Supporting Local Innovation and Care

Baobab Psychiatric Services (BPS), a mental health clinic based in Round Rock, Texas, is on a mission to deliver high-quality mental health care to the local community. Founded and operated by a dedicated husband-and-wife team—Dr. Jean-Marie Kokou-Abi, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, and Jo Vendl, a child psychologist—BPS has become a trusted resource for individuals and families seeking professional mental health support. With a team of highly skilled therapists and psychiatric providers, BPS's vision is clear: to make mental health care accessible, compassionate, and effective.

The growth story of BPS is one of community focus, strategic partnerships, and shared values—exemplified by their relationship with Texas Partners Bank in Austin and business banker John Sanchez. Here’s how this partnership has helped BPS achieve its business goals, scale its operations, and expand its impact on the mental health community.

A Connection Built on Coincidence and Trust

It all began in May 2023, during a friendly game of tennis. Dr. Jean-Marie Kokou-Abi, co-founder of BPS, was filling in for a neighbor on the court. At the time, BPS was preparing to purchase the building they had been leasing, and Dr. Kokou-Abi was navigating the complexities of the loan process. Through a chance conversation with his tennis partner, who happened to be a real estate agent, Dr. Kokou-Abi was introduced to John Sanchez, a business banker at Texas Partners Bank.

John reviewed the loan terms and offered tailored advice for BPS—ultimately securing a better deal and finalizing the loan in just a few weeks. This marked the beginning of a professional relationship founded on trust, responsiveness, and a shared vision for business growth.

“It has been a privilege to support Baobab Psychiatric Services in their mission to enhance mental health care in our community. We value the trust Dr. Kokou-Abi and his team have placed in us and are inspired by the meaningful impact they continue to make in Austin. Partnerships like these exemplify why we take pride in being not just a financial resource, but a true collaborator in helping local businesses thrive.” 

– John Sanchez, Senior Vice President, Business Banking Manager, Texas Partners Bank. 

A Wide Range of Mental Health Services

At BPS, patients have access to comprehensive mental health services, including:

• Medication Management
• Psychological Assessments
• Individual, Couples, and Family Psychotherapy
• Innovative Treatments such as Spravato (esketamine) therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

BPS also extends its impact beyond the clinic walls. Their team actively participates in speaking engagements at local universities, schools, and organizations, providing valuable education about mental health. To ensure accessibility, BPS accepts most private insurance plans and strives to keep costs manageable for uninsured individuals or those facing high expenses.

Partnership with Texas Partners Bank

Texas Partners Bank has emerged as a critical partner in the growth and success of BPS. From financing to strategic advice, the bank’s support has allowed BPS to flourish.

Securing Growth Through Strategic Funding

One of the key milestones in BPS’s expansion was acquiring the clinic’s building. This purchase freed BPS from long-term, costly leases and provided equity for future growth. With Texas Partners Bank’s financing, BPS could focus on adding innovative, technology-based interventions for major psychiatric disorders and ensure stability in daily operations.

“Texas Partners Bank is our silent partner at this point because of the major capital funding they have provided to support our growth,” shares Dr. Kokou-Abi. “John Sanchez is more than a banker—he is a friend and advisor throughout our business expansion projects.”

Above and Beyond Service

Dr. Kokou-Abi recalls a recent example of how Texas Partners Bank went the extra mile. When BPS was considering private equity to fund additional expansion, John brought in partners to evaluate the opportunity. This outside guidance helped BPS make an informed decision and demonstrated the bank’s commitment to serving as a true financial partner.

Benefits of Local Expertise

For Dr. Kokou-Abi, having a local banking partner is invaluable. “This is the same as having your mental health provider be local and accessible when you need them,” he explains. “John and I share the same vision regarding how business should be conducted and how important relationships are in business. It gives me peace of mind to know I can always reach my banker, even for the seemingly silly questions that business owners have late at night.”

Being Rooted in Austin

The decision to establish and grow Baobab Psychiatric Services in Austin is deeply personal. “Family has kept us tightly rooted to the Austin area,” says Dr. Kokou-Abi. Dr. Kokou-Abo and his wife have young children and wanted to remain close to family while building their business. Years of experience in Austin’s mental health community have also provided them with strong professional networks, referral resources, and consultation partners—further cementing Austin as the ideal home for BPS.

A Trusted Banking Partnership

For local entrepreneurs and business owners, the story of Dr. Kokou-Abi and BPS is an inspiring example of how building trusted connections—whether through chance or planned collaboration—can lead to long-term success. With innovative service offerings, a dedicated team, and the steadfast support of Texas Partners Bank, BPS is poised to continue its mission of enhancing mental health care in Round Rock and beyond. Through every stage of growth, having a skilled and accessible banking partner like Texas Partners Bank can make all the difference in achieving your business goals.