Feedback from our clients, stakeholders, and our community has always been a Shelter priority, and when they talk, we listen. Anna’s story was typical of what we kept hearing:

My husband and I have a 10-year-old biological daughter, and we’re foster parents to two brothers, 8 and 9. The boys grew up in an abusive household and are having difficulty adjusting to a new type of environment, and our daughter has become withdrawn with the boys needing so much of our attention.

Knowing the kids would all benefit from mental health therapy, we looked into it, but it was impossible. No one in our area took our insurance, and the cost was way over our budget. Even if we could afford it, with one car, two different work schedules, and kids in school, we never would’ve made three different appointments a week.

In response to the needs of children and families in crisis, Shelter is introducing our new Clinical Program. Our staff of experienced, licensed therapists will provide mental health counseling for children we serve and their family members whose mental health impacts their outcomes.

Because we will be accepting both Medicaid and other insurance, there will be no charge to clients. Scheduling conflicts, transportation, and childcare challenges will be eliminated as counseling sessions will be offered in the client’s home and with flexible hours for appointments.

As always, each child in Shelter programs receives individualized case management. Coordinating mental health care and other critical support services will ensure the most significant impact of managed care.

Fear, worry, and stress are common responses to the COVID-19 crisis, and for those who have already experienced trauma, the pandemic can be overwhelming. We believe there has never been a time when breaking barriers to mental health care has been more crucial, or when being there for each other has made more of a difference to our community.

Learn more about all of Shelter’s programs under Services on our website.