What makes Dr. Kayla Smith with Helen’s Project a good neighbor?

In a world where mental health services often remain inaccessible to those who need them most, Dr. Kayla's Helen's Project stands as a beacon of hope. The Good Neighbor Podcast recently featured this remarkable story of how a simple college assignment transformed into a vital community resource that's changing lives throughout the region.

Dr. Kayla describes Helen's Project as an "all-encompassing mental health clinic," designed specifically to be a one-stop destination for various therapy needs. What makes this approach unique is that it accommodates people of all ages and includes medication management services when necessary. The fundamental mission is beautifully straightforward yet profound: making mental health care both accessible and affordable to everyone, regardless of their circumstances or background. This comprehensive approach eliminates the fragmentation that often characterizes mental health services, where patients must navigate multiple providers and locations to receive complete care.

The origin story of Helen's Project reveals the unexpected ways meaningful ventures can begin. Dr. Kayla candidly shared that the entire concept emerged from a college assignment requiring students to identify and solve a community problem. Initially overwhelmed by this task, a chance encounter with a stranger in a park introduced her to the significant gaps in support services, particularly for veterans transitioning to civilian life. This experience opened her eyes to a broader systemic issue: people are often discharged from medical facilities with referrals and recommendations, but without the practical means to follow through—whether due to lack of transportation, communication devices, or other fundamental resources. Helen's Project began by addressing these practical gaps in service delivery, before eventually expanding its focus to make mental health care more accessible across the board.

One of the most insightful moments in the interview came when Dr. Kayla addressed common misconceptions about mental health. She emphasized that one of the most prevalent myths is the idea that "my friend is my therapist." As she powerfully stated, "Your friend is your friend and they should stay your friend." This distinction highlights the importance of professional mental health support versus well-intentioned but potentially inadequate friendly advice. Additionally, Dr. Kayla noted that mental health is often deprioritized in personal budgets—when finances get tight, therapy is frequently one of the first expenses people cut. This reality underscores the critical importance of Helen's Project's commitment to affordability, ensuring that people don't have to choose between paying household bills and maintaining their mental wellbeing.

Helen's Project has embraced modern marketing strategies to reach potential clients, maintaining a presence on various platforms including Instagram, psychology directories, ZocDoc, and Google. When asked about their ideal client, Dr. Kayla offered a refreshingly inclusive perspective: there isn't a specific mold or profile. Instead, they welcome people "as they are," particularly those who feel ready for a change in their lives and need support navigating that transition. This open-door approach removes barriers that might otherwise prevent people from seeking the help they need. The organization's website, helensproject.org, serves as a comprehensive resource where visitors can learn about the team, the story behind the name, and connect with the supportive network they've built.

On a more personal note, Dr. Kayla revealed her interest in documentaries (especially those about cults), building things, and her recent adventure learning to operate a tractor. This glimpse into her life beyond work humanizes the professional behind the project and demonstrates the kind of well-rounded perspective that likely enriches her approach to mental health care. As the interview concluded, Dr. Kayla emphasized the two A's that define Helen's Project's mission: affordable and accessible. These guiding principles encapsulate everything the organization stands for and serves as a powerful reminder of what truly matters in mental health service delivery.

To learn more about Helen’s Project, go to: 🌐 helensproject.org

Helen’s Project
📞 830-400-7037