Southwest Agape Wellness

Rooted with Love.

Guided by Compassion.

Care that Uplifts.

For those starting anew, rediscovering their path toward mental well-being, or returning with intention, welcome to Southwest Agape Wellness, PLLC. We’re here to support your mental health and we look forward to connecting with you.

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[Agape]

“A Greek word, agape means a love that is not based on personal feelings of desires but rather on a deep, selfless concern for the well-being of others.”

Compassionate

Psychiatric Care

At Southwest Agape Wellness, PLLC, we believe mental health care should be rooted in compassion, hope, and healing. Our founder – Gus Aleman – a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner—established the practice to provide therapy and medication management for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more.

Learn More About Gus

We help individuals and families find healing and hope, one patient and one story at a time.

A patient-centered approach that values your story
A commitment to breaking mental health stigma in small towns and rural areas
Genuine compassion rooted in lived experience and professional expertise
Flexible care options: in-office visits in Vernon or convenient telehealth appointments

Compassion

Meeting every client with genuine care and respect.

Hope

Empowering individuals to believe in the possibility of change.

Healing

Creating a path toward balance, growth, and renewal.

About

Compassionate Psychiatric Care

At Southwest Agape Wellness, we provide compassionate psychiatric care in Vernon, TX, with a passion for people at the heart of everything we do. Guided by our founder’s own mental health journey, we treat every client with the respect and dedication of family. Through personalized care—combining medication management and therapy such as CBT—we help individuals and families find hope and healing for conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more.

A patient-centered approach that values your story
A commitment to breaking mental health stigma in small towns and rural areas
Genuine compassion rooted in lived experience and professional expertise
Flexible care options: in-office visits in Vernon or convenient telehealth appointments

Learn More About us

[Agape]

“A Greek word, agape means a love that is not based on personal feelings of desires but rather on a deep, selfless concern for the well-being of others.”

Mental Health Is Just as Vital as Physical Health

The two are deeply interconnected—each influences the other in powerful ways. At Southwest Agape Wellness, we believe caring for your mind is just as important as caring for your body.

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Why Mental Health Matters

Emotional resilience helps us cope with stress, build relationships, and make thoughtful decisions. Poor mental health can lead to physical symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, and even chronic conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. Conditions such as depression and anxiety can even accelerate biological aging and increase the risk of physical illness.

Why This Balance Matters

Neglecting either side creates a domino effect. For example, untreated anxiety may lead to poor sleep, which weakens your immune system and leaves you more vulnerable to illness. On the other hand, prioritizing both mental and physical health leads to a more fulfilling, energetic, and resilient life.

Support for the Full Spectrum of Emotional and Mental Wellness Needs

Whether your symptoms are mild or overwhelming, our approach stays grounded in compassion and whole-person care. Southwest Agape Wellness walks with you gently, reminding you that healing is always possible.

Conditions Treated

Depression
Anxiety Disorders (including Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Bipolar Disorder
Schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders
Adjustment Disorders
Sleep and Insomnia-related concerns
Stress-related conditions
Co-occurring mental health challenges

Explore each service below to understand its impact, what the experience may involve, and how we are here to support your path towards mental wellness

Services

Helping You Find Balance and Healing

Our mission is to break the stigma surrounding mental health in rural communities while providing effective, compassionate care. Whether you prefer in-person sessions in Vernon or the convenience of secure telehealth appointments, Southwest Agape Wellness makes care more accessible for those who need it most.

Services Offered

Psychiatric Medication Management
Psychotherapy / Counseling (including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – CBT)
In-Person Appointments in Vernon, TX
Telehealth Sessions for clients across Texas
Personalized Treatment Plans tailored to each client’s needs

**ADHD services are offered for ages 6 and up, however ADHD stimulants are only available for ages 17 and older

Anxiety

Depression

ADHD

Bipolar

PTSD

Why Choose Us?

The Southwest Agape Wellness Difference

Compassionate Care

We value our commitment to our mission in delivering patient-centered care, where the well-being of others is at the core of every decision.

Professional Values

The compassion and integrity in which we serve each person is what makes our work so meaningful. It’s an honor to be a part of a group that genuinely prioritizes people and leads with both heart and evidence-based practice to deliver optimal care.

Our Mission

At Southwest Agape Wellness, every individual matters. We provide compassionate care that honors your well-being, supporting those seeking healing, hope, and guidance. Through trusted partnerships and accessible mental health services, we prioritize dignity, respect, and connection—helping you build resilience and embrace possibility.

Insurance

Making Care Accessible

Southwest Agape Wellness makes quality psychiatric treatment more attainable through accepted insurance plans.

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Support That Follows Your Journey

Discover how our personalized approach, expert care, and dedicated support can help you on your path to wellness.

Easy Scheduling

Book your appointment quickly and conveniently.

Individualized Plans

Care plans created just for you

Advanced Care

Assistance for mild to complex conditions

Trusted Support

1:1 support every step of the way

Frequently Asked Questions About Southwest Agape Wellness:

Southwest Agape Wellness provides online mental health care to individuals 13 years and older and in-person care to individuals 6 years and older. Our providers can help with anxiety, depression, and many other mental health concerns. We offer psychiatry and therapy.

Please note: **ADHD services are offered for ages 6 and up, however our providers do not prescribe controlled substances – including ADHD stimulants – to individuals under the age of 17.

Southwest Agape Wellness makes it easy to access quality mental health care services from the privacy of home.
Here’s how care at Southwest Agape Wellness works:

Complete the required E-forms to help your provider better understand what you’re experiencing. After verifying your healthcare insurance information or choosing the “self-pay” option, you may request to meet the sole provider in person (at Vernon, Texas) or book your 1:1 telehealth sessions for Texas residents.
For psychiatry: Your first session is typically 60 minutes and includes an evaluation, a conversation about your personalized treatment, and a chance to ask any questions. You and your psychiatric provider will talk about how you’re feeling—then decide on the best next steps, together.
For follow-up psychiatry and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Your follow-up appointments are 50 minutes. Your provider will ask some questions about you and your past experiences. Then you can talk about goals and go over how we can best support you.
Follow your treatment plan: You can message your provider with questions at any time.
For psychiatry: Take any medications as prescribed and stay in touch with your psychiatric provider about how you’re doing.
For CBT therapy: Continue your 1:1 video sessions and complete self-guided lessons. Our self-paced lessons help you practice skill-building exercises that are intended to help you have a deeper understand of yourself and achieve a sense of inner peace. Your provider will review your responses and provide guidance along the way.
Track your progress and start noticing the improvements in your healthcare and how you’re feeling: Share how you’re doing in check-in questionnaires so your provider can stay up to date.
For psychiatry: You and your provider will meet for follow-up appointments. Typically, you’ll see your provider every few months—or more often, if treatment changes are needed.
For therapy: You and your therapist will typically meet as determined by you and your provider to talk about challenges and track your progress. You can share what’s working well for you and any future goals through therapy services. Your therapist will help guide you through your personalized program so you see the best results and help you towards becoming the best version of yourself.

It all depends on your insurance plan.

Please be aware that some insurance plans (especially HMO plans) may require a referral from your PCP before you can see a specialist. While our team is happy to assist, when possible, it is ultimately the patient’s responsibility to verify the benefits and requirements of their specific insurance plan, especially when it pertains to seeking outpatient services for behavioral/mental health care.
If you’re ever unsure whether a referral is needed for your visit to be covered, we kindly recommend all clients to please obtain one from your PCP in advance. Doing so helps minimize the risk of any client receiving unexpected charges.

Key Things to Know About Referrals, Insurance Benefits, and Authorizations:

Referrals from your PCP allow you to see a specialist or obtain specific services.
Healthcare referrals help ensure your insurance will pay for the visit. Without a referral, you could end up paying for the full cost of services.
Referrals can take a few days or up to a week in the processing time.
Some plans, such as HMO plans, need APPROVAL from the insurance company BEFORE the referral is valid. Approval timelines vary and may include limitations on the number of visits or expiration dates.
Regarding our private practice, some services may require prior authorization in addition to a referral. This includes certain behavioral health services, such as therapy sessions, and limitations on the number of visits may also apply.
If your insurance coverage changes, a new referral may be required.

Your Rights and Responsibilities Regarding Referrals:

Please work with your PCP to decide if our clinic is the right choice for you.
Please know you have the right to choose any licensed provider who fits your healthcare needs and is determined to be in-network.
Ensure your referral is approved BEFORE scheduling an appointment.
Always confirm that our private practice is in-network and whether a pre-authorization is required BEFORE scheduling an appointment.
Stay in touch with your PCP and the specialist to keep care coordinated.
Please understand the scope and limitations of your referral, such as knowing how many visits your referral will cover and when it will expire.
Recheck referral & authorization requirements if the insurance plan changes.

988

If you’re in an emotional or mental health crisis, call or text 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 support.

911

If you’re experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.

Start Your Healing Journey Today

If you’ve been searching for psychiatric care, Southwest Agape Wellness is here to help. Taking the first step toward treatment is powerful, and it can change the course of your life.

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