A local mental health professional is helping expand some badly needed services in Audrain County.

Haley Walker and dozens of others helped her celebrate the opening of her counseling and wellness office on south Jefferson Street last Thursday, June 1 with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Logan Ray of Slumberland Furniture and vice president of business services with the Mexico Chamber, presented Walker with her first dollar.

“Haley and I, pretty much since we were babies, have been through a lot together, so It’s cool I get to do this with you,” Ray said. “We really appreciate you investing in Mexico.”

Walker was born and raised in Mexico and has been in private practice since last August at Mexico Counseling Services. She sees children ages 10 and up along with individual adults, couples and families. Walker said she felt the desire to go out on her own with a goal of growing her service.

“I think there’s a big need for mental health services so I’m excited to be a part of the community,” Walker said. 

Walker said mental health services are important because they are often overlooked. With her service she hopes to educate more people about mental health. Walker is also a new mother herself and wants to focus her services on postpartum care.

“Physical health is always talked about and people express empathy,” Walker said. You get a scary diagnosis and people are there by your side. Those things are not talked about so I feel like getting it more normalized and putting more out there and giving education to all those things are really important.”

Starting a business comes with its own levels of anxiety. Walker said she’s not comfortable with public speaking and may have woken up with some butterflies on ribbon cutting day.

“I was very nervous about this but it turned out okay,” Walker said.

Walker’s office is located at 222 S. Jefferson Street and she is available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.