Catholic Charities of Buffalo, NY has been protecting, strengthening and empowering the people of Western New York since 1923. Today, we offer the most comprehensive services of any human service organization serving all eight counties. Most importantly, we serve those in need and those who are most vulnerable - children, adults, older adults and families - without regard to religion, race or age. Our goal is optimum emotional, mental and physical health for all.
Catholic Charities offers programs that strive to empower individuals, children and families. Among them are comprehensive counseling services for all ages, basic emergency assistance and referrals, child and adult mental health and chemical dependency treatment, educational and job readiness programs, older adult services, parish outreach and advocacy, marriage counseling, foster care and adoption services, immigration and refugee assistance and a variety of programs that address prevention and treatment of a number of family issues.
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Services Offered
Diocesan Counseling Center for Church Ministers The Diocesan Counseling Center for Church Ministers participates in the healing mission of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Buffalo. Rooted in the liberating love of God, we are committed to offering quality services which enrich the human person and strengthen the faith community of Western New York. Services offered include: * Individual and group therapy * Consultation, facilitation * Education workshops * Psychological assessment * Brief neuropsychological assessment * Spiritual direction
Domestic Violence Victim Services * Support Groups - In Erie County (Kenmore/Tonawanda or Cheektowaga) and Cattaraugus County (Olean), New Hope Partners weekly groups are a critical support for families living with domestic violence. Evidence shows that domestic violence peer support group programs are particularly effective in "alleviating depression and stress, increasing self-esteem, self-efficacy and psychological well-being.'' When participants are asked how the group helped them, women mention feeling empowered, more valued, more confident and having new coping tools to make needed changes in their lives. Our groups reported more tangible support, higher internal locus of control and greater satisfaction with our services.
* Counseling and Linkage to Other Services - Each community office is linked and responsive to the needs of victims in Erie, Niagara, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties. Catholic Charities staff are trained to respond to trauma and use these skills as they interact with families who live with and are impacted by domestic violence. Our staff/therapists provide services including counseling to survivors (of any age, children to seniors) and their families along with linkage to specialized services in our community offices across the eight counties of Western New York.
Domestic Violence Program for Men Catholic Charities' Domestic Violence Program for Men is an additional disposition available to the Courts or agent of the Courts when holding adult male offenders accountable for their acts of domestic violence against an intimate female partner.
Court-ordered participation in the program requires weekly attendance in a one to one and a half hour session for a minimum of 26 consecutive sessions, or 52 sessions if so ordered.
Professional trained staff present information about men's violence against women in our society such as the historical, societal and cultural aspects of domestic abuse, oppression and sexism, and how to end it. This program helps participants realize the changes they need to make to improve their relationships and interact respectfully with their partners.
Fees and Payment
We are a nonprofit agency.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens Children
Special Groups: Faith-Based
Payment: Sliding Scale
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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.