After careful consideration, we regret to announce that Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach will be discontinuing our mental health counseling services offered to the general public. As you might imagine, this was a difficult decision for our agency.
We are fully aware of the importance of quality mental health services, especially for vulnerable individuals who lack resources or connections to quality community services. For many years, our counseling services have made a tremendous, positive impact on the well-being of individuals served. However, the service delivery model was not financially sustainable to our agency. Building on the efforts begun two years ago, we have decided to continue our grant funded counseling services that are solely embedded within our agency programs (i.e. The Samaritan Center and Bakhita Empowerment Program) and funded as part of those program models. In addition, we will honor and implement a 2024 grant award from the United Way of Martin County to serve Martin County residents.
During this transition period, our priority remains the well-being of those we serve. We are working on a smooth transition for all existing clients to receive services through our network of mental health providers and with the help of the Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network, who has provided significant support, consultation, and partnership.
We are committed to assisting our existing clients during this transition and are here to help them find the resources they need. In the same vain, we are committed to helping employees in positions that have been eliminated to secure employment elsewhere in our agency (which has already occurred in some cases) or within the same mental health network.
We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have been a part of our Counseling Services program, including the Clinical Director, Jithin George LMHC, the wonderful counseling staff, intern volunteers, funding partners, donors, and clients. Your support and contributions have been instrumental in our efforts to serve the vulnerable in our community.
Again, I wish to reiterate that this decision was not easily made, but one that was necessary to maintain the overall financial stability of our agency. Thank you for your understanding, patience, and continued support as we work through this transition.
Ellen T. Wayne
CEO/Executive Director
