No-Cost Mental Health Support for Those Affected by SoCal Wildfires

Berkeley Christian Counselors is here to support you and your loved ones in this difficult time. We understand that wildfires have left many in your community struggling with grief, loss, survivor’s guilt, and emotional strain. Whether you were directly impacted or are supporting someone who was, we’re offering free mental health services to help navigate the path toward healing and resiliency.

Free Telehealth Services Sign Up Here Special Invitation to First Responders FAQs

Free Telehealth Services

I. Crisis Counseling Sessions

We are offering three free crisis counseling sessions to individuals, households, and families. These sessions are available whether you were directly impacted by the wildfire or are supporting someone who was. It’s normal to experience trauma in many forms, and we are here to listen, validate, and help you process without minimizing your unique experiences and challenges.

Schedule at your convenience

II. Group Therapy

Group therapy can be a powerful way to come together as community and process a shared event in a co-created supportive and non-judgmental environment. If you’ve been stuck in expressing your feelings or managing your mental wellbeing, group therapy can provide a safe space to connect with others, even to share the frustrations and overwhelm of well intentioned others. Vent, voice and share your experiences in a safe and contained way.

Mondays (12:00 pm - 1:00 pm): Group for individuals caring for young children (Preschool - Elementary)
Thursdays (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm): Group for adults 18 years and older

Starting Monday, February 3rd. These groups are open, join at any time for as long as is helpful.

What if I can’t attend the group sessions at the scheduled times?

If you’re unable to attend the group sessions at the specified times, please reach out to us. We may be able to offer other options or connect you with additional resources.

Sign Up Here

Fill Out Our Intake Form: To access these services, simply complete our intake paperwork and email it to us. We’ll take care of the rest. You can download the form or open it in your browser to fill it out electronically.

Intake form Group Intake Form

Contact Us: If you have questions or need help getting started, feel free to reach out. We’re here to walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

Special Invitation to First Responders

Public safety responders, faith-based leaders, non-profit leaders, teachers, and mental/health workers

Recognizing your selfless service, Berkeley Christian Counselors is offering free counseling support to you. Whether you are experiencing post-traumatic stress, burnout, or simply need a space to re-center, we are here to support you as you support so many others.

FAQs

Do I need to be a member of a church to access these services?

No, you do not need to be a member of any church or religious organization to receive services. Our goal is to support anyone in the community who has been affected by the wildfires, regardless of their faith or background.

How do I know if I qualify for these services?

Trauma comes in many forms. Whether you lost your home, were displaced, or are supporting someone who has been affected, we are here to help you process your experience. If you are reading this, please reach out by completing an intake.

What if I’m not sure if I need counseling?

If you're unsure, it’s okay to reach out and talk to us. Even if you’re not sure whether you need counseling, it can be helpful to have a conversation with a professional who can help you explore your feelings and determine what type of support might be best for you.

What can I expect during a crisis counseling session?

In a crisis counseling session, you’ll have the opportunity to talk about your experience in a safe, confidential space. A trained counselor will guide the session, helping you process any emotions or stress you might be carrying. You are in control of the conversation, and you can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.

How do I know if group therapy is right for me?

Group therapy can be a powerful way to process your experiences alongside others. If you're unsure, you can try the group session and see if it feels like a good fit. If it doesn’t, you can always choose to access individual counseling instead.

Where did this funding come from?

These services are made possible by the Deacons Fund at First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, as well as Berkeley Christian Counselors donating their time to serve the California community in this time of need. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

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