For this Belen company, compassion is more than a business.
Brandy Castillo, MS, MSW, LCSW-S, created her behavioral health company in 2013 when she was starting a family and looking for a way to build a home-based practice. Clients were seen at home on an old farm just outside the city.
In 2018, the business name was officially changed to Heart and Soul, Inc. when Ignacio Castillo, Brandy’s husband, became co-owner and billing manager after retiring from the New Mexico Department of Corrections.
Ms. Castillo came to The Loan Fund in January 2024 for help to purchase a building in downtown Belen, a small city south of Albuquerque.
“The Loan Fund has been a pleasure to work with. No one ever said purchasing a commercial property was easy, but The Loan Fund made it as easy and stress-free as you can get,” Ms. Castillo said. “David (Hicks, loan officer) was knowledgeable, caring, and responsive to our needs and believed in our vision. With their help, we will be able to touch the lives of many in Valencia County.”
Heart & Soul also has locations in Mesilla and Albuquerque and has grown to a team of 35 contractors and employees. The services offered include individual and group therapy, psychiatry, and enhanced case management. Though the practice still does most of its work virtually, a building purchase has allowed employees to see more clients and offer in-person care.
The owners also have plans to open an Intensive Outpatient Program at the Belen office in July. The service will allow the treatment of those suffering from substance use and mental health issues. With this new group therapy service, Heart and Soul will also expand its team with this new service.
“This would not be possible without the Loan Fund,” Ms. Castillo said.
Find them on the web at www.heartsoulofnm.com.