Oak Creek Responds to Need for Affordable Counseling

Aug. 2, 2012 - PRLog -- The addition of therapists is a response to the need for affordable mental health counseling in the wake of statewide mental health care budget cuts.  Since 2009, California has cut 21 percent, or $764.8 million, from mental health spending according to a 2011 study of mental health budget cuts conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness.  With money to help people in need of community support tighter than ever, many cannot afford counseling or give up trying after being put on waiting lists at the few remaining community counseling centers in the Bay Area.

“Most folks just need a little help in times of trouble,” said Stephen Polin, Clinical Director of OCCC.  “Our therapists provide counseling on a sliding scale and they work with clients to set a fee that meets their financial needs.  With the addition of more therapists at all of our clinics, we are able to help fill the gaps left by reduced funding to state mental health services.”

“Oak Creek’s reputation for providing high-quality counseling and their deep roots in the community initially attracted me to the center,” said LeAnne Rozner, newly hired Marriage and Family Therapy Intern (www.LeAnneRozner.com).  “I have a passion for helping individuals, couples, and families adjust to the difficulties that they sometimes encounter in life.  I am very excited about building my psychotherapy practice at Oak Creek.”

Oak Creek Counseling Center provides affordable counseling services and advanced training for therapy providers and interns.  The community based counseling center provides therapy and counseling to individuals, couples, children, and families.  The clinic operates from three Bay Area offices located in Berkeley, San Francisco, and Pleasant Hill.  Therapy and counseling is provided by Marriage and Family Therapy Interns employed by the center who have been selected for their experience, education, and therapeutic orientation.  Therapists receive ongoing training, supervision, and consultation as a part of the clinical program.

Oak Creek Counseling Center (OCCC) is operated by The Bay Area Clinic for Self and Relational Therapy (BACSRT), a 501 (c)(3) charitable corporation.  The corporation is managed by an administrative director and a clinical director who report to the BACSRT Board of Directors.  Stephen Polin, MFT, is the Co-founder and Clinical Director.  Mr. Polin develops and facilitates clinical and training programs at OCCC.  Drew Hutchinson, MFT, is the Co-founder and Administrative Director of OCCC.  Mr. Hutchinson oversees operations and administration of the clinic.  To find out more, please visit www.oakcreekcenter.org.