Mental Health Association of Monmouth County to Offer Free Trauma Focused Counseling to Crime Victims

Mental Health Association of Monmouth County to

Offer Free Trauma Focused Counseling to Crime Victims

The Mental Health Association of Monmouth County (MHA) has expanded its counseling services to include persons impacted by crime in Monmouth County who may receive free counseling by licensed professionals specializing in treating trauma. At locations in Red Bank, Keansburg and Manasquan, Mental Health Association counselors are skilled in working with adults, adolescents and children who have experienced trauma.

The traumatic experience of being a victim of crime can create overwhelming reactions that may linger for months or years afterward. Victims of crime may suffer intense fear, shock, and terror after the crime, followed by feelings such as anger, anxiety, depression, social isolation, and helplessness.

“Our counselors can help these victims learn how to better manage these traumatic stress reactions, allowing them to gain a sense of normalcy, balance, safety, and control of their lives” said MHA Executive Director, Wendy DePedro. “When acute stress reactions are left untreated, trauma victims are vulnerable to developing post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition that often makes life feel unmanageable.”

MHA’s Trauma Counseling Centers are located at 103 Drs. James Parker Boulevard in Red Bank, 13 Kennedy Way in Keansburg (at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church) and 47-51 South Street, in Manasquan (at The First Baptist Church). To make an appointment with a MHA counselor, please call 732-542-6422.