Mental health and wellness are just as important as physical health and wellness. In fact, the two go hand in hand. Berks Counseling Center is proud to be a Pennsylvania Integrated Community Wellness Center providing coordinated behavioral health and physical health and wellness services. In 2019, just prior to the pandemic, we opened BCC’s Child and Family Center at 645 Penn Street with this same commitment to integrated care. This Center is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of counselors, nurses, wellness staff, and psychiatrists/prescribers who are dedicated to meeting the counseling needs of youth and families—all within a framework that also addresses physical health and wellness. We have a state-of-the-art play therapy room and a wellness center. Our team utilizes evidence-based approaches and services are provided in English and in Spanish. Services offered when and where they are needed are not exclusively limited to those provided in the office. We also offer telehealth support, in-home, and community-based care. Appointments are available the same day or the next day, and walk-ins are welcome.
Throughout the pandemic, many of our youth have experienced trauma and loss. Rates of depression, anxiety, and substance use in youth all have increased. It is critical that youth and their families who are struggling receive outreach, support, and counseling as needed. With financial support from a grant from the United Way of Berks County, BCC has expanded its community outreach to youth and families as well as its health and wellness supports specific to youth, hiring a youth Health Coach to work with young patients. This funding will also help support a future Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment Program. Since April these efforts have engaged 98 youth in care. We want all youth and families to know that care and support are out there!
Christine Axford MEd LPC
President/CEO
Berks Counseling Center
