Baptist Children's Home
and Family Services

BCHFS provides many services to the Metro East area children and families, including:

• Christian Counseling Services at the main office and various satellite locations throughout the area, including:
  
  • Swansea -- (618) 624-4060
  • Vandalia -- (618) 283-0842
  • Waterloo -- (618) 444-6988
  • O'Fallon -- (618) 632-6223
  • Maryville -- (618) 667-8221
    
• Foster & Adoptive Care Referrals
  
• Assistance With Social Ministries in
  Churches and Community Organizations
  
• Residential Care Referrals
  
• Maternity Care Referrals
  
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where are you located?
• I am interested in counseling, how do I get started?
• What can I expect from treatment at Pathways?
• What kinds of services do you offer?
• How do I know my treatment will be private and confidential?
• What will my therapist be like?
• What if I have a crisis/emergency?
• Can you tell me about the fees for services?
• Do my religious beliefs affect my treatment?

Where are you located?
We currently have five locations. Our central office is in Swansea. We also have locations in Waterloo, Vandalia, O’Fallon and Maryville. Usually, you can receive counseling at the location closest to you, but sometimes, due to availability or your individual needs, you may meet with your counselor at another location, if this is convenient for you.

I am interested in counseling, how do I get started?
Simply call the phone number above or send an email to the address above. You will first need to speak with the Director who will listen to your concerns and questions. You may call or email any time of the day or night. We have a voice mail system that is operational 24 hours a day. Your call will be returned as soon as possible and in the order it was received. If outpatient therapy is recommended and if our therapists have the expertise and experience to address your concerns, an appointment will be made for you.

What can I expect from treatment at Pathways?
Your therapist will begin with a thorough assessment of your concerns. He/she will then discuss with you treatment recommendations and treatment options. You have the option to decline services or to ask questions about treatment at any time. Your therapist will set reasonable goals with you and then work with you to achieve those goals in the shortest time frame possible. At Pathways, our therapists will offer you quality, professional services as well as caring, personal treatment. You are not just a number, you are very important to us.

What kinds of services do you offer?
We offer services based on need. The primary need in our area is for quality outpatient mental health for individuals, couples, and families. This also includes children and teens. At our Swansea office, we have a wonderful play room designed specifically for counseling children. We are also able to offer therapy groups when there is a demand for group topics such as grief support groups, parenting support groups, etc. As our schedule allows, we are available to come to schools, churches and other settings to talk to groups about relevant topics.

How do I know my treatment will be private and confidential?
Our laws state very clearly that Pathways may not share your personal information with others without your consent. If someone calls to ask whether or not you are a client, we are not even allowed to say “yes.” The only exceptions to this rule are if child abuse/neglect, elderly abuse, suicide, or intent to harm others is suspected then we are mandated by law to intervene with or without your consent. Your personal information is kept in a secure location. Besides your therapist, his/her supervisor would have access to your file for supervision purposes only. You are welcome at any time to discuss this issue with your therapist or the Director.

What will my therapist be like?
You will be able to discuss your therapist options when you talk with the Director. The availability of therapists varies depending on their schedules. We offer male and female therapists with a variety of specialties. We will match you with the best possible therapist for your needs.

What if I have a crisis/emergency?
Pathways does not have a crisis service at this time. The office is generally open Monday through Thursday as well as by appointment. If you have an emergency after business hours or you have tried to reach your therapist and cannot wait for them to call you back, we urge you to contact 911, local law enforcement or go to your local emergency room. Please let us know or have the facility contact us as soon as possible so that we may coordinate services with them.

Can you tell me about the fees for services?
Many insurance companies cover services with Pathways therapists. We will file claims for you. It is important for you to contact your insurance company to verify your coverage. If you do not have insurance or if insurance will not offer coverage, we will discuss payment options with you. We will utilize a sliding scale based on your family income and the number of people in your family dependent on that income. Our goal is to make services affordable for everyone.

Do my religious beliefs affect my treatment?
Everyone is welcome and entitled to professional therapeutic services regardless of religion, race, beliefs, income, or any other reason. We do not hide the fact that all of our therapists are Christians; we all have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This is an important part of who we are and why we are here. Our therapists are called to serve and believe it is an honor to be able to minister to others. Whether you have an interest in addressing spiritual issues or not, it is our privilege to work with you. It is our goal to provide the highest level of professional care we can and to demonstrate love and compassion to everyone.

back to top

If you have any questions that were not addressed here, please contact our office! We look forward to working with you!