By Jess Mancini
Special to the Times
A professional counselor is partnering with St. Luke's Episcopal Church for a community program offering mental health therapy to those who otherwise couldn't afford it.
Dianna Quick, a licensed professional counselor with Quick Counseling Service, has moved her office to the church at 320 Second St., Marietta, where eligible clients can make a tax-deductible donation from $1 to $100 to the church for her services.
"I believe this is going to be a real addition to our parish and to the community," said the Rev. David Ruppe, rector at St. Luke's Episcopal.
Many people are in need of mental health therapy but lack insurance or government aid and can't afford such services, Quick said. She is not getting paid for the service.
"If we had more people doing outreach like this, there would be less government intervention," she said.
Counseling sessions will be conducted at the church in a room the parish has made available to Quick. The program doesn't have income or payment requirements. The program is available to anyone regardless of residency, but individuals must have transportation or a means to get to the church, Quick said.
Quick can be reached at (304) 482-1993 for appointments and additional information.
Ruppe and Quick have been friends for several years. The church vestry is supportive of the program, Ruppe said.
"We're very excited about it," he said.
The aim of the arrangement is to reach those people who need help, but can't pay for it, Ruppe said.
"We know there are a lot of people needing therapy," Ruppe said, adding it's win-win situation for the church, Quick and the community.
"That's what we're hoping for," he said.
