Catholic Counseling Service offers faith-based help

The Archdiocese of New Orleans has made a concentrated effort to provide faith-based counseling through its Catholic Counseling Service. How is that relatively new ministry keeping up with the need for counseling services in the community?

Especially with the pandemic and the stresses that have intensified over the last several years, the need obviously is great. Catholic Counseling Service has grown each year by 25% and continues to serve individuals, couples, children and families. This growth is an indication of the demand for counseling and a continued need for hope and healing. The expansion of services is a credit to Dr. Joey Pistorius and his staff. Catholic Counseling Service has doubled its number of full-time counselors to four, and it has a combined staff of 19, which includes Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Professional Counselors, Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselors and graduate student counseling interns. Most of the interns come from Loyola University and the University of Holy Cross, two of our Catholic universities. Also, two of the counselors offer telehealth counseling exclusively. Catholic Counseling Service also collaborates with other local organizations such as Mercy Family Center, which has the ability to provide psychological evaluations. The bottom line is that Catholic Counseling Service has approximately 350 active clients, which it serves at its offices on the southshore and northshore. Since last July, Catholic Counseling Service has taken in 600 clients.

Who are the people coming in for counseling?

About 68% of the people are Catholic, and the vast majority identify as Christian. Catholic Counseling Service recently added play therapy as an option for children. The play therapy program was heavily assisted by the Women’s Giving Circle through a grant of $20,000, which helps families who may not be able to afford therapy for their children. In play therapy, a child uses play as a “language” to help the counselor see what might be going on in the child’s life. Overall, the counseling is private pay. There is a $35 intake fee and a $65 hourly rate, but Catholic Counseling Service works with families to make counseling affordable. Catholic Counseling Service also can refer clients to Catholic Charities’ Counseling Solutions if there is a need for insurance to cover the counseling. The focus is on caring for the entire family.

What distinguishes faith-based counseling from other types of counseling?

We know that people of faith who need counseling sometimes go to other types of counseling where their faith tradition is treated almost as a “pathology.” We uphold the richness of the Catholic faith because we know that every person has God-given dignity and inherent goodness. We work with individuals and families for whom faith is an important component in their lives. The counselors can support clients in their faith journey, and we know that spirituality can help resolve challenges. Catholic Counseling Service is building a great reputation in the community.

How can people get information and get help?

The best way is to contact them directly at (504) 861-6245. One of the things that Catholic Counseling Service is committed to is responding to intake requests within 24 to 48 hours with a follow-up call from a counselor, who can set up an appointment. When people are in crisis and need help, it is important to connect them to services as quickly as possible. The two offices are located at 2814 S. Carrollton Ave. in New Orleans, and 4465 Hwy. 190 East Service Road in Covington.

How does Catholic Counseling Service get the word out?

Our biggest referral opportunities are through the parish. Many pastors place brochures describing the program’s services in the back of church, and some even have referral cards with them in the confessional when a person seems to desire counseling. Another way people have shared their experiences with Catholic Counseling Service is by word of mouth through friends and family. The program’s counseling can address issues such as anger, stress and anxiety, life and career transitions, depression, behavioral issues, sexual compulsions, marital issues, parenting and co-parenting skills, divorce and blended-family issues, relationship conflict, grief and loss, body image issues and trauma. I truly commend the important work of hope and healing that Catholic Counseling Service accomplishes for our local community.

Questions for Archbishop Aymond may be sent to  [email protected]