Planned Parenthood has launched a new short-term mental health care program in Osceola County, offering free and low-cost services to qualifying patients and expanding access for residents who often face barriers to care.
Previously offered as an online-only service, the program has shifted to a hybrid model, allowing for both virtual and in-person visits at the organization’s Kissimmee Health Center.
The need for expanded services is significant. According to local counselor Jearene Webb, Osceola County has a patient-to-mental health provider ratio of 579:1, signaling a shortage of professionals. With 64% of households living at or below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold, financial strain is common, while access to affordable mental health care remains limited.
Recent shifts in nonprofits and healthcare have reduced resources, especially for marginalized communities. One example is last year’s closure of The Center’s Kissimmee location, which opened in 2018 following the Pulse nightclub shooting and provided mental health counseling and HIV/AIDS prevention services. While The Center continues to operate in Orlando, its Kissimmee office is permanently closed, leaving a gap in local services.
Planned Parenthood’s expanded program aims to help fill such gaps by offering counseling, trauma-focused therapy, support groups, and other behavioral health services for eligible residents ages 13 to 65.
Webb said that while she appreciates Planned Parenthood Florida’s desire to offer the services at no cost or low cost, short-term care does have its limitations.
“These short-term services are enough to help build some rapport and offer tools to help them through whatever crisis may be at hand,” she said. But she added that they may not replace long-term care.
According to Michelle Quesada with Planned Parenthood, the program is designed to be flexible: care is tailored to each patient’s needs, with many patients engaging in services for around six months. Some may require shorter or longer periods of support, depending on their circumstances.
Janet Santiago, Planned Parenthood Florida’s Behavioral Health Program Director, said the program is designed to address concerns early, before they escalate into more serious issues.
“Through this funding, we’re expanding access to compassionate, practical behavioral health services for Osceola County residents, including in-person support at our Kissimmee Health Center,” Santiago said. “Early intervention, before stress and trauma escalate, helps to strengthen not only individuals, but families and communities as a whole.”
The program is funded through the Planned Parenthood Federation of America as part of a nationwide effort to expand access to behavioral health services for communities facing financial and systemic barriers. Current grant funding for free mental health services in Osceola County is secured through Dec. 31, 2026.
The Kissimmee program is supported by a team of four clinicians—supplemented by student interns during the academic year—allowing for expanded access both virtually and in person.
Patients may continue receiving services as long as funding is available. If additional or specialized support is needed, or if patients transition out of the program, Planned Parenthood assists with referrals and connections to trusted providers in the community.
The program also supports individuals experiencing substance use concerns as part of a broader mental health picture, offering assessments, individual and group counseling, and coordination of further treatment when needed.
Residents interested in the program can contact Planned Parenthood’s Kissimmee Health Center to learn more about eligibility requirements, available services, and appointment scheduling.