North Texas Giving Day 2022: Center for Integrative Counseling
Editor’s note: In light of North Texas Giving Day, we asked for “elevator pitches” from some of our local nonprofits participating in the big day for our special Giving People section in our September print issues.
Regardless of age, socioeconomic status, or background, we all have a mental health story — past, current, or future. The Center for Integrative Counseling and Psychology (The Center) has been a part of these stories for more than 50 years, helping people regain order and hope from trauma, marital conflict, sexual abuse, children struggling at school, addiction, suicide, to loss.
Making mental health care accessible is at the core of our mission. The Center provides counseling where people live, work, play, and pray. Our geographic reach spans six counties with 30 locations including our Central Office in West Highland Park. In 2021, we provided 27,000+ counseling sessions in person and online.
“Since the pandemic, stress and anxiety has intensified,” said Dr. Brad Schwall, president and CEO of The Center. “Now, more than ever, we must remove the mental health stigma. Mental health is part of overall health and impacts every aspect of our lives – our ability to work, go to school, have healthy relationships, and grieve loss.”
For those with resources to those living in poverty, the hardest thing anyone can do is ask for help. Families in poverty face extra barriers to receiving counseling – such as language, transportation, finances, and social stigma. It’s a brutal cycle. Mental illness prevents one from finding stability and children from reaching their potential in school
That’s why we established PACT (Partnerships for Accessible Counseling and Training) program – partnering with 8 nonprofits in 11 locations (West Dallas, South Dallas, and Pleasant Grove). By collaborating with established nonprofits, counseling is provided onsite in a comfortable environment, where people already receive services such as food, clothing and after-school care.
“Mental health plays a vital role in the trajectory and success of individuals and neighborhoods alike. COVID-19 has exacerbated the need for mental health care, disproportionately impacting communities of color,” said Natalie Breen, director of educational innovation at Wesley-Rankin Community Center.
Thank you for providing life-saving counseling to children and families living in poverty through The Center’s PACT program. Schedule your gift today: www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/THECENTERCOUNSELING.
