Child and Family Services (C+FS) is expanding programming to improve access to mental health services. Recently, the Agency announced a brand-new collaboration with the YMCA – William-Emslie location where C+FS opened a new counseling office inside the YMCA located on Buffalo’s East Side. The partnership serves to provide greater access to mental health services for residents in underprivileged areas.

“These are the areas where people are sometimes looked at last,” emphasized Nicole Holloway, Director of Clinical Services at C+FS. “We want to put them first. We want to bring resources right here, to where they are, so people can get the help they need.”

The YMCA’s mission focuses on helping individuals and families achieve their full potential through wellness and community-based efforts. This complements the work C+FS is doing in the community, making the partnership a perfect match. The C+FS location within the YMCA will provide counseling sessions to help solve personal, family and work-related problems including trauma, depression, anxiety, stress management and educational difficulties.

“The YMCA has already been serving children and families in the heart of our community,” explained Nicole. “What better place for C+FS to be than the YMCA?”

“This partnership will help ensure families in Buffalo have the support they need to thrive,” agreed John Ehrbar, CEO at the YMCA.

The C+FS counseling office inside the William-Elmslie YMCA first began seeing clients on Wednesday, April 17. Counseling sessions are typically about 30-45 minutes on Wednesdays and are appointment only. These services are available to all members of the Western New York community, even those who live outside of Buffalo’s East Side.

For more information, please visit cfsbny.org/counseling or call (716) 842-2750.

Click here to watch the exclusive interview with WKBW.