Our mission evolved from volunteer-based case management to professional counseling and therapy services for victims of abuse. Therefore, we separated from the state and incorporated under the new name of Children First in order to better represent our new focus and services. Today, our mission to end the cycle of child abuse and family violence is carried out through counseling and education by a staff of skilled, compassionate, licensed therapists. Our diverse staff of counselors is equipped to assist children, adolescents, and adults. Because we are one of only few agencies in North Texas to provide Play Therapy, we are able to begin the healing process for children as young as age 3.
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Services Offered
General Counseling Program - Victims' struggling to recover from the invasive acts of domestic violence, child abuse, and other crimes of victimization can be helped through counseling to find relief and gain emotional stability and healing. Our goal is to provide an emotionally safe and supportive environment in which to facilitate the healing process for those we serve.
Adolescent Services Program - We can make a difference in adolescents' lives by helping them to come to terms with the reality of their situation and providing them alternatives to problematic behaviors that can lead to increased appropriate relationships at home, in school and in the community. The goal is to increase individual and family empowerment to bring about a reduction in disruptive behavior.
Fees and Payment
We accept various insurance and payment option such as Medicaid, Private health insurance, Cash or self-payment and government insurance. We also offer a sliding fee scale program which is based on income and other factor. We are also a nonprofit agency.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens Children
Payment: Sliding Scale
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Qualifying for assistance from Texas' program usually depends on the severity of your condition and financial circumstance. Read our full guide to Texas' 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.