Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Pro Bono Counseling?
Pro Bono Counseling (PBC) is a service that connects Marylanders in need of mental health counseling to licensed volunteer therapists, as well as providing referrals to other supportive services.
2. What kinds of concerns can PBC offer help with?
People reach out to PBC for help with a wide range of issues. Our therapists work with adults and children, individuals, couples, and families. Common concerns include: Depression, Anxiety, Abuse, Self-esteem, Relationships, Divorce, Grief, Trauma, Life Transitions
3. Who is eligible to receive counseling?
Maryland families, couples, and individuals of all ages who are experiencing stress, grief or sadness, who want to make a change in their lives, but are unable to afford the help they need on their own.
4. What does it cost?
Our services are FREE to those who are financially eligible.
5. Where do I go for counseling?
PBC volunteer therapists are located throughout Maryland – if you qualify to receive services, you will be linked to a counselor who is close to you. Services are available in person, via teletherapy (video conferencing), and during the COVID-19 pandemic, telephone only therapy has been authorized in Maryland.
6. How will I be linked with a therapist?
When you call Pro Bono Counseling, you will be scheduled to have a confidential phone interview with a member of the clinical staff. (If we are experiencing periods of high call volume, there may be a longer wait time for a phone interview.) During that interview we will discuss your concerns and interest in seeking therapy.
Pro Bono Counseling considers each request for therapy unique and personalizes our services to your needs. We understand the importance of connecting you to a therapist that is a good match for you. In the matching process we take into consideration your preferences for a counselor’s cultural background/expertise, gender, and therapy style, among other factors.
Once the match is made, you will be provided with the contact information of your therapist, and you may set up your first appointment.
7. How do I get started?
To get started, call Pro Bono Counseling at 410.825.1001 for a confidential phone interview.
8. How does Pro Bono Counseling receive referrals?
If you are interested in referring someone you know to PBC, please encourage them to contact us directly by calling 410.825.1001 to set up an interview. If you are a service provider and would like to contact us to see if PBC would be a good fit for someone you are working with, please call our Clinical Director at 410.825.1001 x105.
9. How does Pro Bono Counseling recruit clinicians?
PBC has a volunteer network of over 850 licensed mental health clinicians. The organization enjoys the strong support of mental health professional societies in Maryland, including:
- Maryland Chapter, National Association of Social Workers
- Maryland Psychological Association
- Maryland Psychiatric Society
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors of Maryland
- Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work
- Middle Atlantic Division of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
Volunteers are recruited through these organizations, or directly by Pro Bono Counseling . For more information on how to become a volunteer clinician, please go to our FOR CLINICIANS section.
10. How is the work funded?
Pro Bono Counseling is supported by individual contributions, public funds, and by the generosity of private and corporate foundations. For more information on how you can help, or to see a list of our major funders, please go to our WAYS TO GIVE page.
