Where are you located?
Counseling services take place in donated space at the University Presbyterian Church, 3330 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214 – across from the south campus of the University of Buffalo. We are conveniently located on a city bus line.
For a map, click here.
What are your hours?
Counseling takes place every Thursday evening from 7 to 9:30 p.m. A typical counseling session will last about 45 minutes.
Counseling Services
How much do counseling services at GBCC cost?
At your first visit, we’ll talk about what your resources might allow you to contribute toward your counseling. Although GBCC staff may suggest a specific contribution amount, YOU will ultimately determine how much you are able/willing to pay. That said, no one is turned away if he/she cannot make a contribution.
How can I find out more information about counseling or schedule an appointment?
Just call our intake number, 716-833-5993. When you call, you should know that this line is tied to a cell phone. If intake personnel are not immediately available, you will have the chance to leave a voice message. Please feel comfortable doing so, and leave your return number and a time that is best to get back to you. Your information is always treated with confidentiality in mind.
What can I expect on my first visit?
Your first visit will be a meeting with at least one of our staff. They will chat with you in depth to get an understanding of your situation and to ensure that GBCC can help. If it is felt that our staff can make a positive impact in your life (again, the decision is yours), a peer counselor will be selected for you and more sessions will be scheduled.
What types of issues are appropriate for GBCC?
GBCC’s peer counselors can help with relationship problems, grief after the loss of a loved one or loss of a job, stress (job, financial, familial), anger, hopelessness, and/or problems coping with life’s troubles.
What types of issues are not appropriate for GBCC?
Our services are not appropriate for a person with addictions or severe mental illness. However, if it is determined that a client needs assistance with issues that GBCC cannot address, staff members will make every effort to connect him/her to the appropriate community agency.
Can I bring my teenager?
GBCC clients must be at least 18 years of age. However, if you are a parent seeking help with the stresses/anxieties of raising a child, it may be appropriate for you to receive support from our peer counselors.
Can GBCC staff prescribe medication?
No. If medication is required, a physician must be involved.
Peer Counselor Training
Who can take part in GBCC’s Peer Counselor Training program?
Anyone! While the program is ideal for students who are working toward degrees in the mental health field and who are looking for real-world experience, our peer counselors are truly from every walk of life. We have retired folks, those working on a second career, and even those who are looking for a little more meaning in their lives. All that is required is an open mind, a skillful ear, and a compassionate heart.
Who do I call if I am interested or have questions?
Even if you are just a little interested, call 716-833-5993 with your questions. We are always eager to share GBCC and the fulfilling world of counseling, so expect the enthusiasm to be contagious.
When you call, though, you should know that this line is tied to a cell phone, if center personnel are not immediately available, you will have the chance to leave a voice message. Please feel comfortable doing so, and leave your return number and a time that is best to get back to you. Your information is always treated with confidentiality in mind.
What can I expect from training?
After you are interviewed and invited to join GBCC, a 10- week training program begins. During this time, you will be taught basic skills, as well as the ability to handle specific issues such as domestic violence, trauma, couples counseling, and grief/loss. For the next few weeks, you are monitored closely to determine your readiness.
What happens then?
Congratulations you are a peer counselor! You will be referred clients regularly and you will have the opportunity to work with them on a weekly basis. You don’t do so alone, though, as, each evening of counseling, all of GBCC’s peer counselors and supervisors work together to review client progress/stumbling blocks to determine the best path forward for all parties.