FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What issues do you deal with?

We deal with any problem you feel is upsetting to your life, no matter how big or small. Some of the topics we deal with are:

• Self-esteem 
• Peer pressure
• Dating
• Parents (conflict, divorce, separation, etc)
• School/truancy
• Bullying
• Sexuality/Sexual Activity
• Loneliness

Will anyone else know that I am receiving counseling?

Services at The Bridge Youth Services are confidential, except for situations (ie. abuse and neglect) when staff are mandated by law to report this information to the authorities.

What is the process to start counseling?

You can call our agency or walk-in and speak to an intake worker.  In addition, a parent, guidance counselor, or friend can call to request services on behalf of youth and families. During this process the intake worker will ask you to provide some basic information, which is necessary for a counselor to be assigned.  Within a few days, a counselor will contact you to schedule an appointment. Our services are voluntary, which means you can stop at any time; the actual length of time will be decided between you and your counselor.

What if I need help immediately?

All Bridge Youth Services staff are trained in crisis intervention and can provide immediate assistance to youth whether over the phone or meeting at the office, home, or other location. This service is provided during office hours.  After hours, assistance for runaway and homeless youth is available 24 hours a day, by calling The Bridge Youth Services (570) 824-5766 or Help Line (570) 829-1341.

Do my parents have to know?

Although we strongly suggest getting your parents involved, the agency and its staff will always provide services to youth in need of assistance.

How much will it cost?

All services provided by The Bridge Youth Services are FREE!

How do I get there?

In Wilkes-Barre: From Public Square. Follow S. Main Street one block. Turn left onto E. Northampton Street.

From Nanticoke: From the San Souci Parkway/Carey Ave. Turn right onto Academy Street.  Turn left onto S. River Street. Turn right onto W. Northampton Street.

From Pittston: Take 315 S to 81 S.  Get off at exit 170B/309N toward Wilkes-Barre.  Take exit 2 toward Wilkes-Barre/Wilkes-Barre Boulevard/Center City.  Turn left onto Wilkes-Barre Boulevard.  Turn right onto E. Northampton Street.

From Dallas: From Memorial Highway/309 S. Take exit 3 toward Plains/Wilkes-Barre.  Merge onto S. River Street.  Turn left onto W. Northampton Street.

From Mountaintop: From 309 S/Wilkes-Barre-Hazelton Highway/N. Mountain Boulevard.  Stay straight to 309 N/Wilkes-Barre Township Boulevard. Turn slight right onto ramp. Stay straight to Casey Avenue.  Turn left onto E. Northampton Street.

Where will I be seen?

Most appointments take place in our office.  However, if transportation is not available, we can meet at your home or another mutually agreed upon location.