CVS has added licensed clinical social workers to its staff at the five locations to provide real-time support and a connection to appropriate care. Individuals can utilize the expanded services to receive mental health assessments, referrals, counseling and personalized care plans in-person or via telehealth, according to the release. "When you're feeling stressed and life is already overwhelming, it can be a significant struggle for individuals, families and even providers trying to navigate the traditional mental health care system," Ashley Karpinski, director of behavioral health strategy and innovation at CVS Health, said in the release. "Our new mental health counseling services offer anyone in the Houston community expanded access to consistent, convenient and holistic care, without needing a physician referral." CVS plans to expand its new mental health counseling services to additional markets later this year, according to the release.