“We also have referrals for children under the Division of Youth Services,” said Center Director Josephine Sablan.
Because the center cannot accommodate all referrals, some have to be put on a wait list.
Previously known as the Division of Mental Health and Services, its name was changed in early 2000 to protect clients from being stigmatized.
“We decided to change the name to Community Guidance Center. We did that through a process. We had a poster contest. The reason why is because our referrals — adults and children alike — they make comments like, ‘I am not crazy. Why should I go to this place.’ The same thing happened with referrals from other agencies like probation or the court. They will make comments that they are not crazy,” said Sablan.
The center currently has only one clinical psychologist and two counselors with master’s degree.
Sablan said they are allowed to hire two clinical psychologists, but they can’t due to the government’s cash-strapped condition.
Such specialists are difficult to find given the small salary they can offer, she added.
“It is actually not easy really to find and actually hire one. Our salaries are not as attractive to interested applicants or individuals,” she said.
The center is jointly funded by the local and federal governments.
