West Texas Counseling & Guidance (formerly Samaritan Counseling) was established in 1976 as a satellite of the Abilene Pastoral Care and Counseling Center. At that time, a single therapist from Abilene came to San Angelo once a week to see clients. Sessions were held either in the client's homes or in borrowed offices. By 1978, the Center had grown, and was able to purchase a residence at 2001 Colorado Street which was converted into offices. That same year, the Center became a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency as designated by the IRS. Colorado Street was Samaritan's home for the next thirty years. In 1986, the Center affiliated with the National Samaritan Institute and began doing business as Samaritan Counseling Center of San Angelo.