Licensed Mental Health Counseling
Healing the hurt...

In the United States of America: One violent crime occurs every 18 seconds. One murder occurs every 24 minutes. Children are reported abused and neglected every 4 minutes. One aggravated assault occurs every 29 seconds. One woman is battered every 15 seconds. 1.3 adult women are raped every minute. In 1996, 1,185 child abuse related fatalities were confirmed by CPS agencies. In 1997, over 3 million children were reported for child abuse and neglect to child protective services. Children under the age of 18 accounted for 11% of all murder victims. Sexual assault has been identified in 13% of females, and 3-4% of males. 43% of all male adolescents and 35% of female adolescents have witnessed some sort of violence first hand.    Licensed Mental Health Counseling Program Crime victimization leaves victims, families, friends, and even the community around them, in a state of turmoil. The most devastating part for the victims is the emotional pain caused by crime and it's aftermath. There is often significant financial loss and physical injury connected with victimization. There are many types of child victimization: physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, exploitation, and living in a home where domestic violence occurs.  Our services include: Counseling Services - Manatee Children's Services provides licensed psychotherapy for victims and their families, with goals of repairing the emotional damage of abuse, and restoring the client / family to a more secure and better functioning unit. Through play therapy and supportive counseling, children learn to trust again and self esteem increases. These young people are free to focus their lives on normal activities and goals. Family therapy is an important tool in recovery. It may be the last part of the therapeutic process. Crisis Intervention - Advocacy and counseling after an initial crisis. Advocacy - Our staff will provide a link to other agencies in the area, as well as become involved in court cases when necessary. Psychological assessments and evaluations are available and are often a necessary component in determining the degree of trauma and recovery of crime victims. How To Make A Referral to our Counseling Service: A referral can be made by calling Manatee Children's Services during business hours, 8 am to 5 pm weekdays.