The Samaritan Counseling Center has been awarded Full Accreditation for 2010-2013, The Samaritan Institute located in Denver, Colorado, announced today.

     “Accreditation is a major accomplishment and demonstrates a Center’s commitment to excellence,” according to the Rev. Dr. Paul Bretz, Vice President of the Institute, which is the headquarters for an international network of Samaritan Centers.  “The accreditation process indicates that Centers offer professional services within a framework of quality organizational, administrative, and financial practices,” Bretz said.

     The Samaritan Counseling Center was established in 1986 by an independent board representing a cross-section of the community and is supported by over 40 congregations. Other key community supporters of the Center include the Grayson Foundation, First UMC Community Program, First Presbyterian D. Thomason Grant, J.B. Atkins Foundation, JPMorgan Chase, Noel UMC, United Way, and WK Bossier Medical Staff.  The Center provides a wide range of outpatient counseling services, including counseling for individuals, couples, and families; educational programs; and consultation for professional organizations.

     The Samaritan Ministry advocates the concept of interfaith, team-oriented, and cost-efficient counseling emphasizing the inter-relatedness of mind, body, spirit, and community.

     The Executive Director is Paige Metzgar, M.A., LPC, LMFT, NCC.  The Center is staffed by eight counselors, one educator, five consultants and three administrative members. The Board of Directors includes Katheryn Arterberry, Suda Beard, Julia Blewer, Pam Byrd, Len Ciaravella, Rev. Warren Clifton (Ex-Officio), Rev. Andrew Comeaux, Carolyn Fleming, Tim Hart, Suzi Johnson, Paul Johnston, David Kennedy, Gia Kosmitis, Rev. Todd Mallory (Ex-Officio), Mark McCrocklin, Mitzi Perry, Benjamin W. Pugh, Tim Quinn, Ernestine Schram, Rachel Scott, Donna Seal, Nadine Siegele, Jane Snyder, Jeff Thompson, Clay Walker (Ex-Officio), Rev. Regina Wren (Ex-Officio) and Mary Young.

     Through its affiliation with the Samaritan Institute, the Samaritan Counseling Center is part of an international network of 91 Samaritan Centers with 481 offices in 33 states and Japan.

     “The Samaritan Counseling Center fills a very real need in the Shreveport Bossier community as it serves our citizens in a faith-based setting. It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of this organization,” said board President Jane Snyder.  The Center is open Mondays and Wednesdays-9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays-9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Fridays-9 a.m. to noon to served the needs of individuals and families. For more information, call (318) 221-6121.