Community Counseling Solutions
Heppner, Oregon
Community Counseling Solutions (CCS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit behavioral health agency based in Heppner, Oregon, serving Morrow, Grant, Gilliam, Wheeler and Umatilla counties. Its equine program runs at Lakeview Heights, the secure residential treatment facility CCS operates in Heppner, where residents take part in therapeutic horsemanship as part of their mental health care. The program is only for Lakeview Heights residents; members of the public can't sign up for it.
- Therapeutic horsemanship for residents
- Groundwork and leading
- Grooming and daily horse care
- Herd observation
- Residential mental health treatment
- Residents of Lakeview Heights
- People in residential mental health treatment
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, Lakeview Heights offers therapeutic horsemanship as part of a person-centered approach to mental and emotional well-being. Residents do groundwork, lead and groom horses, help with daily horse care and observe the herd. CCS says each session is guided by trained staff and works toward goals in emotional awareness and regulation, communication, responsibility, independence and confidence.
The program focuses on hands-on learning: problem-solving, recognizing boundaries and safety, building routine, and developing empathy and self-confidence. CCS describes its equine specialist as having a background in both horsemanship and mental health. The activities CCS lists are all on the ground rather than riding lessons; for the difference between models, see equine-assisted psychotherapy.
The Horses
The program page introduces four animals. Cap is an Eastern Oregon ranch horse who worked cattle. Prissy is an Eastern Oregon horse with a background in 4-H, trail riding and raising foals, and is often the first to greet visitors. Lady is the newest member of the herd. Buck is a miniature donkey rescued from a feedlot in Washington.
About the Agency
Beyond the equine program, CCS provides individual, family and group therapy, alcohol and drug treatment, gambling counseling, 24/7 crisis intervention, psychiatric consultation and medication management, developmental disabilities case management, and primary care through the Grant County Health Department, with offices across eastern Oregon. CCS says no one is denied services because they can't pay, and it offers sliding fee scales based on family size and income.
Location
Lakeview Heights is at 68982 Willow Creek Road, Heppner, OR 97836, phone (541) 676-5143. The CCS administrative and Heppner Behavioral Health office is at 550 W. Sperry St., Heppner, OR 97836, phone (541) 676-9161.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
Can I sign up for the equine program?
No. The program is only for residents of Lakeview Heights, CCS's secure residential treatment facility, and is not open to the public. For questions about CCS services, call (541) 676-9161.
Is this a riding program?
The activities CCS lists are on the ground: groundwork, leading, grooming, daily horse care and observing the herd.
How much does CCS care cost?
CCS says no one is denied services because they can't pay and offers sliding fee scales based on family size and income. Call (541) 676-9161 for current rates.
Location
Heppner, Oregon 97836
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.