Counseling & Training Services

The Place of Refuge was incorporated as a non-profit in 1999. For years, until February 2008 it operated out of shared and borrowed spaces at various sites across North Philadelphia. Late in 2007, in collaboration with local government, as well as numerous area foundations and donors, this small group of counselors and volunteers set out to turn a vacant building on the 2900 block of 5th Street in Philadelphia into a vibrant counseling and training center. What you can see now in this beautiful facility, is something that continues to grow. Already it has begun to touch the lives of the people in this neighborhood in a deeply meaningful way.

In addition to providing quality counseling, the other half of our mission focuses on local caregivers. We offer Employee Assistance programs to local medical centers and other agencies. We do ongoing work, conducting training outreach events and educational seminars, developing support groups, and lay-counseling programs. In each effort, we do all we can to make the best possible use of resources already established in the community.

The Place of Refuge is made up of a multi-cultural group of psychologists, counselors, social workers and volunteers. It is of vital importance that individuals and families in these most at-risk groups have access to services that acknowledge stress related to a complex matrix of political, social, spiritual and cultural influences.

Professional services are available for: