Samaritan has been awarded Full Accreditation for November 2017 to November 2021, The Samaritan Institute, located in Denver, announced today.

“Accreditation is a major accomplishment and demonstrates a Center’s commitment to excellence,” according to Robert Johnson, MS, LCSW, President/CEO for the Samaritan Institute, which is the headquarters for an international network of Samaritan Centers.  “The accreditation process indicates that Centers offer professional services within a framework of quality organizational, administrative, and financial practices,” Johnson said.

Samaritan was established in 1970.  Key community supporters of the Center include the J. J. Keller Foundation, United Way Fox Cities, United Way New London, and the Basic Needs Giving Partnership Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region supported by the U.S. Venture Fund for Basic Needs, the J. J. Keller Foundation, and other community partners. Support also comes from First Congregational United Church of Christ in Appleton, First Presbyterian Church in Neenah, United Methodist Church in New London, First Presbyterian Church in Oshkosh, and Immanuel United Church of Christ in Kaukauna.

Samaritan provides a wide range of outpatient mental health services, including counseling in English, Spanish and Portuguese for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families; Connected Community Wellness Screen, providing youth mental health check-ups in 10 school systems; the Mental Health Ministry Initiative, equipping faith leaders to minister to mental health; and education and consultation for professionals and organizations.

The Samaritan Ministry advocates the concept of spiritually integrated, team-oriented, and cost-efficient counseling, emphasizing the inter-relatedness of mind, body, spirit, and community.

Samaritan’s executive director is Rosangela Berbert, MSE, NCC, LPC. To assure accessibility to community residents, counseling services are offered in the Fox Cities, Oshkosh, New London and Kaukauna.

Through its affiliation with the Samaritan Institute, Samaritan is part of an international network of more than 50 Samaritan Centers with offices in 23 states.

Board president Mary Beduhn said, “Samaritan makes a huge difference in our region. More than 7,000 individuals benefit from our services each year.”  The Center is open Monday through Friday to serve the needs of individuals and families.  For more information, call (920) 886-9319 or visit www.samaritan-counseling.com.