Meet Lauren
JFS offers affordable counseling and mental health services to individuals and families (including children). In 2020, JFS expanded its psychiatry services to include child and adolescent psychiatry through our partnership with Florida Atlantic University’s (FAU) Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine. Our multidisciplinary clinical team consists of therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists who are available for appointment in our Boca Raton and Delray Beach locations.
Lauren came to Rales JFS' Counseling & Mental Health Services when she was 14, after finally building up the courage to ask her mother for help. Lauren had been suffering alone with severe chronic depression for a couple of years. Lauren was confused as to why she felt this way, because she came from a loving and supportive family and had many friends. Lauren’s therapist provided her with a clearer understanding of depression. Over several months, Lauren worked on recognizing her triggers, and learned new coping mechanisms to help her self-regulate. At the recommendation of her therapist, Lauren saw a Rales JFS psychiatrist, and began taking anti-depressants to further help her manager her depression. After a couple of months, Lauren felt like a “new person” and was able to re-connect with her friends and be honest with her family about her struggles. Lauren continues to see her Rales JFS counselor via tele-health, due to COVID, and works on maintaining her mental health, as well as continuing her journey of self-discovery as a teen.
Highlights
Over 8,300 sessions of individual and family therapy counseling, psychiatry, and psychological testing were provided to over 700 individuals and families.
A total of over $433,000 in non-COVID-related emergency financial assistance was provided this year.
Assisted over 1,000 clients with special needs, including their parents and grandparents, by providing support groups, case management and financial assistance.
About Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services (JFS)
Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services (JFS) provides help, hope and humanity through a comprehensive range of programs and services which support people of all ages and beliefs. With locations in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, JFS programs and services include food & financial assistance, senior services, counseling & mental health services, career & employment services, family & children’s services and many volunteer opportunities. Funding is provided by private and corporate support, grants, special events and individuals who reach thousands in need each year.
For more information about JFS’ services, please visit ralesjfs.org, call 561-852-3333, or send email to info@ralesjfs.org
