The Hope Center

Brian Schwartz, LPC‑S

Brian Schwartz, Director of Treatment and Clinical Services for The Children’s Center program called The Hope Center. Brian said the program opened in 2015 to support children and families who have experienced trauma. The Hope Center is funded through grants and Medicaid. While a sliding scale may be available, Schwartz said the program has not had to charge families for services.


The Hope Center uses several therapy approaches, including play therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and EMDR. Counselors help children reshape the story of what happened to them, understand that the trauma was not their fault, and rebuild a healthier sense of self.


Many children served by The Hope Center have been affected by abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or ongoing family stress. Schwartz said some children grow up seeing unhealthy relationships as normal. The Hope Center helps children and parents learn what safe, calm, loving, and nurturing relationships can look like.

Children who struggle with trauma may have trouble in school, withdraw from others, or fall in with the wrong crowd. The Hope Center helps children learn how to express their feelings, talk with their parents, and begin thinking about their goals and dreams. The Hope Center serves children ages 3 to 18, young adults ages 18 to 23, and parents of children ages 0 to 18 who need support with parenting. Most sessions are in person, though telehealth is available. The center also has a play therapy room and a sensory room.


A typical number of counseling sessions is anywhere from 10 to 18 over a 3-to-4-month period. Brian said many families cannot come in every week, so it could be longer. Over the past quarter, The Hope Center had 144 active cases. Counselors’ caseloads are from 20 to 25 clients. Brain said they keep it smaller, so our counselors can focus and plan time in between sessions. Families can complete an inquiry form on The Hope Center’s website and are contacted within 24 hours or the next business day. Many children may see therapy as a failure and Brian is trying to change that view, so families and children see a visit to a mental health counselor the same as a visit to a medical doctor.


For more information, to volunteer, or to donate, call (210) 212-2500 or visit www.childrensshelter.org/hope.