Organization focuses on preserving families

Bridge Counseling Associates provides substance abuse and mental health therapy to approximately 1,500 valley residents.

"The unique thing about our agency is that our therapists are credentialed in both the substance abuse and mental health areas," said Jackie Harris, executive director of the nonprofit organization. "Historically, clients have had to go to two separate agencies to get their needs met."

The majority of Bridge's clients suffer on both fronts, according to Harris.

"If they've been abusing substances or involved in the criminal justice system, they're certainly going to have some sort of family or health issues," she said. (Approximately 60 percent of Bridge's clients are ordered, or strongly recommended, to it by the Department of Family Services, Child Protective Services or a criminal court.)

Formed in 1971 by a group of substance abuse clinicians, Bridge Counseling Associates also operates separate programs for adolescents, those with AIDS and pregnant women.

Services are provided by 30 full-time and 30 part-time therapists at 1701 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 400. The cost per visit is based on the client's income and ability to pay.

"All of our services focus around preserving families," Harris said, adding that the organization also works closely with children and families in the foster-care system.

When asked how many more Las Vegans could benefit from its services, Harris only replied, "Oh, my goodness gracious." She then explained that funding restrictions have caused a four- to six-week wait just for assessments.

"There's just not enough to meet the needs," she said. "And it's really difficult, because when folks need help, you want to provide them that help as quickly as you can."

About 70 percent of the agency's $3 million annual budget comes from federal, state and local government grants, 30 percent from private donations and client fees. (Court-ordered clients are required to pay for a portion of the services.)

For more information, contact Bridge Counseling Associates at 474-6450.

Contact reporter Corey Levitan at clevitan@reviewjournal.com or (702) 383-0456.