FAHSI is a community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the social conditions and enhancing the self-reliance of the Filipino and Filipino American communities of New York City. FAHSI's vision is an empowered Filipino American community with a strong sense of identity and commitment to civic participation. FAHSI serves marginalized segments of the community, particularly the elderly, youth, women and recent immigrants.
Services Offered
As part of its ongoing services, FAHSI offers counseling services to Filipino individuals and families in need of culturally-responsive, therapeutic intervention. Professionally trained social workers and counselors are available to meet with individuals and families for short-term counseling and therapy. FAHSI also provides clinical mental health services to young people facing difficulties with family, school, or other psychosocial problems such as mental depression, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, and gang involvement.
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.
