High unemployment, failing banks, a sinking stock market and other dire economic news can strain personal relationships, jeopardize employment and manifest itself in emotional and physical illness. It’s a daily dose of stress and it takes a toll.

The family services office of Arlington diocesan Catholic Charities has seen a jump in aid requests over the past year. Dave Cavanaugh, family services department director, sees the economy as the culprit.

“We’ve experienced a big increase in requests for counseling,” Cavanaugh said. “In the past, we’ve averaged about a dozen (clients) on the waiting list. Now we have 53.”

He also said the office receives about 50 calls a day, up from a year ago, most requesting some sort of help.

According to Catholic Charities reports, much of the increase is due to a jump in referrals from nonprofits and county agencies like the Woodburn Center for Community Mental Health in Annandale, and municipal court systems.

In 2008, Catholic Charities reported that 51 percent of its clients had a family income of less than $50,000. Those at the lower end of the economic scale feel the pressure of decreased incomes and diminished services offered by area governments and non profits, including support provided by school systems treating children with issues like Attention Deficit Disorder and learning disabilities.

Family services assists people with marital and relationship problems, anxiety and depression, and emotional, physical and sexual abuse that are exacerbated by job loss, increased food costs and transportation costs. The office is an accredited mental health service provider that treats adults, families and couples on an out-patient basis.

Even with increased waiting lists, clients are satisfied with the services provided by the family services office. In 2008, the office reported that customer satisfaction was high. Clients report making progress toward their goals and improved daily functioning. Comments made to the office have also been positive.

“The services provided here at CC have been extremely helpful and I consider it a blessing to be able to get affordable counseling that has been so greatly needed for me and my son,” said one Arlington client.

“I am very thankful for all the help that I’ve received from my therapist for me and my son and I feel lucky because I found this place thanks to my counselor in my son’s school,” said a Burke client.

Cavanaugh is pleased with the service his office provides.

“I think what I’m most proud of is the high level of professional mental health service we are able to provide to our clients — services many would not otherwise be able to access. My staff inspires me with their competence, their caring and dedication. We are blessed to have them,” he said.

There are five family services office locations serving Northern Virginia in Arlington, Burke, Sterling and Manassas with 26 clinicians and three medical doctors.

Services are provided on a sliding scale and health insurance is accepted.

Catholic Charities receives some funding from the Bishop’s Lenten Appeal.

Find out more

For more information on the services provided by the family services office of Arlington diocesan Catholic Charities, call 703/841-2531 or visit ccda.net/programs_family.php.