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   MINISTRIES

Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute
A Samaritan Counseling Center

UNITED WAY #1231

6324 Marchand Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412-661-1239

MISSION

The Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute (PPI) exists to enhance the health of individuals, families, and communities through an ecumenical ministry of counseling and education that integrates the resources of faith and professional behavioral health services.  PPI embraces a holistic view of the person that includes seeking social, emotional, spiritual, and physical wellness..

At times of major life crises, transitions, or stress, many individuals feel overwhelmed and benefit from seeking outside help and support.  At PPI, our services are offered to all persons who can use them effectively, regardless of sex, race, age, ethnicity, or religion.  Every effort is made to provide financial subsidy to any client in need.

CURRENT PROGRAMS

• Individual, couple, and family therapy that integrate into the counseling process both the behavioral sciences and the resources from a client’s particular religious faith.
• Psychiatric consultation and evaluation.
• Short term group therapy on a variety of topics supporting emotional well-being.
• Continuing-education programs for licensed mental-health professionals.
• Educational programs to upgrade pastoral care and counseling skills.
• Community Education promoting healthy lifestyles for individuals and families.
• Career Assessment and Counseling for ministerial candidates..
• Clergy and Congregational care program to provide consultations to churches, addressing staff or congregation relationship concerns or providing workshops.
• Collaborative healthcare through on-site services at two low -income primary health care centers.

COUNSELING APPROACH

PPI’s overall approach to counseling seeks to provide an empathic relationship in which clients can safely and freely discuss their problems and concerns. The main goal is for client and therapist to work together to resolve them as far as possible, along with promoting personal growth, self-awareness, and meaningful relationships with the important people in one’s life. This is a “client-centered” process in which the client determines the particular areas of discussion and exploration in a given session. It also is a “faith-friendly” process in which spiritual and religious concerns can be discussed, if a client chooses to do so.

Counseling is confidential, as mandated by state law and professional ethics. PPI’s services are provided in accordance with the Standards and Code of Ethics of the Samaritan Institute, as well as upholding the ethical standards of each therapist’s professional licensure.

HISTORY

Founded in 1964 under the auspices of Calvary Episcopal Church, in the Shadyside area of Pittsburgh, PPI is an interfaith counseling and psychotherapy center.   PPI currently has a staff of 50 full and part-time therapists who annually provide over 15,000 hours of counseling and consultation through 30 branch-offices in five different counties (Allegheny, Armstrong, Westmoreland, Lawrence, and Fayette).

PPI is an affiliate of and fully accredited by The Samaritan Institute of Denver, Colorado, which maintains strict credentialing standards to ensure quality of counseling services; the integration of faith in the therapy process is a central pillar of the Samaritan Institute.  PPI is also licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare as an Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic. and is a freestanding countywide facility of the Allegheny County Mental Health/Mental Retardation Program.

PROFESSIONAL STAFF

The therapy staff includes licensed psychologists, social workers, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, certified pastoral counselors, and consulting psychiatrists. PPI’s services are covered by most of the area’s major insurance companies, including Highmark, UPMC, Value Options, CIGNA, Health Choices, and CCBHO.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONGREGATIONAL OR INDIVIDUAL INVOLVEMENT

• Host an educational workshop at your congregation provided by PPI staff members.
• Invite a PPI staff person to speak with your missions committee or a missions moment
• Provide information in your church newsletters routinely on mental health and the counseling resources available to them that respect and integrate their faith as a powerful resource.
• Volunteer to help with or to participate in PPI fund-raising events such as a Silent Samaritan luncheon or golf outing to support our free care fund.
• Contact us to suggest ways we can be of service to your organization

VISIT US ON THE WEB

www.ppi-online.org