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Could you provide more information about the services and programs that FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Center provides, as well as the locations they serve?
FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Center is a non-profit organization established in 1977. Our counseling center is located in Humble TX and provides low-cost in-person and virtual counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. In addition, FamilyTime provides emergency shelter services to women, men, and families who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking.
We offer various classes and support groups to the community, including CPS-approved parenting classes, court-approved anger management classes, domestic violence and sexual assault support groups, life skills such as financial literacy, and others. Additionally, we offer a 24/7 support hotline answered by a live advocate, CPS liaison services, case management services, sexual assault hospital accompaniments, and court accompaniment. Our services are available to residents in Liberty County, Montgomery County, Harris County and all surrounding Texas counties.
How does Familytime Crisis and Counseling Center address the mental health needs of minority communities?
Individuals from some racial and ethnic groups face barriers to mental health services. At FamilyTime, we strive to do all we can to eliminate many of those barriers. Many individuals avoid seeking mental health care due to the high cost of services and lack of insurance. To help alleviate this barrier, our program offers counseling services at an affordable price based on a sliding scale or even free of charge based on certain qualifications as well as free case management. Another barrier that some individuals face is a lack of transportation. FamilyTime helps individuals overcome this barrier by offering the option of virtual counseling services. In addition, we offer bilingual counseling services as lack of counseling in one’s native language may also present as a challenge for some individuals.
In your experience, what mental health challenges or obstacles are commonly faced by minority groups? Do you think mental health issues more impact minority groups than the general population?
Minority groups with mental health issues often experience more serious and long-term consequences due to facing more challenges than others in accessing mental health services (APA, 2017). For some, it may be a financial barrier or lack of insurance that keeps the individual from seeking treatment. The stigma surrounding mental health among some racial and ethnic groups may also prevent some individuals from seeking help, as cultural attitudes and beliefs may discourage them from speaking to individuals outside of their family or culture. As a result of these barriers, many health disorders often go untreated and can lead to serious consequences, which is why FamilyTime aims to remove as many of these barriers as possible.
How can mental health professionals and counselors be better prepared to address the needs and experiences of minority individuals?
To effectively meet the needs of minority groups, mental health professionals can start by making sure that their staff is diverse and representative of the racial and ethnic groups they serve. It is important to offer counseling services in different languages, which can help individuals feel more comfortable expressing themselves. In addition, it is critical that mental health professionals are multiculturally competent and that they strive to understand issues addressing their client’s race, sexuality, socioeconomic status, and gender.
What advice or recommendations are you for families or individuals from minority backgrounds who may be hesitant to seek mental health help?
Seeking mental health services takes courage and can be scary for someone that has never sought help before. At FamilyTime, a client is never forced to talk about anything they are not willing to share. The first counseling session at FamilyTime is free and provides an opportunity for the therapist to get to know the client and answer questions the client may have about counseling. This first session is an opportunity for the client to consider if the therapist is a good fit for their mental health needs. If a client decides that the therapist is not a good fit, they have an opportunity to be assigned to another counselor within FamilyTime based on availability, receive referrals to outside providers, or simply not continue with therapy. We always encourage individuals to try, make that appointment, meet with the counselor, and see how you feel at the end of the session. Seeking mental health services may not be easy for some, but it can be one of the most rewarding steps an individual takes in improving their mental health.
Can you provide more information about Familytime’s support Hotline and Shelter?
FamilyTime offers a 24-hour support line (281-446-2615) for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis and for individuals that are experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking. All calls are answered by a live FamilyTime advocate, which provides the caller with a listening ear and resources.
We often receive calls from individuals who think they are in an unhealthy relationship but are not quite sure. Our advocates are available to provide information on unhealthy relationships and provide safety planning if needed. In addition, our support line is a number that survivors of sexual assault can call to receive support and information on their options in seeking help, including having an advocate with them at the hospital during a forensic exam should they choose that option. Other calls include individuals who may be struggling emotionally or may be thinking about suicide. FamilyTime also offers an emergency shelter that provides a safe living environment for men, women, and their children who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking. Individuals seeking shelter due to these types of violence are encouraged to call FamilyTime’s support line at (281) 446-2615.
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