reassurance that they are safe. Remind them: “You are safe here with us.” Hearing these words and feeling your calm presence helps ease their worries. Also, remember that sometimes the best reassurance isn’t verbal—it’s physical. Try offering physical comfort, such as extra hugs or holding hands, even just sitting close. These small gestures signal that they are protected and cared for.

When to Seek Extra Help

If your child appears highly anxious, withdrawn, or overwhelmed, it may be time to consult a professional. Innova Recovery Center offers trauma-informed counseling for children and families, including scholarships and resources for those affected by disasters like the Central Texas floods. Learn more about our recovery efforts here.

You’re not alone in this. Help is here at Innova. Call us at (210) 254-3618.

Together, we can help children heal and grow, even through the toughest times.

Innova Stands With Central Texas: Our Commitment to Flood Recovery & Trauma Care

Posted on by innovaAdmin

At Innova Recovery Center, we know that healing can’t wait, especially in moments of crisis.

As devastating floods have impacted families, first responders, and entire communities across Kerrville and the Texas Hill Country, Innova is stepping up to do what we do best: provide trauma care, emotional support, and hope for those who need it most. We are proud to serve as both the leading trauma treatment center in Texas and as fellow Texans: neighbors, parents, and community members committed to standing beside those who are hurting right now.

Free Trauma Counseling & Treatment Scholarships

We are offering free trauma counseling sessions to individuals affected by the flooding, including adults, children, teens, and first responders. For those without insurance or financial resources, we are providing full scholarships to ensure every person who needs care can receive it.

This includes specialized virtual group sessions for Camp Mystic flood victims and siblings from kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information, click here.

Our expert trauma therapists specialize in evidence-based treatment methods, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), play therapy for children, and group therapy for adolescents and adults.

Therapy is available at our locations in San Antonio, Boerne, and New Braunfels, as well as through secure telehealth nationwide.

Why Getting Help Early Matters

In this video, Dr. Kasi Howard, founder of Innova Recovery Center, explains why it’s crucial not to wait to seek trauma support after a disaster and how Innova is here to provide immediate assistance.

Mental Health & Stress Relief Kits for First Responders

Our staff is assembling mental health care kits for first responders working tirelessly on the frontlines. These kits include:

  • Weighted blankets
  • Sleep aids and calming tools
  • Snacks and comforting personal items
  • Handwritten notes of gratitude and encouragement from our staff and teens in our programs

We want first responders to know they are seen, valued, and supported.

Donation Drive & Community Service

In partnership with our Innova Joy teen center, we are organizing donation drives for essential supplies, allowing teens to actively participate in giving back to the community. Our team members will also be volunteering during work hours to assist flood-affected families with recovery efforts directly.

Help for Parents & Families

Many parents are asking how they can help their children process trauma and anxiety during this difficult time. Dr. Kasi Howard offers compassionate, practical tips for families in our blog post: How to Talk to Kids About Traumatic Events

How Innova is Supporting the Community

Learn more about how Innova is mobilizing to meet both the emotional and practical needs of the community, from free therapy and scholarships to donation drives and volunteer workdays, in this message from Dr. Howard.

We Are Texans, Standing With Texans

As Texas’ leading trauma treatment center, we feel a deep responsibility to deliver expert care and heartfelt compassion. If you or someone you know needs trauma support, please don’t hesitate to contact us: call or text (210) 254-3618 or email admin@innovarecoverycenter.com.

We’ve also set up a donation page where contributions will go directly toward our various flood relief efforts: https://square.link/u/cP6wDJtm

Together, we heal. Together, we rebuild.