Summit Gala

Save the date for our 9^th annual gala: Saturday, February 24th, 2024

Thank you for another wonderful evening of hope at our 2023 gala on Saturday, March 25th!

Click here to view photos from our event

About Summit Counseling

The Summit is a trusted 501(c)(3) nonprofit community counseling organization that has helped individuals, couples, and families experience hope, healing, and restoration since 1990. In fiscal year 2022/23, 30 therapists are projected to provide 22,500+ clinical hours to 2100+ individuals, couples, and families at 5 offices and 31 school-based locations.

Our Mission

The Summit Counseling Center provides professional counseling, psychological services, school-based mental health, and community education services utilizing an integrated approach to care for individuals and families – Body, Mind, Spirit, and Relationships.

Our Vision

The Summit envisions a community where everyone, without exception, will have full access to professional, integrative behavioral healthcare services.

Our Values

Competence
Development of a skilled workforce that delivers and supports the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based clinical services.

Culture
A shared vision of values, beliefs, and attitudes that drives engagement, impacts satisfaction, and improves both well-being and performance at work.

Connectivity
Intentional efforts to communicate, collaborate, and provide meaningful feedback, both internally and externally, to accomplish our shared mission.

Care
Demonstration of thoughtful consideration for Summit staff, both at the team and individual level, so that each employee feels seen and heard.

Community
Engaging with our stakeholders (clients, partners, and neighbors) in a way that allows them to feel cared for, valued, and respected.

Mental Health Facts & Statistics

Mental illness does not discriminate – anyone can be affected, regardless of age, race, religion, or income. The mental health crisis is a global problem for humanity, with major impact on our families locally.

Mental Health

50% of mental health problems are established by age 14 and 75% by age 24
The average delay from when symptoms first appear and intervention is approximately 11 years
14% of Georgia youth (age 12-17) report suffering from at least one major depressive episode (MDE) in 2021

Suicide

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-34
The estimated number of American adults with serious suicidal thoughts is over 11.4 million – an increase of 664,000 people from 2021
93% of adults surveyed in the U.S. believe that suicide can be prevented

Access to Mental Health Care

Georgia ranks 48th in 50 states for access to mental health care, resources, and insurance
2 out of 5 children in Georgia have trouble accessing the mental health treatment they need
39% of Georgians were unable to access treatment due to financial restraints in 2021

Creating Hope in Our Community

By removing barriers, implementing prevention, and providing assessments and therapy, the Summit is striving to remove the stigma surrounding mental health in our community.

Removing Barriers

Removing financial barriers by raising Client Assistance Funds (CAF) to subsidize counseling for those in need
Removing barriers to accessibility by expanding community locations beyond our 5 office locations, 31 Summit On-Site school partnerships, and telehealth option
Removing barriers of stigma by providing vital mental health and suicide prevention education through our Mental Health Awareness Program

Implementing Prevention

Offering confidential, free online screenings to help identify signs of behavioral health concerns and refer those in need to resources
Providing free trainings to equip our community with the tools needed to recognize signs of suicide and respond with care
Facilitating group therapy for at-risk youth

Providing Assessments & Therapy

Providing individual and group therapy to children, teens, adults, and seniors
Offering couples and family counseling led by professional, caring clinicians
Conducting suicide risk crisis assessments to students at risk of harming themselves and providing assistance to help keep them safe