North Kent Mind (formerly Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley Mind) is an independent mental health charity operating in North Kent. We provide a wide range of services for people who experience mental health problems, whether these are described as anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), Personality Disorder, or otherwise. We work with people individually or in small or large groups.
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Services Offered
Our services include supported housing, low cost counselling, agoraphobic support, activity sessions, springboard, social groups, person centred planning, self-management courses, peer-led activities and open sessions.
Low Cost Counselling
The Low-Cost Counselling Service of North Kent Mind is delivered by qualified and trainee counsellors who volunteer to take on this work. We currently have 28 counsellors, providing a service to around 80 clients at any one time. The service is available to clients by arrangement in the daytime, evening and at weekends, at various locations in Dartford and Gravesend.
Fees and Payment
This is a registered charity
The amount we charge depends on the client's income and circumstances. This will be discussed during the first telephone contact.
Services Offered To: Adults Teens Children
Payment: Pro-bono
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Were You Able to Make an Appointment?
One quick last question. Who was seeking counseling today?
Do you know the reason they are not accepting clients?
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.