The Marblehead Counseling Center was founded 55 years ago to provide direct services to individuals and families and to address community needs. This vision remains true today. They provide a broad array of therapy, education and support for children, teens, adults, seniors and families in Marblehead, as well as other communities on the North Shore. Teri Allen McDonough serves as social services coordinator at the center, located in Hobb’s House, 66 Clifton Ave. To learn more about their services, visit marbleheadcounseling.org.
Teri, tell us about the Marblehead Counseling Center and how you help your clients. The mission of the Marblehead Counseling Center is to improve the quality of life for individuals and families in Marblehead, Swampscott and other North Shore communities by providing a high-quality, local source of mental health services and family support. Our clinical services cater to children, adolescents, adults, seniors and families, focusing on psychological and social dynamics, substance use disorder and more.
The in-house social services further enhance our clients’ experience, helping them to focus on learning life and coping skills to manage challenges and develop self-worth. Our social services respond to areas of need that may include financial and housing assistance, food insecurity, childcare, transportation and other life challenges.
Due in large part to our chief clinical officer of 20 years, MCC has also long been considered a high-quality training ground for counseling internships with local higher education institutions, and we’re proud to contribute to the development of the provider workforce in the midst of a mental health crisis.
How can the community of Marblehead become involved? We’re truly all in this together. With the demand for local mental health and social services soaring, we’re seeing long waitlists and people unable to afford help. We’re working hard to increase awareness and fundraising efforts this year, which will allow us to scale operations and continue to offer assistance to those in need.
In celebrating our 55th year, there are several ways to support us and to join us in our celebrations. Check our website — marbleheadcounseling.org — and follow us on your favorite social media for more detailed information.
What is your role with the Counseling Center?
As the social services coordinator, I oversee our case management program that works with individuals and families to assess their needs and connect them to resources and services that empower them on a path of greater sustainability.
Additionally, I develop community partnerships that help to foster mental wellness and explore funding opportunities to strengthen and expand the MCC mission such as our timely award from the Cummings Foundation to help address the critical intersection of mental health access and the provider workforce chasm.
We’re fortunate to have the support of town resources, philanthropic and faith-based organizations, local businesses and community members that value the services provided by Marblehead Counseling Center in these uncertain times.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I was raised in the midwestern community featured in the movie “Home Alone” and attended high school where movies like “The Breakfast Club” and “Mean Girls” were loosely based. Marblehead has been my home for over 30 years, and I’ve had the good fortune to connect to so many folks throughout those years that some people assume I grew up in town.
The spotlight is a weekly feature published in partnership with Discover Marblehead. To learn more, visit discovermhd.com
