Puzzle Pieces will soon offer targeted mental health counseling for individuals with disabilities, along with their parents, siblings, caregivers and loved ones. Officials with the nonprofit said counseling professionals will work with the Puzzle Pieces team to offer a specialized, comprehensive service that is the first of its kind in Kentucky.
“Since opening Puzzle Pieces nine years ago, my team has always listened to the needs of our clients, their families and the community,” said Puzzle Pieces Executive Director Amanda Owen. “We are continuing to do just that as we move forward with mental health counseling services. We have seen the overwhelming need for this among our clients and their families and want to do everything in our power to continue to serve them and offer services that make a difference.”
Counseling professionals will work directly with individuals with disabilities, as well as in special group settings with the individual and their family. Additionally, a sibling support group will be offered to address the unique needs of siblings to those with disabilities.
“We are excited to have a therapist to work directly with our team of experts in supporting those with disabilities,” Owen said. “This counselor will learn strategy-based support from professionals in our organization, which will provide for a comprehensive approach and big-picture impact.”
Mental health counseling is in high demand across the country, and organizations in the greater Owensboro area have made extra efforts over the last year to make sure people are aware of services locally.
“While specific concentrations of mental health counseling exist for families and couples, addictions and substance abuse, trauma and abuse, there is not — to our knowledge and research — a focus on intellectual disabilities,” according to a release from Puzzle Pieces. “But we want to change that.”
Puzzle Pieces will accept insurance carriers such as Kentucky’s Choices and WellCare, and other private insurances will be accepted in the future.
Counseling services will not be limited to only Puzzle Pieces clients. This service will be open to any family raising a child/adult with a disability. The nonprofit team plans to eventually open this service up in a telehealth format to serve families across the Commonwealth.
Puzzle Pieces is currently accepting referrals for mental health services and will announce a director of this program in the near future.
Anyone interested in joining the waiting list for mental health services through Puzzle Pieces should complete this form.
