Directions for Youth & Families offers programs that provide community-based treatment and prevention services that emphasize commitment to the family, school, and work. Services are provided through innovative programs that are resiliency-oriented, trauma-informed and focus on the reduction of self-defeating behaviors and assisting youth, adults and families in leading positive and productive lives.
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Services Offered
- Mental health assessments and counseling - Sexual abuse survivors - Children of murdered parents and siblings - Drug and alcohol abuse - Kindergarten readiness - Domestic violence/children who witness violence - Teen parenting and traditional parenting classes
ees & Payment
Services are provided without cost to participants or are offered on a sliding fee scale. Accepts new clients even those without insurance
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono
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Qualifying for assistance from Ohio's program usually depends on the severity of your condition and financial circumstance. Read our full guide to Ohio'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.