CFR Launches New Community Trauma Response Program to Support Philadelphia Communities Affected by Trauma
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2024
Contact: Michael Fasano-McCarron
Director of Communications & Development
Council for Relationships
Phone: 215.382.6680 ext. 3160
Email: mmccarron@councilforrelationships.org
Council for Relationships Launches New Community Trauma Response (CTR) Program to Support Philadelphia Communities Affected by Trauma
Philadelphia, PA — Council for Relationships (CFR) is proud to announce the launch of the Community Trauma Response (CTR) program, a transformative initiative designed to provide immediate and long-term support to communities across Philadelphia impacted by traumatic events. CTR offers a comprehensive approach that focuses on healing, resilience, and recovery, addressing the mental health needs of individuals and families affected by trauma.
The need for trauma response services in Philadelphia is urgent. A recent study published in The Lancet Psychiatry revealed that urban populations, like those in Philadelphia, are disproportionately impacted by trauma due to higher rates of community violence, poverty, and other systemic issues. According to local health data, over 40% of Philadelphia residents report having experienced a traumatic event, with 1 in 5 developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other trauma-related mental health conditions.
“The Community Trauma Response Program addresses a variety of traumatic situations, from the impact of gun violence on school children to the disruption of workplace relationships following the unexpected death of a coworker to the experience of vicarious trauma by first responders,” explains CTR Director Dr. Sara J. Corse. “We support people through the crisis and facilitate a pathway to healthy processing and resilience, strengthening organizations and communities.”
CTR offers specialized services, including crisis intervention, mental health counseling, and ongoing community support in response to traumatic events such as community violence, natural disasters, and other significant crises. By working with local organizations, schools, and neighborhoods, CTR ensures that trauma-affected communities in Philadelphia have access to professional, compassionate care tailored to their unique needs.
“Throughout the 90-plus years of Council’s existence, we have been called upon to support our communities when tragedy has struck. Our expertise in trauma, grief, and working with systems like organizations and communities has made us an ideal choice to serve at these times,” expressed CFR’s Chief Clinical Officer Emma Steiner. “While we were doing this important work as it came to us, the launching of this new program formalizes this service, and allows us to provide it to more people who need it. Sadly, there are so many instances of community trauma, but thankfully we are now in a position to help more.”
Council for Relationships has served individuals, couples, and families in the Philadelphia area since 1932. With the addition of CTR, CFR continues its legacy of offering comprehensive mental health services that address the evolving needs of Philadelphia’s communities.
For more information about the Community Trauma Response program and how to access services, visit Community Trauma Response.
About Council for Relationships
Council for Relationships (CFR) is a nonprofit organization that provides high-quality therapy and psychiatry services, including individual, couples, family, and group therapy. With eight locations across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, CFR is committed to improving the mental health and well-being of the communities it serves.