Counseling

Peer Counselors provide free one-on-one peer counseling to people affected by intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

24‑hr crisis line: (209) 722‑4357

Short-term crisis counseling

Valley Crisis Center provides short-term crisis counseling. Peer Counselors provide free one-on-one peer counseling to people affected by intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Counselors provide immediate crisis intervention, referrals, resources and support during their sessions.

How to be assessed

To be assessed for counseling services, you can do it two ways:

By phone — call our 24-hour crisis line at (209) 722‑4357.
In person — visit our Merced office at 812 W. 18th Street, Mon–Fri, 8:00am–5:00pm.

Common questions

What insurance do you take?

None. Valley Crisis Center is a non-profit. We will never ask you for any sort of insurance information or payment for counseling services. However, we may ask what type of insurance you have for grant reporting purposes. If we do ask, we do not need your member number, just the insurance type you have.

Is there an age limit?

Yes, if you are seeking counseling for your child, they have to be five and older. If your child is mature for their age, the counselors may make an exception at their discretion.

My teenager wants counseling, but you said they have to be assessed, why?

Under California Family Code 6924, if your child is 12 and older, they have the right to have the same confidential mental health services as an adult. We understand that is not easy to follow when your child is hurt. However, after a traumatic experience, allowing them some privacy to make a decision for themselves is often the first step to healing.

How many sessions do you provide?

Peer counselors will typically have 6 – 8 sessions with an individual. It is a case by case basis depending on the level of need a survivor has.

What type of counseling is it?

Valley Crisis Center provides short term crisis counseling that focuses on the trauma from intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Peer counselors are not therapists or psychologists, so they cannot prescribe, diagnose, or create a treatment plan.

What languages do you provide counseling in?

Valley Crisis Center provides services in English and Spanish, but upon request additional languages will be accommodated through interpreter services.

How do I schedule an appointment?

You would have to be assessed for services. You can do an assessment by phone at (209) 722‑4357 or in-person at our Merced office.

My child isn't ready to get help, but I need counseling, can I get services?

If your child is between 12 and 17 and has been impacted by sexual assault or human trafficking but is not ready to receive services, we can provide counseling to you.