Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services

Elite '08

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203

Ariela B.

Brooklyn, NY

I used to come here when I was battling with depression in high school and early college. It's mostly a Jewish & Russian-run place, but the people there are very personable, helpful, and on the ball for the most part. Ninety percent of the therapists they employ are well-schooled, caring individuals that really go out of their way for you. I say 90% however, because like in any institution there will always be a handful of people who just rub you the wrong way - like one of the women they first assigned me to, who just didn't know how to conduct herself in a professional manner (i.e. touching patients, wearing short skirts when you know your client is dealing with sexuality issues, etc). Switching therapists is not a problem there though, if you happen to not feel comfortable with the one you have.

By the way, don't freak out at the "Jewish Board" part of the name, because these people don't care about what faith you follow or what ethnicity you are - they're only there to help you (and not in the creepy "guys-in-labcoats" sense).

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132

Polina S.

Brooklyn, NY

When I was in college, I was in desperate need of help. Drowning under the pressures of school, coming out as a lesbian, learning my way around a new city and a new country, I found myself in a terrible shape. I called around and realized that therapy would run me $120 to $300 an hour. And spending this money was supposed to make me feel BETTER? Yeah right.

Luckily, my school councelor referred me to JBFCS. At first I was a little weary - I like to stay as far away from any kind of religion as possible. But the place had sliding scale for low-income patients, so I figured I'd try it out. I'm happy I did. As soon as I entered the office, I realized that nobody was there trying to push religion down my throat. People of all colors, shapes and sizes were waiting with me in the intake office. The staff was courteous, gentle and very knowledgeable.

I spent the next 5 years on and off seeing Inna Litrovnik, one of the therapists on staff. I cannot begin to describe how much she has helped me. She became much more than a therapist in an office: she was a friend, an advisor, a shoulder to cry on, a sounding board, a life coach. She was there for me at the worst and the best times - and all for very little money!

Later, Inna became one of the organization's directors and stopped taking patients, but she did not abandon me. She kept seeing me, even though her busy schedule often made it difficult, and continued working with me. Today I feel that I am strong enough to no longer need her, but I know if I ever want to come back in the future, Inna and the rest of the JBFCS will be there for me.

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