ECHO School-Based Services
ECHO (Empowering Children with Hope and Opportunity) is a comprehensive counseling and social emotional learning program designed to remove non-academic barriers to learning for students in grades K-12. The University of Dayton developed this model for area Catholic schools, and CSSMV is partnering with UD to use the model in rural public schools.
ECHO includes a social and emotional learning curriculum, in-school counseling sessions for referred students, professional development for teachers, and case management services for at-risk families.
We are currently providing ECHO school-based counseling in two public school districts in Shelby County — Hardin-Houston and Russia Schools. We are also exploring the possibility of expanding the services to other area schools.
In 2024, CSSMV staff presented Second Step education to 455 students, and CSSMV counselors provided one-on-one counseling to 70 students of varying ages at the schools during the day.
“The ECHO program enables us to teach students necessary skills that will impact them all through life,” said Erin Meyer, Northern Office Assistant Director. “These skills include listening, empathy, emotion management, and problem solving. In addition, we are providing mental health counseling for students who need extra support.”
Professional Counseling
Are you going through interpersonal or emotional challenges that make your daily life more difficult? Our professional counseling team is here to help. Our counselors can help you deal with depression, anxiety, trauma, behavior issues, relationship problems, grief, domestic violence, adjustment to illness, post-adoption emotions, and many other issues. We offer professional counseling for individuals, couples and families, and we work with children age 5 and up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does therapy entail?
The counseling process begins with a short period of assessment that may take up to 2-4 visits. In this time the therapist is becoming familiar with you and your goals and the barriers you are encountering. After this, you and the therapist work together to develop a treatment plan that outlines your goals and the steps we will take to achieve these. In other words, we are asking, “What do you want? And how will we know when you achieve that?” The treatment process may be brief (6-10 sessions), or extend longer if you feel that more work is needed to resolve your problems to your satisfaction.
How long are counseling sessions?
Generally, sessions are held weekly or twice a month, and each session lasts about 50 minutes.
Many people resolve their concerns in a few sessions. Most treatment is short-term with 10 or fewer sessions.
Is this religious-based counseling?
No, it is not pastoral counseling. Our professional, licensed counselors offer assistance to people in need regardless of religion or ethnic background.
Do you accept my insurance?
We accept most private insurance as well as Medicaid. Please talk with our office staff to see if your plan is accepted. Please check with your insurance provider for the specific details of your plan’s coverage.
What if I don’t have insurance for mental health care?
We use a sliding scale to make treatment more affordable for those who don’t have insurance or whose insurance doesn’t cover mental health services.
How do I schedule an appointment?
If you are interested in pursuing counseling at Catholic Social Services, the next step is to call our Sidney office at 937.498.4593.
Eckerle Administration Center
922 West Riverview Avenue
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 223-7217 or (800) 300-2937
General email: cssmv@cssmv.org