Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Patty Eller, Director of Development, and Michelle Nagy, Staff Therapist and Director of Compassionate Care with The Refuge Center for Counseling, who both highlight how the nonprofit organization and counseling center “exists to offer excellent, accessible, and affordable mental and emotional healthcare services in support of transformational impact on communities.”
During the interview, Patty shares some of the history for the organization and how it has grown since opening in 2005 to provide over 320,000 counseling sessions. The Refuge Center for Counseling is now the largest counseling center in the area – serving over 4,000 people each year and providing over 39,000 counseling sessions annually. Patty discusses how the vast majority of those served are on a sliding scale (up to 89% of sessions) so no one is turned away from getting help on the basis of income.
Michelle talks about their team and shares some of the many ways they are able to help through individual and group sessions, specialized therapeutic techniques, and a variety of tools, modalities, and resources. Michelle shares her perspectives on the state of mental health right now and how the “loneliness epidemic” is impacting individuals. She shares some helpful tips related to managing stress and anxiety and taking an activity-based approach to connecting with others and combatting loneliness.
Patty and Michelle wrap up sharing their excitement over their new 15,200 square foot facility and campus that will feature dedicated spaces like serene walking trails, a healing garden, playground for children, and more to allow individuals the chance to relax and process before and after sessions. They talk about the ripple impact of their efforts in the community and how the community can support their efforts to ensure that individuals are able to get the emotional and mental healthcare services they need in order to transform their life, tackle anxiety, overcome addictions, and experience freedom.
Visit https://refugecenter.org to learn more and get involved with The Refuge Center for Counseling.
