Community Services Outclient Therapy

The Oesterlen Tradition

Oesterlen Services for Youth began serving needy children and families in 1903. Today the agency is respected statewide for its emotional and behavioral health services for children, adolescents, and their families. In 1971 local services were developed stressing the same quality of treatment and concern for clients for which we have been known since 1903. As an affiliated agency of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Oesterlen is prepared to help address the changing needs of children/adolescents statewide, and particularly here in Clark and surrounding counties. We serve children and adolescents regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, or handicap (unless specific treatment programming is required).

Oesterlen’s Community Services

The focus of Community Service programs is to assist troubled young people, ages 5-20 years, and their families in a non-residential environment. The focus is helping youth accept responsibility for themselves and their actions, to help develop new skills, expand abilities, and find success. The goal

of treatment is to redirect young lives and family situations so clients can function more effectively at home, in school, and in the community.

Individual & Family Counseling

Sessions are scheduled with professionally trained and licensed clinicians regarding personal, social, school and/or family issues.

Group Counseling

Short and long term groups are offered at various times to address:

• victims of abuse
• juvenile sex offenders
• sexually reactive children

Some groups are ongoing; others are formed as needed to address issues related to:

• social skill development
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• problem solving
• violent behavior (individual or family)
• misconduct behavior

Independent Living

Some of our older clients, ages 17 to 20, experience difficulty in making a smooth transition to independent functioning and community life. Semi-independent living and scattered apartment sites, where clients can learn independent living skills under Oesterlen’s supervision, can fill this service gap, either as a transition from residential treatment or through direct referrals.

Wraparound Support Services

Many families in Clark County experience chronic social, medical, and/or emotional difficulties, which, if not successfully addressed, could lead to serious family breakdown. Support Service staff operate as part of the Wraparound Team, coordinating support services with other treatment providers to help families become more self-sufficient. Information on Wraparound services can be obtained by calling (937) 399-6494 and asking to speak with the Wraparound Coordinator.

Therapeutic Foster Care

The function of therapeutic foster care is to provide a temporary but therapeutic alternative family setting for children and adolescents who cannot live in their own homes yet do not require more intensive residential treatment services. Treatment is designed to help prepare children and youth for a return home or to work toward an alternative permanent living arrangement or an emancipated living setting.

Under contract to Oesterlen, treatment foster care families receive for each child placed in their home a basic care reimbursement, clothing and special needs expenses, and additional income from participation in training and the Foster Care Network.

Costs Of Treatment

A family’s cost of counseling treatment is based upon a sliding fee scale that considers income and family size. Those who have Medicaid coverage and/or private insurance are welcome.

Referral / Appointment Information

To make a referral or to schedule an appointment contact the Community Services Secretary at (937) 399-6494.

Oesterlen's Agency Credentials

Oesterlen is licensed by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services. The Ohio Department of Mental Health also certifies services provided by Oesterlen. We are full members of the Ohio Association of Child Caring Agencies, the Child Welfare League of America, and Lutheran Services in America. Oesterlen is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and its synods in Ohio.