According to Mental Health America, Virginia ranks 38th out of 51 states and the District of Columbia in access to mental health services and sources. This number is down from a ranking of 27 in 2011. At Jewish Family Services, we work to bridge these gaps every day. Despite an ever-growing list of clients with diverse issues and needs, JFS counselors are making a positive impact every day.
Just one of these examples is with our client, Mr. R. Recently one of the JFS Richmond counselors received an after-hours emergency call from Mr. R. He was experiencing severe emotional trauma and needed immediate assistance. While staying on the phone, our counselor was able to help stabilize Mr. R, while simultaneously contacting the local authorities, explaining the details of the situation and explaining Mr. R’s urgent need for immediate help. When a local police officer arrived, he also went the extra mile to engage Mr. R and share his own stories of family members struggling with their mental health. Thanks to JFS Richmond and the local authorities, Mr. R was reassured and is back on his road to recovery.
Unfortunately, this is all too common across the country and even here in Richmond. Did you know that according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, merely 41% of adults in the U.S. with a mental health condition received mental health services in the past year? Among adults with a serious mental illness, only 62.9% received mental health services in the past year. Luckily, Mr. R had an established relationship with a counselor at JFS Richmond to help him during his time of need, yet across our region a number of people are going without the critical support of counseling services.
JFS is working hard to combat the stigma of mental health disorders and help people overcome the barriers that prevent them from seeking treatment, so that situations similar to Mr. R’s are treated and cared for in a timely manner. JFS Counseling insures that all individuals can easily access our services so they can address critical mental health needs, enabling them to have an overall improved sense of well-being. In fact, 98% of JFS Richmond’s counseling clients say that our counselors have helped them maintain or improve their lives and well-being. This is because we here at JFS Counseling take an individual approach with each and every client. Our licensed clinical social workers and psychologists understand that everyone is unique and so too, are the reasons for seeking counseling. Whether dealing with family, relationship, older adult issues, or if simply talking with someone would help, we offer a compassionate and respectful environment where you can engage, cope and succeed.
Everyone experiences difficulties and emotional struggles at some point in their lives. For many, counseling can be a valuable and meaningful way to help in difficult times. Our counselors at JFS navigate a plethora of unique situations every day. From marriage and family counseling, to serious depression and suicidal ideation, our counselors take a strength-focused approach to client care.
If you or a loved one is experiencing difficulty in any aspect of life, JFS Counseling is here for you.
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