For 45 years, Children First Counseling Center has provided hope and healing to survivors of abuse, neglect, or trauma, without regard to ability to pay. Our center is one of only a handful of agencies in North Texas to provide play therapy to children from low-income households. Early intervention is key to preventing child victims from becoming abusive teens or adults.
Children First also serves as a community mental health resource. We offer exceptional therapeutic services and education, through a diverse staff of professionals who are equipped to assist children, adolescents, and adults. Our skilled therapists and counselors provide the highest quality care to individuals experiencing:
Anxiety, Depression, Behavior Issues, Stress, Domestic Violence, Trauma & PTSD, Couples & Family Conflict
Clients are served through our General Counseling Program, and through multiple psycho-education groups that enrich the individual and family. We also ensure bi-lingual counselors are readily available, to help reduce language barriers for the large population of Spanish-speaking clients we assist.
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In October 2021, 3 leading groups in child and adolescent mental health (which represent more than 77,000 physicians and 200 children's hospitals) declared a mental health crisis among our nation’s youth as a national emergency.
Before COVID-19, concerns over childhood mental health & suicide had been rising steadily-- for at least a decade. By 2018, suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death for youths ages 10-24 years. In 2020, the percentage of emergency dept visits for mental health emergencies rose by 24% for children between the ages of 5 and 11 and 31% for those 12 to 17, when compared to 2019. The pandemic also intensified challenges and disruptions that have disproportionately affected children and families of color.
There are overwhelming amounts of new stories over school or mass shootings, and teenagers who’ve lost their grip on reality because they just don’t know how to cope. We can’t afford to let our children and teens remain feeling isolated and left to deal with issues they’re ill equipped to handle.
Funds are needed to expand our capacity to serve additional children and families in need of emotional recovery and life-changing services. Hiring additional highly qualified staff to meet the growing amount of referrals we receive is and will always remain a priority.
Your help in funding the best possible care, to hundreds referred for services this year, is greatly appreciated.
Volunteers are also sought to serve on various committees including those related to special events and fundraising initiatives.
Children First provides HOPE and HEALING through counseling and education for all ages, emphasizing the prevention of and recovery from physical and emotional abuse. PLEASE HELP US END THE CYCLE OF CHILD ABUSE AND FAMILY VIOLENCE IN NORTH TEXAS.
The need for emotional and mental health support is rising, especially among children and families who are uninsured or facing financial hardship. This year, Children First Counseling Center is focused on increasing access to care by expanding our ability to serve the growing number of referrals we receive.
Your donation helps ensure that every child, teen, and parent who reaches out for help is met by a qualified, compassionate professional without delay and regardless of their ability to pay.
In mental health care, healing happens through people. Every session, every breakthrough, every moment of hope is made possible because a trained counselor is there to listen, guide, and support.
By investing in direct care, you’re saying “yes” to more families in need and bringing critical services to those who might otherwise go without.
We also welcome volunteers to join us on event planning, fundraising, and outreach committees. Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient community—one family at a time.
Children First, Inc. is an equal opportunity organization and will not allow discrimination based upon age, ethnicity, ancestry, gender, national origin, disability, race, size, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or any other status prohibited by applicable law.
Organization name
Children First Counseling Center
Causes
Mental and Behavioral Health
Operating Budget
$500,000 - $999,999
Counties Served
Dallas, Ellis, Tarrant
BIPOC Serving
Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx, Other
Address
621 NW 6th St