Counselors at Family Tree Education and Counseling Center are making sure mental health stays a priority during a time when families need it most.
Going virtual, like many other agencies, the tele-counseling service has become a popular source for those looking to talk to a counselor. For Danielle Lewis, the service has helped her during a difficult time, as her 7- year- old son C.J., underwent surgery on his amputation.
“Just to voice my feelings because I’m the only person in my family who has a prosthetic leg and seeing my son go through a similar condition, I can understand where he’s coming from, but nobody could understand where I was coming from,” said Danielle Lewis.
Danielle only had one face to face counseling session this year before the center had to close however, she says the virtual way still provides a lot of resources for her family.
“It was great to have someone just to listen, who wasn’t family and was just very much unbiased. They gave me tools to help my son and me as well,” said Lewis.
For those who’ve never sought counseling or have concerns, Family Tree is offering a free tele-counseling session for those who are new.
“So, we’ve adjusted all our prices to make it more affordable. And are continuing to try and find subsidies so people can get it at a lesser rate," said Marie Collins, Executive Director at Family Tree.
Another benefit of offering these services virtually, anyone in Louisiana can sign up and reach out.
“There are very few places where you can go to talk to somebody, and they’re just for you, and that’s a beautiful thing to have someone sit across and the room for a full hour and just listen to what’s happening with you,” said Collins.
