For generations, Jewish Family & Children's Service has offered compassionate support and practical solutions to help people in our community navigate life's challenges. JF&CS and its licensed professional staff assist the elderly, protect children at risk, provide food and services for the needy, resolve family problems and enhance Jewish connections. We serve those in need regardless of age, race, religion, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.
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Services Offered
Adult Counseling When an unexpected crisis or everyday life challenge overpowers your ability to function in a productive way, we provide the caring counsel that can empower you to adjust and manage your situation.
Children & Adolescent Counseling We provide comprehensive and confidential counseling to help our clients who are experiencing distress in their lives. Whatever the crisis, academic, social, behavioral, emotional, physical or mental our highly-skilled clinicians are committed to improve the quality of life through effective counseling and education.
Support Groups Sometimes, when misfortune strikes, it's good to know you're not alone. United by a common life experience or interest, our targeted support groups facilitated by a licensed professional offer psychosocial assistance, discussion and comfort.
Testing and Assessment Timely intervention is key when a parent first senses a child's distress. Parents who have concerns about their children's emotional, developmental, behavioral or academic development can rely on JF&CS clinical staff for independent assessment of these challenges.
School Based Consultation Program Our school-based consultation program seeks to enhance the mental health and academic performance of young students with onsite JF&CS professionals.
Fees and Payment
JFCS is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization. Through the Jewish Federation and private donors, no one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay. A discounted/sliding fee schedule is available.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens Children
Special Groups: Faith-Based
Payment: Sliding Scale Medicare Medicaid
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Qualifying for assistance from Missouri's program usually depends on the severity of your condition and financial circumstance. Read our full guide to Missouri'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.