Bridging Faith and Wellness: Inside the Parish Counseling Network
Deciding to seek therapy is rarely a simple choice. For many, barriers like stigma, cost, and the uncertainty of whether therapy is “for them” stand in the way of getting help. While some may hesitate to reach out to a traditional provider, turning to a parish or faith community often feels more natural and grounded in trust. The Parish Counseling Network (PCN) was created specifically to bridge these two worlds, integrating the trusted support of a faith community with the professional expertise of clinical wellness. Through a partnership with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, PCN offers a pathway into professional mental health care: meeting individuals where they already feel at home, and connecting them to licensed clinicians when additional support is needed.
A Trusted Bridge to Care
PCN provides short-term individual, family, and couples therapy for a low co-pay for those living in eligible counties, with remote options available for those unable to attend in person. While referrals come through churches, services are open to individuals of all backgrounds.
Several clients shared that they had considered therapy in the past but didn’t know where to start, or didn’t feel it was something they would pursue. Being connected through their church made the process feel more approachable. As one client reflected, it became “an experience I didn’t realize I needed.”
For many participants, PCN represents a first experience with therapy. The program helps reduce hesitation and creates an entry point for individuals who might not otherwise seek support. When longer-term care is needed, PCN connects clients to ongoing care, helping to ensure continuity beyond the initial six sessions.
The network includes a team of experienced therapists supporting individuals and families navigating marital concerns, parenting stress, eldercare, job loss, grief, and other life transitions.
Breaking Down Barriers in 2025
In 2025, the program expanded to include eight new practices and over 20 additional therapists, increasing its capacity to serve the community. PCN received 550 inquiries and conducted 489 intakes, successfully connecting 406 individuals to care with an average wait time of just 5 days. Over the year, clinicians delivered 1,766 counseling sessions to 421 clients.
Expansion has also improved cultural and linguistic access. Providers now offer services in Russian, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Croatian, Polish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and Mandarin.
In addition to individual therapy, PCN offers specialized virtual support groups for grief and loss. Groups such as Coping with COVID: Bereavement Support and the Addiction Bereavement Support Group provide safe, compassionate spaces for individuals to connect with others who share similar experiences.
Real Outcomes
Client outcomes highlight the program’s effectiveness:
79% reported progress toward their goals
94% felt understood by their therapist
42% would not have accessed therapy without PCN
At the same time, 75% of clients expressed a desire for more sessions beyond the six provided—underscoring both the value of the program and the continued need for expanded access.
PCN reflects a broader belief that mental health care should be accessible, approachable, and grounded in the realities of how people actually seek help. By bridging the sanctuary of parish life with the practice of professional counseling, the program creates a unified pathway to wellness. It ensures that for those in our community, seeking help doesn’t mean choosing between their faith and their mental health; it means embracing both.
