Meet Nurstead: New Mental Health & Housing Resources in Quay County
Last Updated on October 9, 2026 by Brenda
Big cities aren’t the only places that deserve robust healthcare infrastructure—and a new resource on Center Street in Tucumcari is proving just that. In our latest episode of Health IQ, host Brenda Bishop sat down with Justin Nutt, CEO of Nurstead Mental Health, to talk about their expansion into Quay County and what it means for small-town mental health.
Located at 224 East Center Street (directly across from the old police station), Nurstead’s new facility sits in a building originally built by Dr. Story over 70 years ago as one of the first chiropractor offices in New Mexico. In a poetic full circle, this historic space is once again becoming a first-of-its-kind hub for healing in the community.
One of the most exciting aspects of Nurstead’s model is its accessibility. Traditional behavioral healthcare systems often come with red tape, long waitlists, and strict referral requirements. Nurstead does things differently:
Drop-In Centers: No referrals or upfront costs required. Whether individuals need a safe place to cool off from the summer heat, a cup of coffee to warm up in the winter, assistance applying for food stamps or Medicaid, or immediate help in a crisis, the doors are always open.
Flexible Therapy & Outpatient Care: Providing both in-person individual therapy and telehealth options, Nurstead bridges the gap for rural residents who might otherwise struggle with transportation. They also offer intensive outpatient group programs.
Transitional Sober Housing: Recognizing that true stability requires a safe place to sleep, Nurstead offers a 4-to-8-month structured transitional housing program tied to recovery. With 24/7 staff presence and a focus on life skills like budgeting and job interviewing, they provide free housing to individuals who remain deeply invested in their sobriety and program goals. Do you know someone who is in need of stable housing? Refer them to Nurstead’s Sage House.
Clothing Closets: Understanding that looking the part is key to maintaining employment, they offer access to donated professional clothing to help individuals step confidently into the workforce.
Looking Ahead: 24/7 Mobile Crisis Support. With support of funding from the Behavioral Health Reform Investment Act Region 10 Plan. Nurstead will be expanding its mobile crisis intervention capabilities, ensuring that law enforcement, emergency services, and individuals in distress have immediate support. Through a combination of on-the-ground response and specialized telehealth tablets provided to emergency responders across the region, help is never out of reach—even in the most rural corners of the county and region 10.
Stop by and meet them and find out what they can do to help your family and neighbors. Their door is always open. They are located at 224 East Center St Tucumcari or call them at 575-935-6262
Visit the Quay County Health Council Resource Directory for more information on local health resources.
Listen to the full episode on our website or your favorite podcast app to hear more about how Nurstead is reshaping rural healthcare in New Mexico. Meet Nurstead
