Center for Hope Counseling of Fort Oglethorpe is hoping to bring happier holidays to those in need of a listening ear.
The nonprofit center serves residents of Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade and Walker counties.
“We counsel a lot of people that are stressed out about the holidays,” said Center for Hope counseling coordinator Alicyne Roth. “So many people that come in for counseling are still out of work. Those with insurance are unsure if their insurance covers counseling.”
Roth said she is seeing an influx of calls – just like usual – around this time of year. Some people find the center on Google, while others are referred by their pastor.
“We’re seeing a lot of people due to substance use and abuse,” said Roth. “Some is prescription drug abuse because they can’t get away from what they were prescribed.”