Counseling Center opens its doors
When someone is the victim of domestic abuse or sexual assault it is easy for the rest of us to say, “oh she should get counseling.” But this is not always easy to come by, or afford. Today the Ministry of Human Development opened a center where people can receive individual or group counseling for all sorts of problems not just domestic or sexual abuse. News Five was invited to the opening this afternoon.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
It is the first time that counseling services will be made available to those people who cannot afford the service. The Belize City Counseling Center will be managed by the Department of Human Development and services will be provided by a group of professional counselors who have volunteered to work at the center.
Dr. Shirlene Smith, Dep. Director, Human Development Department
“We have expertise in the area of adolescent and child issues, suicidal issues, stress management, alcohol and drug abuse psychiatric counseling, juvenile delinquency, relationship issues marital issues, family violence.”
Dr. Shirlene Smith, the Deputy Director for the Human Development Department says there is a need for the service and they have been receiving requests for such a programme.
Dr. Shirlene Smith
“Well there has been an increased need for counseling over the years and at times we have families and children who come through our department and who are referred by the courts for counseling. When you look at the availability of the services, it is not as available as we would like it to be. And sometimes it is too costly, so what this center hopes to do is provide the services primarily for low income persons and persons who would not be able to afford the services elsewhere.”
The center will offer individual and family counseling. It will be managed by the Department of Human Development and an advisory board.
The Belize City Counseling Center is located at the corner of King and Tigris streets. It will be opened Mondays to Fridays from 12:00nn till 8:00 at night. There is no set fee for the services, but the center would like a small donation, based on what clients can afford. According to the Ministry of Human Development there are plans to establish similar centers throughout the country.
