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Volunteer Spotlight: Seth Evans, Pro Bono Counselor

Volunteer Spotlight: Seth Evans, Pro Bono Counselor

MHAOhio’s Pro Bono Counseling Program (PBCP) connects hundreds of uninsured or underinsured individuals with licensed volunteer counselors throughout the state every year. Over the past ten years, the program has helped many on their path toward mental wellness.

“There are numerous counseling options in our area, but we make it possible for those who do not qualify for sliding scale fees and other financial assistance to obtain the care they deserve,” Sheronda Palmore, PBCP Director, says. “We want people to know they are not alone on their journey to wellness and that there are licensed, professional volunteers waiting to help them succeed in reaching their goals.”

This program would not be possible without the dedication and service of our volunteers. Seth Evans, MAMHC, LPCC-S, is a counselor at Cornerstone Family Services, and has been a PBCP volunteer for nearly ten years.

In the beginning, his service was out of necessity. Many young professionals need to reach a certain level of hours before they can graduate, and the PBCP is a great way to gain experience. Although Evans is now in a supervisory role with a full client list and managing several other counselors at Cornerstone, he still makes time for the PBCP.

“You’re working very tangibly with people where they are in the community,” Evans explains. “If you change one person’s life, you have the opportunity to impact those around them. You can change a system, even on a micro-level. It can be a beautiful thing.”
 
More than two million Ohioans continue to report unmet mental health needs due to limited or no health coverage, lack of available treatment, and insufficient finances to cover the cost of services and copays. Pandemic stressors have resulted in increased rates of mental illness, and suicide continues to be a major concern for communities. The need for timely mental health services is more important than ever.
 
“A lot of people are making the direct connection to heightened health anxiety, heightened sense of isolation, loss of social network and peer network,” Evans says. “I’ve noticed over the past year and a half that there’s just something missing for people.”
 
At this time, there is an exceptional need for volunteers of diverse racial/ethnic, and religious backgrounds. Multilingual and LGBTQ+ affirming professionals are also needed to ensure we meet the diverse needs of our community. If you are a licensed counselor who might be interested in becoming a volunteer, please visit our website to learn more and apply.
 
“We’re in a helping field and this is the best route toward helping others,” he says. “If you have reservations about volunteering, I suggest taking on one pro bono case and seeing how it goes. Take a small step, and see what it’s like.”
 
If you would like to support programs like the Pro Bono Counseling program at MHAOhio, please donate here.

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