Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Duson.
Steve, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
How did we get to be a place where people are cared for in a safe and confidential setting by some of the best licensed therapists in Houston? Well, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you’ve been or what you’ve done — or even what you’re doing — you’ll find acceptance and connection here that you need to start healing.
Here’s how it happened. In 1971, several ecumenical pastors conceived the idea of sponsoring a shopping center ministry in the Galleria area. They found the Presbyteries of Gulf Coast and Brazos (now Presbytery of New Covenant) to be interested in the project. The Presbyteries provided the capital funds needed to build the first Interface Counseling Center, and space for the center was secured in the Galleria Mall, thanks to the generosity of Gerald Hines. In 1972 Interface opened its doors, and the Reverend Stanley F. Hogle was named as the first Executive Director.
In 1980, a second Interface Center was established in the Cypress Creek Christian Community Center in Northwest Harris County (Spring). Capital funds for the Center were provided by the Presbyteries.
In 1987, Interface became affiliated with a national organization known as The Samaritan Institute and changed its name to Interface-Samaritan Counseling Centers, Inc. Interface continues to be accredited by The Samaritan Institute, an international organization that monitors and evaluates the business and professional policies and practices of its 80+ affiliated centers with more than 400 offices throughout the United States and Japan.
The mission of Interface-Samaritan Counseling Centers, Inc. is to encourage human development by providing counseling and educational services from a Christian perspective. This mission reflects ISCC’s belief that mental health is intertwined with physical and spiritual health and is an essential part of insuring that all adults, children, and families can realize their potential for productive and full lives. ISCC’s aim is to provide counseling services to individuals regardless of their age, gender, religion, ethnicity or economic status.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The insurance industry was a lot different in 1972 than it is today. Interface has survived — and thrived — as it has adapted to new models of care. Interface raises money to help offset the cost of counseling for people who can’t afford it and manages operations to keep pace with a growing need for affordable, quality counseling in the face of an increasingly challenging healthcare infrastructure and competitive philanthropic environment.
In the belief that a large portion of the population would go un-served if Interface relied exclusively on clients who come to its offices, Interface conducts extensive outreach by providing services through over a dozen partners who operate schools and non-profits that offer complementary social services. Interface sends therapists out to Yellowstone Academy, Chinquapin Preparatory School, The Branch, Santa Maria Hostel, and a pediatric primary care clinic in northwest Houston in order to serve adults, adolescents and children in all parts of town and across all socio-economic levels.
Please tell us about Interface-Samaritan Counseling Centers.
We provide faith-sensitive counseling that focuses on the whole person — their mind, body, and spirit. In this spiritually-integrated approach to psychotherapy, we follow the client’s lead in determining how conversations about faith will be involved in their healing and we are trained to respect (and enlist, if desired) the support and beliefs of the clients faith in order to enhance the healing process.
We seek to follow Christ’s example in ministering to those in need, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or socio-economic status.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Passing the hours by playing in a stream in a small town in Colorado Rockies.
Contact Info:
- Address: Galleria and Katy: 713.626.7990
Spring: 281.376.8006 - Website: www.houstonsamaritan.org
- Phone: [email protected]
- Facebook: facebook.com/interfacesamaritan
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