SamaraCare

SamaraCare, operating under the legal name Samaritan Interfaith Counseling Center Inc., is a nonprofit organization providing mental health services in the United States. The organization is a 501(c)(3) entity, recognized for its comprehensive approach to mental health care.

History

SamaraCare was originally established in 1971 by three Naperville congregations to address the unmet mental health needs in the community. Over the years, it has evolved and expanded its services. In 2017, the organization rebranded as SamaraCare, and in 2019, it merged with the Samaritan Counseling Center to become a regional provider of mental health services. This expansion enables SamaraCare to serve six counties in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Services

SamaraCare offers a wide range of client-focused and goal-oriented counseling and psychiatric services. These services include in-person and online counseling, psychotherapy, psychiatric care, and autism services. The organization serves diverse populations across the lifespan, providing support to children, adolescents, adults, seniors, couples, families, and various community groups like first responders, LGBTQ+ individuals, trauma survivors, and veterans. SamaraCare is particularly noted for its spiritually integrated counseling, which can be incorporated into therapy for clients interested in exploring spiritual aspects of well-being.

Mission and Vision

The mission of SamaraCare is to foster emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being through access to affordable life-changing care. It aims to use a holistic approach that integrates the mind, body, spirit, and community to provide healing connections. SamaraCare's vision is that no barriers should prevent individuals from receiving the care they need to reach their full potential. This includes breaking down financial barriers and reducing stigma associated with mental health issues.

Mental Health Access Program (MHAP)

SamaraCare operates a Mental Health Access Program designed to provide reduced-cost services to qualifying individuals who are uninsured, underinsured, or facing financial hardships. This program utilizes a sliding fee scale based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines to ensure that mental health care is accessible to those in need.

Accreditation

SamaraCare is nationally accredited, reflecting its commitment to sound organizational structures, efficient management, high-quality clinical processes, and professional accountability.

Community Outreach and Education

In addition to its therapeutic services, SamaraCare offers customized educational and wellness presentations to schools, service clubs, and community groups. These presentations aim to increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues and reduce stigma associated with mental illness.

[1] https://www.faithhealthtransformation.org/uncategorized/community-spotlight-samaracare/ [2] https://samaracarecounseling.org/about-us/organization-overview/ [3] https://samaracarecounseling.org [4] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/362846570/202013079349301426/full [5] https://samaracarecounseling.org/donate/