Kristina Baker,
Marriage and Family Therapist Intern

CONTACT: LENINA SANCHEZ, COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
PHONE: 831-658-3811
EMAIL: lsanchez@chservices.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


MONTEREY, CA, JUNE 17, 2016: In response to the tragic events in Orlando Florida, Community Human Services will host a free, informal drop-in counseling and support group led by Marriage and Family Therapist Intern Kristina Baker. Beginning June 27, sessions will be held every Monday from 6:30-8:00PM, at Family Service Center, 433 Salinas St., Salinas. This group will provide a safe space for LGBTQ individuals to share their experiences in an anonymous, supportive and encouraging environment.

“As therapists committed to bringing compassionate healing to the communities we serve, we grieve the devastating losses of the recent horrific Orlando crime. This tragedy has served to unite us in our common cause of bringing healing, inner peace, and loving-kindness to those who come to us to find emotional refuge. We invite members of the LGBTQ community, their families, friends and loved ones to connect with each other and with our team of therapists to work through their grief and to build hope for a brighter today and many brighter tomorrows,” says Baker.

A current client shares this about her experience with the CATS program: “My CATS counselor helped me a lot. She helped me to strengthen a lot of things I struggled with emotionally. She encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone. I’m happier. I now volunteer at an agency helping others, to give back what I’ve learned about myself, thanks to my CATS counselor.”

The Counseling and Therapy Services program, or CATS program, aims to provide a supportive space in which individuals can talk confidentially with LGBTQ friendly staff and LGBTQ identified professionals and is funded by Monterey County Behavioral Health Department. The CATS program also provide individual therapy for LGBTQ individuals and individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS.

Anyone wishing to access counseling services or support Community Human Services should visit www.chservices.org or call 831-658-3811.


Kristina Baker and CATS clients are available for interviews regarding issues affecting the LGBTQ community in Monterey County. Both can provide a local perspective to the tragedy in Orlando.

If you would like more information about Community Human Services, or want to schedule an interview with staff or clients, please call Communications Coordinator Lenina Sanchez at 831- 658-3811 or email lsanchez@chservices.org

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