Connections Individual and Family Services has expanded its mental health offerings in Comal County through its Affordable Rate Counseling Program, or ARC.

The details: The ARC Program, which offers individual counseling sessions with a licensed professional, is available for residents of all ages at a flat rate of $45 per session. Sessions are available in person at the nonprofit’s New Braunfels and Bulverde offices, or virtually, according to a news release.
Since its September launch, Connections has seen 20 individuals, Chief Clinical Officer Micki Matthews said in an email to Community Impact.

“The initial feedback has been extremely positive, affordable mental health care options are a real need in our community,” Matthews said.

The program is only being offered in Comal County, specifically at the nonprofit’s Bulverde and New Braunfels offices. Matthews said they are planning to expand the program to other counties over time.

A new primary care practice is up and running in the New Braunfels area thanks to a recent partnership.

In case you missed it: MDVIP, a nationwide health care company, has partnered with physician Dr. Jason Nelson to open a new practice at 1441 Whispering Woods Trail. MDVIP opened Nov. 20, according to a news release.

"The MDVIP model enables me to offer patients a comprehensive and integrated approach to healthcare while delving into the possible root causes of health issues rather than solely treating their symptoms,” Nelson said in the release.

What they offer: MDVIP and Nelson primarily focus on general family medicine. The primary care clinic also offers same- or next-day appointments. According to the practice’s website, Nelson is also partnered with several area hospitals such as Christus Santa Rosa Hospital, Resolute Baptist Hospital and the New Braunfels Regional Rehabilitation Hospital.

• 1441 Whispering Woods Trail, New Braunfels

The Texas Department of Transportation announced a series of night closures as part of its I-35 Northeast Expansion, or NEX, project from Jan. 5-9. All closures are subject to change.

The overview: According to a press release, TxDOT will close portions of I-35 frontage road and entrance ramps for bridge work.

Northbound I-35 frontage road to Rittiman Road
The northbound I-35 frontage road and nearby entrance ramps will be closed from 9 p.m.-5 a.m. Jan. 5-9 for bridge work.

According to the press release, drivers who seek to connect with the northbound Loop 410 South frontage road to Binz Engleman Road are advised to use the signalized turnaround at Binz Engleman Road to enter the Loop 410 South frontage road.

Texas charter system Harmony Public Schools launched a new virtual learning platform on Jan. 5 that allows students across the state to take high school courses online.

The overview: The Harmony Online Learning program includes dozens of courses aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards, all of which are self-paced, according to a news release.

More details: Students can choose from dozens of courses in core subjects, electives, Advanced Placement and Career and Technical Education, according to the program’s website. The offerings aim to help students complete credit recovery, get ahead with their requirements and access courses not available at their home campus. Credit earned through Harmony may be applied toward high school graduation requirements depending on local district policies, per the release.

One more thing: Interested families can enroll online, and spring courses begin Jan. 12, per the release. The cost of tuition per course is $325, a spokesperson from Harmony Public Schools told Community Impact.