Mental Health Counseling

Private, non-profit organization offering professional counseling and prevention services.

You talk. We listen

Mental health counseling is available to help those who have experienced trauma and have emotional concerns, as well as those who need support with their daily struggles. Our multi-disciplinary team of behavioral health counselors, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, and other medical providers use evidence-based practices to assist our clients with improving their mental health and wellness.

Counseling sessions are client centered and client driven. We support you every step of the way, adapting your treatment plan as we go, to work for you wherever you are in life. Therapists utilize a wide variety of evidence-based practices including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) along with other innovative treatment methods that have been proven to positively impact the effectiveness of therapy.

Some individuals may have a dual diagnosis that includes both mental health and substance use disorders. Our agency can offer integrated dual disorder focused treatment for individuals with co-occurring disorders. This approach helps people address both disorders at the same time—in the same agency by the same team of treatment providers.

What is the intake process?

Your first contact may be with an Intake Coordinator who will help the agency determine the best options for serving you. Your first counseling session may be in person or via telehealth. You will have initial intake paperwork which we can provide in advance, or you may complete the paperwork by arriving 30 minutes early for your first onsite session. Family & Children’s Counseling Services recognizes the strength and courage needed to schedule your first counseling session and we are grateful you have trusted in us to provide care and treatment during this difficult time.

What can I expect during my first counseling session?

Your first session with your therapist will be more of an information-gathering session. This initial assessment is an opportunity for your therapist to gain a better understanding of your history, challenges and strengths. If you are taking medication, it can be helpful to come prepared with a list of your currently prescribed medications. If you’ve had past mental health treatment, putting together a list of providers and care you’ve received can also be helpful. At the conclusion if your session, based on your presenting concerns, your therapist will work with you to establish a plan for next steps regarding your mental health treatment.

Can you prescribe medication?

Family & Children’s Counseling Services has psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and other medical providers who can complete a medication evaluation and when warranted, prescribe medication for clients receiving psychotherapy.

How long will I be in counseling?

The length of treatment varies greatly from person to person. Over the course of your first sessions, you and your therapist will create a treatment plan which will detail specific goals you’d like to work toward. This plan will also detail an estimated length of time for your treatment.

What is the cost?

We accept most insurance plans including Medicaid, Medicare & Child Health Plus (CHIP) and offer discounted fees to those who qualify based on income and family size.

Currently, there is a high demand for services. Individuals are screened through our intake process to be certain those with high risk concerns are seen within one to three days for a clinical intake and start services. Those without risk issues are scheduled for a short non-clinical intake (non-billed) and contacted for the next available opening.

For more information or to make a referral:

Binghamton Clinic
(607) 729-6206

Cortland Clinic
(607) 753-0234

Oneida Clinic
(315) 280-0400

If you or someone you are with is experiencing an overdose, please dial 911 for immediate assistance.

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