The Capitol Hill Counseling and Resource Center, a nonprofit established to offer evidence-based therapy integrated with a Christian perspective, recently celebrated its grand opening with a special event at its office in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, with several community leaders, pastors, mental health professionals and other guests in attendance.
Emil Peeler, senior pastor of the Capitol Hill Seventh-Day Adventist Church, had a vision in 2017 to open a center that would help address the mental health issues affecting lives in D.C.-area neighborhoods. But he needed a building because the church did not have enough available space.
“In so many areas of my life — as a pastor, professor, community leader, even as a friend — I was seeing people at every income level being impacted by mental health issues,” Peeler said. “The need for therapy seemed greater than the services available, and I learned very few services integrated a Christian perspective. God placed on my heart that I needed to do something.”
After he assembled a team of professionals that included church members with multiple areas of expertise and mental health professionals, the Capitol Hill Counseling and Resource Center was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a board of directors and advisers.
In 2018, the nonprofit found and purchased a building located across the street from the church.
With building renovations completed, the center has opened its doors to clients. The staff includes clinically licensed, mental health professionals who will provide therapy on site or conveniently at the client’s home. Resources will be provided onsite by experienced professionals.
The Center will operate Sundays through Fridays and will be closed on Saturdays.