Marblehead Counseling Center Embarks On $125K Fundraising Campaign

MARBLEHEAD, MA — The Marblehead Counseling Center is launching its Friends and Family Campaign in November with a goal of raising $125,000 by the end of the year.

The nonprofit, which serves Marblehead, Swampscott and other North Shore communities, said the money will support ongoing services and planned expansion of its group counseling and telehealth programs.

The center has provided individual, group and family therapy for North Shore communities for the past six decades. It also has a social services arm that connects residents with resources for food instability, domestic abuse, housing crises and other living concerns.

Its policy is to never turn anyone away, and a recent survey found that 94 percent of clients said they believe their therapy has led to improved outcomes in their lives.

Marblehead's financial commitment, health insurance coverage and clients who can generally afford out-of-pocket costs cover about 75 percent of its annual operating budget, with the remaining 25 percent coming from donations and fundraising.

This year, Massachusetts recorded the highest healthcare costs in the nation, according to the MCC. The group also said one in three Essex County seniors is experiencing food insecurity, and 30% of Bay State adults who need mental health care did not receive treatment because of cost.

"More than a million people living in Massachusetts has a mental health condition," according to Ruth Ferguson, President of the MCC Board of Directors. "In fact, a recent local survey revealed that 90 percent of area residents believe more child and adolescent mental health services are critically needed in the community."

Ferguson also pointed to local need among adults. She noted that one in three Marblehead residents ages 18 to 49 report their mental health is a form of ongoing stress.

Ferguson said investment in community-based care can benefit the broader community as well.

"Becoming a Friends and Family donor to MCC supports those most in need, and benefits the community's health and welfare at the same time," she said. "Help us support our neighbors, our community, and a healthy future with your donations, no matter how small."

Those wishing to donate can do so here.