Skip to content

Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia

Counseling Services

Being a victim of a crime can be a traumatic and life-changing experience that can have physical, emotional, and psychological effects on a person. We understand the importance of supporting victims of crime during their time of need, which is why we offer free counseling services to help victims recover from their trauma.

Our team of licensed therapists is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to help victims cope with the aftermath of a crime. Our goal is to empower victims to heal and rebuild their lives, and we are committed to providing the support they need to do so.

Our services are available to victims of crime in Philadelphia at no charge. We do not require proof of insurance or citizenship. We hope that our services can help you on your journey towards healing.

About AVP's Counseling Services

We believe there is no one-size fits all approach to healing from the trauma of victimization, so we utilize a variety of effective, evidence-based methods and approaches to help victims and survivors experience healing, growth, and change.

Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is available for those who have been a victim of a crime in Philadelphia. Our clinicians are trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities.
Group Counseling
Group therapy is available for those who have been a victim of a crime in Philadelphia. Groups typically run between 5-10 people.
Care Coordination
We recognize that some clients will have needs beyond the scope and/or capacity of what we can provide. We can connect you to additional resources.

If you are seeking more information about AVP’s school-based violence outreach program, which provides individual and group counseling to youth, please click here to learn about our Youth Violence Outreach program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about our counseling services. If you still have questions, contact us.

Teal circle contracting with text that says "Breathe In, Breathe Out"
Do I have to pay to seek counseling services from AVP?

No, AVP provides its counseling services to Philadelphians free of charge. This is made possible by our generous funding.

What can I expect during my first therapy session?

During your first therapy session, your therapist will likely ask you a series of questions to get to know you better and understand why you decided to seek therapy. You may be asked about your victimization, your current mental and emotional state, your past experiences, and your goals for therapy. It's important to be honest and open with your therapist so they can better understand how to help you.

How often should I see my therapist?

The frequency of therapy sessions depends on your individual needs and goals. Generally, therapists recommend weekly sessions at the beginning of therapy to establish a consistent routine and build rapport. As you make progress, you may be able to decrease the frequency of sessions to biweekly or even monthly.

How long will therapy take?

The length of therapy varies depending on your individual needs and goals. Some people may only need a few sessions to work through the trauma of their victimization, while others may benefit from long-term therapy to address deeper-rooted concerns. Your therapist can give you an estimate of how long they think therapy may take after getting to know you and your specific situation.

What if I don't feel comfortable with my therapist?

It's important to feel comfortable and safe with your therapist in order to make progress in therapy. If you don't feel comfortable with your therapist, it's okay to bring this up with them and discuss your concerns. If you still don't feel comfortable after addressing your concerns, it may be helpful to find a new therapist who better meets your needs.

Will my therapist tell anyone what I say in therapy?

As a general rule, therapists are legally and ethically bound to keep your sessions confidential. This means that they cannot share what you discuss in therapy with anyone without your permission, unless there is concern for your safety or the safety of others. Your therapist will explain AVP's confidentiality policy in your first session and answer any questions you may have.

Why should I consider group therapy?

Group therapy provides an opportunity to learn and receive support from peers in a therapeutic environment designed to help you meet your goals and make change. Whereas individual therapy offers focused attention from a single professional, group counseling adds the benefit of receiving feedback and support from people with multiple perspectives and experiences.

How do I sign up for a group?

If you know which group you would like to join, you can call our Intake Coordinator, Ciera Moore, at 267-209-0838 or counseling@avpphila.org and let her know which group interests you. If you are already a client, you can speak with your individual therapist about group options and they will support you in taking the next steps. You may be asked to participate in a brief “group screening” for the purpose of determining fit and learning more about the group before it begins.

Can I be part of a group and still receive individual therapy?

Yes. In many cases, group counseling is a helpful complement to individual therapy.

I've been seen at the Counseling Center before. Am I allowed to come back?

If you are a former client and have been revictimized by a violent crime, you are eligible to receive AVP's services. Please contact AVP's Intake Coordinator at counseling@avpphila.org.