By Hugo Elliot
I’ve lived near La Junta, Colorado, for most of my life. It’s a quiet place, out on the plains, where people know your name and the pace of life moves a little slower. But if you’ve ever lived in a rural area, you know that when it comes to healthcare—especially mental health support—things can get tricky.
A few years ago, I hit a point where I knew I needed to talk to someone. Not just vent to a friend, not just go for a walk and try to shake it off, but actually sit down and work through the heavy stuff I’d been carrying for too long. I was dealing with anxiety that would hit me out of nowhere, stress that kept me awake at night, and a general feeling like I wasn’t myself anymore.
I decided it was time to find a therapist.
But out here, that’s easier said than done.
The Search Begins
The first thing I did was Google therapists in La Junta that accept Medicaid. I figured I’d have a couple of options, maybe someone based out of Pueblo or Colorado Springs who made the trip down a few days a week.
What I found instead were closed offices, outdated listings, and practices that weren’t taking new clients.
It was discouraging.
The few offices I called either didn’t accept Medicaid or had waitlists stretching out months. And even if I found someone available, I’d have to drive at least an hour each way just to get to them.
It started to feel like the help I needed just wasn’t available to people who lived in places like this.
Then I Found a Different Option
A friend of mine mentioned she’d been seeing a counselor over Zoom. That stopped me in my tracks. Therapy on Zoom? I’d never even considered it.
She gave me the name of the therapist she was seeing, and I reached out that same day. To my surprise, the counselor got back to me within 24 hours. She let me know right away that she accepted Medicaid, and that we could meet virtually from the comfort of my own home.
I booked an appointment for the following week.
Therapy That Actually Worked For Me
I’ll be honest—at first, I wasn’t sure how video sessions would feel. I worried it wouldn’t be personal enough. That it would feel like talking to a screen.
But I was wrong.
From the very first session, my counselor made me feel heard. She asked thoughtful questions, gave me tools to work through the anxiety, and slowly helped me understand where some of that weight was really coming from. She never rushed me. Never made me feel like my problems were too small.
Week after week, I started to feel more like myself. I started sleeping better. My relationships got stronger. I found myself smiling more. And perhaps most importantly, I started feeling hopeful again.
What I Tell People Now
If you’re living in a rural area like La Junta and you’ve been struggling to find support, I get it. It can feel isolating. It can feel like your options are limited or nonexistent.
But there are people out there who want to help—and who make it easier than you think.
For me, the key was finding a provider who offered telehealth. I didn’t have to rearrange my whole life to make room for therapy. I didn’t even have to leave the house. I could show up in my hoodie, coffee in hand, and know that for an hour a week, I had someone fully in my corner.
If you’re looking for therapists in La Junta that accept Medicaid, don’t give up after a few dead ends. Ask about telehealth. Ask if they’ll work with you remotely. The right help might not be in your zip code, but that doesn’t mean it can’t reach you.
I’m Grateful I Took the First Step
Looking back, I’m proud of myself for making that first call. Therapy didn’t fix everything overnight, but it gave me back a sense of control, confidence, and clarity. That matters more than I can say.
Help is out there. Even in the middle of nowhere.
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