For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As the nation's largest donor- and volunteer-supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers ("Bigs") and children ("Littles"), ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.
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Services Offered
Counseling Services for children in St. Clair County
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) provides counseling services to all children seeking counseling within the ages of 6 through 17 whom are either BBBS clients or community members who meet the admission criteria listed below. Self-referrals are accepted as well as referrals from other community organizations working on behalf of the family.
The agency utilizes traditional, conventional service modalities and interventions to assist the client in meeting their goals and needs. The counseling services offered provide support through the use of age appropriate, client centered counseling which include listening, encouraging, validating, reflecting, giving resources, providing advocacy and a safe counseling environment. Services provided will be on an as-needed basis regardless of race, color, religion, gender, disability, national origin or sexual preference. Services are provided in the office, home, or school.
*Admission Criteria - Residents of St. Clair County - 6-17 years of age - Children and their parents who are experiencing psychological and/or relationship distress. - Child in local school settings presenting with emotional and/or behavioral issues.
Services Provided > At no cost to the family or school > Short term Individual and Family Counseling > Group Counseling as deemed necessary > Advocacy/Case Management > Crisis Intervention > Information and Referrals
Fees and Payment
This is a non-profit agency.
Services Offered To: Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono
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Qualifying for assistance from Wisconsin's program usually depends on the severity of your condition and financial circumstance. Read our full guide to Wisconsin'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.