We prevent child abuse before it happens. We intervene when it does. We treat when healing is needed. The region’s leader in the fight against child abuse.
5 protective factors of preventing child abuse
Knowledge of Parenting & Child Development
Children thrive when parents provide not only affection, but also respectful communication and listening, consistent rules & expectations, and safe opportunities that promote independence.
Resilience
Parents who can cope with the stresses of everyday life, as well as an occasional crisis, have resilience. They have the flexibility and inner strength necessary to bounce back when things are not going well.
Social Connections
Parents with a social network of emotionally supportive friends, family, and neighbors often find that it is easier to care for their children and themselves.
Social & Emotional Competence
Children’s early experiences of being nurtured and developing a positive relationship with caring adults affects all aspects of behavior and development.
Concrete Support
Families who can meet basic needs for food, clothing, housing, and transportation—and are able to access services such as childcare, healthcare, and mental health—are better able to ensure the safety and well-being of their children.
prevention services
Prevent before it happens
BJWL Out-of-School-Time
The Beverly Jewel Wall Lovelace Out of School Time Program (BJWL) is a provider of out-of-school time services in Allegheny County, currently located in 7 public housing communities. Five days a week during the school year and during the summer months, we inspire learning, keep children safe and promote well-being through social and academic programming.
Children from Kindergarten-18 years old.
No referral required. No fee.
Phone: 412-363-1702 EXT. 1905 Email: jmoore@familyresources.org
Hill District Family Center
We provide parent education and support, opportunities for family interactive groups and family goal planning, as well as child development through school-readiness activities. Programs are designed and led by Family Support Center members, providing a supportive environment of peers.
No referral required. No fee.
Phone: 412-363-1702 EXT. 1999 Email: dglover@familyresources.org
Reach Out to Families
We focus on parent education, working with parents with children 0-18 to develop nurturing and attachment skills. We reduce parent-child conflict and family discord; help connect families to community resources, and offer tools for creating a safe space where the family can grow and build healthy relationships.
No referral required. No fee.
Phone: 412-363-1702 PRESS 2
Email: preed@familyresources.org
Intervention Services
Intervene when something happens
Family Unification Services
We provide support and education for families who are at risk of separation, foster care placement, or adoption. We also provide services for families who have been separated and are working toward reunification and developing positive relationship patterns and skills.
Referral required from CYF Resource Coordinator or Casework Supervisor.
Phone: 412-363-1702 EXT. 1127
Email: preed@familyresources.org
Parent-Teen Mediation
We offer free counseling to families with children 8-21 years old who are experiencing conflict, struggling to create or maintain a positive home environment, or having difficulty managing a child or teenager’s behavior. We focus on structure, communication, and relationship skill building to enhance family function.
Call or email for more information.
Phone: 412-363-1702 PRESS 2
Email: preed@familyresources.org
Joint Planning Team
We support families with children 5-21 years old with a mental health diagnosis who are involved in multiple systems. Wraparound facilitators address the unique needs of the child and family to develop an individualized care plan. We work to enable the child to remain safely in their home and community with appropriate support and resources.
Call or email for more information.
Phone: 412-363-1702 PRESS 2
Email: preed@familyresources.org
treatment services
Treat when healing is needed
Therapeutic Preschool
We support social and emotional learning for children ages 3-5 years old. Here, children who have experienced trauma and need emotional and behavioral support can find the environment that they need to heal, build confidence and pave the way to be successfully enrolled in a traditional school setting.
Call or email for more information.
Phone: 412-363 1702 PRESS 2
Email: preed@familyresources.org
Family Based Mental Health
Through comprehensive therapeutic interventions and trauma-informed care, we support families of children who are at risk of child abuse and/or neglect or are affected by mental health issues. Our services are child-focused, family-centered, culturally sensitive, collaborative with other systems, and work to keep each child in the home.
Call or email for more information.
Phone: 412-363-1702 PRESS 2
Email: preed@familyresources.org
Counseling Center
Healing can begin when we take the first step of change
We’re glad you’re considering Family Resources for your journey. The support of counselors has proven to be effective in the lives of individuals and families experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression.
The staff at the Counseling Center are trained professionals who use evidence-based approaches to best serve you. Although it can be difficult, every destination is reached by taking one step at a time.
Reach out to book an appointment:
412-363-1702 EXT. 1148
ccwilliams@familyresources.org
- The Counseling Center at Family Resources is proud to provide Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).
- Parent-Child Interactional Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment for young children who are experiencing behavioral challenges. This innovative treatment approach involves multiple sessions with the child and their parent or caregiver. A typical session is conducted with the child and parent in a playroom while the therapist is observing your interactions through a one-way mirror in the next room. The parent wears an earpiece through which the therapist can provide real-time coaching on strategies to manage your child’s behaviors.
- Please contact our Counseling Center to see if PCIT is a good fit for your family’s needs.
Director of treatment
Brian Tessmer, MA, NCC, LPC
Director of Treatment
brian tessmer, MA, LPC
What is the area where you have the most experience or expertise?
I have worked most often with children, teenagers, and adults who have encountered mood disorders, trauma, family conflict, and anxiety. I also have experience working with children experiencing behavioral and attention-deficit challenges, and with adults and children who have committed sexual offenses. I am certified by Allegheny County as an agency trainer for S.O.G.I.E. (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression) and have often worked with individuals who are experiencing challenges related to their S.O.G.I.E.
Which populations are you willing to work with (i.e. children, couples, adults)
I can work with clients of all ages, gender identities, and backgrounds. I have experience counseling families.
How long have you worked in this field and/or at Family Resources?
I have 15 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have had the pleasure of working at Family Resources since 2011.
Which hours are you available? If you have a regular schedule, please list it here.
I am available most weekdays, and on most weeknights until 7:00 PM. I typically work one Saturday per month between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
Credentials with which insurance(s)?
Medicaid, UPMC and Highmark Commercial Insurances
Tell us a little bit about your life interests
Outside of work, I enjoy exercising, reading, golfing, playing drums, and spending time with my wife and two sons.
Please provide us with your personal philosophy or quote that answers the question – “What is counseling? What can the client achieve through counseling?”
I feel strongly that every human being possesses the capacity for positive change. No matter the challenges presented to each of us, we get a renewed opportunity every single day to make small, incremental progress towards our goals. My highest priority is to ensure that all treatment team members approach each session with a non-judgmental and open attitude while providing quality counseling to our consumers.
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supervisor
Carisa Reynolds, LPC
Counselor
Carisa Reynolds, LPC
What is the area where you have the most experience or expertise?
Throughout my career, I’ve had the most experience working with children/adolescents and their families, but I have also worked with adult clients. I’ve worked with individuals with a wide range of diagnoses including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, and oppositional defiant disorder. The type of therapy I have the most expertise in is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and this is a therapy that I often utilize with my clients.
Which populations are you willing to work with (i.e. children, couples, adults)
I’m open to working with all populations and ages. I love gaining new experiences and providing help to anyone seeking it!
How long have you worked in this field and/or at Family Resources?
Although I just began working at Family Resources in May 2020, I have been working in the mental health field since November 2008 in a wide variety of capacities. I’ve worked as an outpatient therapist in both the clinic and school settings, a mobile in-home therapist, and most recently as a supervisor of an outpatient clinic.
Which hours are you available? If you have a regular schedule, please list it here.
My work hours are typically Monday-Friday between 9 and 5, but I will work evening hours occasionally as needed.
Credentials with which insurance(s)?
I’ve been a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) since 2011 and I’m credentialed with both UPMC and Highmark as well as Medicaid.
Tell us a little bit about your life interests.
I am a social person who loves to spend time with my friends and family. I love the outdoors and try to spend as much time outside as possible by hiking, camping, and kayaking. When inside, I enjoy reading, watching movies, and crafting. I love to learn, and I am always trying to extend my knowledge to better help my clients.
Please provide us with your personal philosophy or quote that answers the question – “What is counseling? What can the client achieve through counseling?”
To me, a client can achieve whatever they put their mind to in counseling. This could include healing from trauma, emotional stability, and/or improving relationships. I believe that my job as a therapist is to help guide clients on their journey by meeting them where they are rather than pushing my own agenda. I like to help build my clients’ confidence and independence so that they will be ready to successfully discharge and maintain the progress they have achieved in therapy.
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Psychiatrist
Dr. Salim Chowdhury
Counselor
Bonita Pannell, LSW
Counselor
Aaron Souply, LSW
Counselor
Angela Terenzio, LCSW
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