EL PASO, Texas – On Thursday, October 15, El Pasoans are invited to support Catholic Counseling Services (CCS) during the city’s Giving Day. The organization, which has served the community since 1938, relies on donations to keep its mental‑health counseling affordable for individuals, couples and families.
Faith‑based counseling rooted in the Diocese of El Paso
CCS operates under the auspices of the Diocese of El Paso, offering licensed professionals who provide care on a sliding‑fee scale. Dr. Allannah Sanchez, a licensed professional counselor with CCS, says the agency’s mission is simple: no one should be turned away because they cannot pay.
“I know the impact of our work because I was once a client myself,” Dr. Sanchez explained. “Our goal is to heal hearts, restore hope, and strengthen families, every day.”
How Giving Day helps keep services affordable
Giving Day is a citywide fundraising event that encourages residents to donate to local nonprofits. For CCS, each contribution directly funds counseling slots, reduces out‑of‑pocket costs, and expands the agency’s capacity to reach more people in need.
The organization’s sliding‑scale model means fees are adjusted based on a client’s income, ensuring that even low‑income families can access professional mental‑health support. This approach aligns with the Catholic principle of caring for the vulnerable and upholds the community’s traditional family values.
Why mental‑health access matters in the borderland
The border region faces unique stressors, including economic uncertainty and cross‑border challenges, which can exacerbate anxiety, depression, and other mental‑health concerns. Many residents lack insurance or the means to afford private therapy, leaving a gap that CCS strives to fill.
Local leaders have praised the organization’s role in bolstering community resilience. By providing affordable counseling, CCS helps families maintain stability, which in turn supports schools, workplaces, and the broader social fabric of El Paso.
How to donate
Donors can contribute directly through the El Paso Giving Day website at elpasogivingday.org/organizations/catholic-counseling-services-inc. Contributions are tax‑deductible and will be applied immediately to expand counseling availability.
For those seeking mental‑health assistance, CCS encourages contacting the agency to schedule an appointment and learn more about the sliding‑fee options.
Looking ahead
As the city continues to grow, CCS remains committed to its founding mission of compassionate, faith‑guided care. With community support on Giving Day, the organization aims to broaden its reach, ensuring that more El Paso families can access the mental‑health resources they need to thrive.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
