Parish Counseling Services

Short term professional counseling offered by Catholic Charities and the Diocese of Trenton, in an effort to connect people with the support they need while assisting pastors and priests in securing the most effective and appropriate care for their parishioners.

For Whom:

Parishioners seeking help through difficult issues such as: marital problems, raising children, eldercare, bereavement/grief, or the stress of job loss that can be successfully addressed by brief counseling support. You must be a parishioner in a parish of the Diocese to take advantage of this program.

Type of counseling:

This is short term counseling provides for up to 6 sessions and is NOT appropriate treatment for severe or persistent mental illness. Working from Catholic Charities' sites or private offices, counselors are experienced with an array of difficulties and diverse clientele.

How to participate:

Referrals can only be made through pastors and parish priests. Speak to your pastor or parish priest about referring you to the program.  The referral form is available through your pastor or parish priest.  

After speaking with them, they will fax a referral form to Parish Counseling Services from the parish. A coordinator will contact the parishioner to arrange for counseling after the request has been reviewed by a counselor.

Payment:

The fee per session is $90 (effective July 1, 2018). The Parish Counseling Services program offers financial aid of $65/session if aid is needed. In that case, the copay of $25/session is the individual's responsibility and is paid to the counselor at the beginning of each session. Your health insurance is not assessed for these counseling services unless you specifically request it and your insurance will cover it.

Beyond 6 sessions:

Referral to a practitioner or treatment center outside of Parish Counseling Services will be made if counseling beyond 6 sessiones is necessary or if the initial referral indicates need for long term treatment. Any additional sessions beyond the six (6) sessions offered through Parish Counseling Services are not eligible for financial assistance.

For more information, contact: 

           Brenda L. Rascher, MSW, JD
           Director: Parish Counseling Services
           Call:  609-403-7180                   
           Email:  [email protected]