By George Berkheimer for the Bedford Gazette
Horizon Behavioral Health, established in 2019, offers evidence-based psychotherapy and assessment services for individuals, couples, families and groups.
Areas of therapy include a full-spectrum of addiction, behavioral and mental health issues, along with the ability to address issues such as internet and video game addiction, infertility, life transitions, peer relationships, and performance improvement.
Peggy Steinbrunner, owner of HBH, is a psychologist licensed in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and Florida.
Q: What’s new in your practice?
Steinbrunner: We continue to grow and have added more therapy providers. We recently added medication management services and a Recovery/Health Coach. We’re excited about this because we recognize the importance of holistic, whole person care and these services allow us to address more facets of behavioral health collaboratively and under one roof. Our Recovery/Health Coach is also going to have time dedicated to support staff well being, as burn out is so high in behavioral health, even more so post-COVID. We also started a workgroup with concerned agencies and businesses to address barriers to housing through a supportive program that will hopefully minimize and remove those barriers.
Q: Did you experience a boomerang effect?
Steinbrunner: I left the area when I was young and didn’t plan to return. Before I left, I became more aware of how underserved our area is and that services, especially in behavioral health, were not meeting needs. I realized the impact that could be made by returning equipped with the knowledge, training and skills to serve. After seeing more of the world and becoming a mother, my choice to return was further solidified.
Q: Was it a hard decision?
Steinbrunner: I knew I wanted to raise my children specifically in Everett. Life and God unexpectedly prevented me from actually starting with any of the federal agencies I had offers from, and I found a path to return to my clinical roots in corrections through community corrections. I’ve since had the mindset, “If you build it, they will come.” I encourage young people to take that mindset, as there continue to be many unmet needs locally that will benefit from entrepreneurial innovation.
Q: What conditions and connections make it possible and rewarding for you to find success here?
Steinbrunner: I think my businesses have benefited from the communities of Bedford County. Having connections with the right people, whether that is a Human Resources contractor to find the right staff or a contractor to get a space ready, knowing people or where to start to meet the right people has been a huge advantage. The business community here is amazing. I am a part of the Everett Area Better Business Association, the Bedford County Chamber, and have strong connections with Southern Alleghenies, the Bedford County Development Association, and the Saint Francis Small Business Development Center. I am especially grateful to serve the community that built me. I was able to create a business that allows me to do all the work I love under one roof: lending aid to various facets of public safety and adjusting course where and when needs are uncovered, such as addressing housing needs and barriers.
Q: What else makes Bedford County special to you?
Steinbrunner: Safety and community are strong assets in Bedford County that I most appreciate as a business owner and as a mother. Just today when I took my first grader to the bus, the Pennsylvania State Police were riding behind my daughter’s bus, which brought happy tears to my eyes. The support from the community, other business owners, and our local government is also heartwarming.
Q: How do you engage in the outdoor recreation that Bedford County offers?
Steinbrunner: I love the beautiful river we have to float in, the trails to hike or jog at Bedford Springs and Shawnee, and the fun social outings and events that are becoming more prevalent. Everett is picking up momentum with the street bands, and the Union Hotel is a great spot with new events.
Q: What do you like about living and working here? Are there challenges for you?
Steinbrunner: It is a blessing to live in such a beautiful, safe, and supportive area. I encourage young people to seriously consider staying or returning. With whatever skills, education, and experience they learn elsewhere. It’s worthwhile to encourage everyone to be welcoming when someone comes to our area and when people try new ventures or businesses. It’s not always easy for everyone here, and if I’m completely honest, it is not easy for me everyday. Sexism and racism exist [throughout our nation], and stigma as well, especially when it comes to behavioral health and more specifically substance use disorder and other biases. I share that to remind folks that when one of us is better, we are all better. Please be welcoming, hear different perspectives, and love each other.