SAMARITAN OFFICES ARE RE-OPENING

In yet another time of uncertainty, between staying at home and getting together, it’s hard to know just when to venture out, and how much protection is needed. As we gather again in small groups, emotions that have been bottled up may overflow: grief over the loss of loved ones, anxiety over becoming ill, worry about our finances, depression for having been alone too long, and trepidation mixed with desire for hugs and other physical contact. We share your concerns and longing!

Samaritan Counseling Center has always been committed to the health and well-being of all who work, visit, and volunteer at the Center, is taking precautionary steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other contagious illnesses among those visiting our offices. Since March, Samaritan Counseling Center has offered video therapy, and will continue with this platform for clients and counselors who prefer not to venture into shared spaces yet.

Samaritan is closely following the guidelines and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The World Health Organization (WHO), state and local government, and local health organizations. As a health and human service agency, Samaritan is able to serve clients in person throughout this pandemic, taking into account the health and safety of everyone involved. To that end, we are taking the following steps:

• Counselors will not go to the office if they have symptoms of illness or have knowingly been exposed to someone who is ill. A video session may be scheduled in lieu of an in-person session.

• Prior to an in-person session, clients will self-disclose if they are ill, or have knowingly been exposed to someone who is ill, and video session may be scheduled in lieu of in-person session.

• Clients are required to wait in their cars or outside the office until it is time for their session to avoid sitting in waiting rooms. Chairs are spaced safely for those needing seating.

• Disinfectant wipes are available in each office for use before, during, and after each client session.

• Hand sanitizer is available in common areas for use by clients and staff. Clients and staff are encouraged to wash their hands before and after each session.

• We do regular disinfecting of hard, high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, desks, light switches, etc.

• Magazines and other materials that might become contaminated are removed from offices.

• Face masks and/or face shields will be worn by staff and clients during in person sessions. Face masks will be provided for clients who don’t have access to one.

• No handshakes, hugging, high-fives, or other personal touch will be exchanged between staff and clients.

• We encourage the practice of good hygiene, including washing hands and avoiding touching one’s face.

If you or a loved one needs counseling, please make an appointment for either a video or in-person session at 847-382-HOPE. Each of us is on an individual journey, with unique circumstances to consider. We encourage everyone to be kind and considerate of differences, whether they are mental, physical, racial, religious, gender, or loving orientation. May the divine in each of us honor the divine in all of us.