GALION — Family Life Counseling and Psychiatric Services has a permanent home in Galion.
The center was based out of a temporary space on Harding Way East, but opened up recently in newly renovated office space at 6 Public Square.
“Our main office is in Mansfield, so Richland County residents were our largest percentage of clients there, but Crawford County was our second largest. We have been expanding our outreach into surrounding areas and after researching and assessing the needs in Crawford County, we decided to open up in Galion,” said Dr. Steven Burgraff. “We also have offices in Danville, Millersburg, Shelby, Norwalk, Willard and are expanding into other areas.”
Burggraf founded Family Life Counseling in 1999 in Mansfield.
The counseling center offers a wide range of services including mental health specialty programs such as the Revive Program that features child-centered play therapy geared toward children ages three to 10, and Metanoia, a domestic violence intervention program for adults.
When it comes to substance abuse counseling, Burggraf says the whole family is treated, not just the individual with the addiction.
“Addiction effects the entire family so our therapy approach is to treat the entire family, not just the troubled individual,” said Burggraf.
Burggraf said many people suffering from substance abuse also are dealing with mental health issues.
“We take a holistic approach,” he said.
Burggraf said medication therapy is also used to help people addicted to opiates.
“We will continue treatment with Suboxone if someone comes to us that is already using it, but we are proponents of Vivitrol,” said Burggraf.
Burggraf said six to seven counselors will work at the Galion office, including home-based counselors.
Mayor Tom O’Leary said Family Life Counseling is an asset to the community.
“By having an office here, local residents will have easier access to resources and services,” he said.
Joe Kleinknecht, director of the Galion-Crestline Area Chamber of Commerce, said he is happy Galion was chosen as the location of the counseling center.
“Family Life Counseling offers services we need locallym and as with any business coming into town, it means jobs,” Kleinknecht said Thursday morning.
Burggraf said more positions will be added as needed.
For more information about Family Life Counseling or to set up an appointment, call 419-774-9969 or visit http://www.flcps.com.
