The Diocese of Allentown was formed on January 28, 1961, when Pope John XXIII signed a document separating the counties of Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Schuylkill from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The news became public February 15. The following April 11, Bishop Joseph McShea, then auxiliary bishop of Philadelphia, was installed as the first Bishop of Allentown by Archbishop Egidio Vagnozzi, Apostolic Delegate to the United States in the new Cathedral Church of Saint Catharine of Siena in Allentown.
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Services Offered
Catholic Charities helps people cope more effectively with emotional or relationship issues. Our professional staff is trained in social work, counseling, and marriage and family therapy.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Individuals, couples, families or a child with parental permission.
Fees and Payment
Anyone interested in counseling or behavioral health services will be offered an intake appointment. An intake counselor will explain the nature of counseling, confidentiality, and fee requirements, and will determine if the Counseling Program can meet their needs.
This is a nonprofit organization.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens Children
Special Groups: Faith-Based
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Qualifying for assistance from Pennsylvania's program usually depends on the severity of your condition and financial circumstance. Read our full guide to Pennsylvania's program.
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.