The Intercultural Counseling Connection is a referral network of mental health professionals committed to providing culturally responsive counseling and therapeutic services for asylum seekers, refugees, and other forced migrants in the greater Baltimore area. The mission of the Intercultural Counseling Connection is to foster a referral network that links asylum seeking and refugee clients in the greater Baltimore area with mental health professionals trained in providing culturally-responsive care, and to serve as a source of professional support and growth for participating therapists.
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Services Offered
The Connection is the only program in our area that provides trauma-informed, language-appropriate counseling at no cost for asylum seekers and other forced migrants. We do so though our growing network of dedicated and compassionate volunteer therapists, who offer pro bono services for non-insured Connection clients. Through our clinical training workshops, we help strengthen providers' skills in working with survivors of conflict-related trauma and torture, building the competencies of mental health professionals in addressing the needs of these individuals.
Fees and Payment
Counseling services through the Connection network are provided for free (pro bono) or under reimbursement through Medical Assistance (Medicaid). There is no charge to the client.
Services Offered To: Adults Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono Medicare Medicaid
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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.