Nonprofit provides free counseling for nurses, other essential workers

As doctors and nurses continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic on the front lines of Philadelphia and around the globe, many are exposed to mental health challenges never experienced before. 

Council for Relationships is here to help. 

The local nonprofit—which has locations throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey including at 1800 JFK Boulevard and 4025 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia—recently established the Council Cares for the Community Fund. This initiative provides free and low-cost therapeutic services for those affected by coronavirus, including healthcare professionals, first responders, grocery store employees, delivery drivers and other essential workers who have dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic first hand. 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and considering our current climate, mental health awareness and support is more vital than ever. Council for Relationships is embracing that sentiment with its new initiative that offers free counseling services to essential workers and also low-cost services to those who have experienced recent loss of employment. 

“We are painfully aware of the challenges faced by those who are caring for people with the coronavirus and know we can help,” said Council for Relationships CEO Deb D’Arcangelo. “Our new fund will also support an expansion of CFR’s low-fee therapy services to people who cannot afford mental health care but are disproportionately impacted by the current public health and economic crises.”

According to a release, Council for Relationships’ waitlist for low-fee therapy services has increased by almost 40-percent since the beginning of April. The organization recently received $10,000 in donations to help respond to the quickly growing need for mental health services, but seeks additional aid to help fund the Council Cares for the Community Fund with a goal of $100,000.  

Those interested in donating to help the Council Cares for the Community Fund, can do so online at councilforrelationships.org/donate. Both individuals and organizations are welcome to donate. 

People seeking free or low-cost mental health services can gain additional information or make an appointment online at councilforrelationships.org/thosewhocare or by calling 215-382-6680 Ext. 1.