Counseling Services
About
St. Francis Counseling Services is a trusted community resource committed to providing compassionate, affordable, and professional mental health support to individuals, couples, and families in Southern Ocean County. With a focus on inclusivity, we serve clients of all ages, backgrounds, and income levels.
Our mission is to empower individuals and families to overcome life’s challenges and improve their well-being through accessible and high-quality therapy, advocacy, and education. Our team of master-level therapists specializes in trauma-informed care, offering a safe and confidential space for healing and growth.
Whether you are seeking support for mental health challenges, recovering from trauma, or looking for guidance in family or relationship dynamics, St. Francis Counseling Services is here to help. With services available in English and Spanish, we strive to meet the diverse needs of our community.
At St. Francis Counseling Services, we believe that mental health care is a right, not a privilege, and we are dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve. Let us be a partner in your journey to healing and personal growth.
Our Services
At St. Francis Counseling Services, we provide a variety of mental health and advocacy programs, including:
Counseling Services: Individual, family, and group therapy with licensed clinicians.
Specialized Support:
-Sexual violence survivor advocacy and support (free services).
-Support groups for parents of children who’ve experienced sexual abuse, grief counseling, and sexual violence survivors (offered twice yearly).
-Perinatal mental health services for parents with children under 3 or those who’ve experienced pregnancy loss/infertility.
24-Hour Sexual Violence Hotline: Confidential hotline (609-494-1090) with trained advocates available to respond at local hospitals and police stations.
Community Education & Prevention: Outreach programs on sexual violence awareness and prevention.
Sexual Abuse & Assault Program
For victims of sexual abuse and their family members who are residents of Ocean County: Ongoing Therapy, Community Education Programs, 24-Hour Crisis Hotline.
There is no fee for this program.
(609) 494-1090
(24/7 Sexual Violence Hotline)
Our Groups
Surviving to Thriving
This support group is for survivors of recent or past sexual assaults, offering a safe and empowering space to begin the journey of healing. Referrals are being accepted, and there is no fee to participate.
Parenting AFTER
A confidential psycho-educational support group specifically for parents of children who have been sexually abused. This group provides guidance, understanding, and resources to help parents navigate this difficult time. There is no fee for this program.
Journey Through Grief
Designed for men and women of all ages, this program helps participants work through the natural stages of grief with education and group support. Registration is required, and there is no fee for this program.
Who We Serve:
We proudly serve:
Children, Adults, and Families: From age 3 to 100, we are here to support your journey.
Survivors of Violent Crimes: Specialized support for victims of sexual violence in Ocean County.
Parents: Free services for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders for parents of children under 3 or those who have experienced pregnancy loss or infertility.
Southern Ocean County Residents: Sliding scale general mental health services for those in Lacey Township and south.
Low-Cost Services:
General mental health services are provided at a sliding scale of $10-$80 per session based on income and family size.
Free Services:
Advocacy and counseling for survivors of crime, sexual violence, and perinatal mood disorders are free.
Flexible Locations:
Services are offered in the main office, virtually, or at outpost locations around Ocean County.
COUNSELING SERVICES AT ST. FRANCIS COMMUNITY CENTER
COUNSELING SERVICES AT ST. FRANCIS COMMUNITY CENTER
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ’s
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Services for survivors of violent crimes are free of charge as well as for perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. General mental health ranges from $10-80.
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Our therapists are clinicians that have or are pursuing a masters degree in clinical mental health counseling or social work. We utilize interns that are supervised by a licensed clinicians, but our staff are all licensed clinicians. Most have training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and sand tray therapy as well as continuing to receive training in other specialized areas. Utilize these websites for more information about therapy:
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Yes we can-as appropriate for each client! Some kiddos are too young to be focused enough for telehealth and other populations may not get the full benefit of counseling via telehealth. Your therapist will talk to you about the options.
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What you say in session stays in session unless: someone is hurting you, you want to hurt someone, you give permission to share your info, or you want to hurt yourself.
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Follow us on facebook-facebook.com/stfranciscounselingservice Another resource is NJCASA for statewide information about sexual violence: njcasa.org
How to Access Services
By Appointment: Call 609-494-1554 to schedule an intake.
Cost:
Victims of Crime and Support Groups: Free.
Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy: Sliding-scale fee of $10–$80, based on household income.
Eligibility Requirements:
For sliding-scale therapy, you must be a resident of Southern Ocean County (Lacey to Tuckerton).
Referrals are accepted for support groups.
Volunteer Opportunities
Join us as a Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate to support survivors of sexual violence. Training sessions are held multiple times a year. Contact 609-494-1554 to learn more.
Contact Us
Appointments:
Phone: Call 609-494-1554 to schedule an appointment.
Hours of Operation:
Monday & Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday through Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Languages Offered:
Counseling is available in both English and Spanish to meet the diverse needs of our community.