Oxford Counseling Center Serving Local Community

By Abbey Gingras

Miami University journalism student

When the Oxford Counseling Center held an open house in early January before it officially opened its doors, the turnout was impressive.

After seven weeks on College Corner Pike, things haven't slowed down.

"We knew that there needed to be local counseling services," says Amy Macechko, the health and wellness coordinator for Talawanda School District. "The response really speaks to the commitment and passion of the community."

Providing Services Close To Home

The Oxford Counseling Center is an offshoot of Butler Behavioral Health Services, which also has centers in Hamilton and Middletown. Previously, Oxford was home to the Community Counseling and Crisis Center of St. Aloysius, but that facility closed in Oct. 2015.

Immediately, community members sprung into action to fill the void.

"Transportation is a problem," says Marianne Marconi, a member of the Coalition for a Healthy Community mental health work group with Macechko. "We needed a location in Oxford."

After a few setbacks delayed an initial opening date of April 2016, the Oxford Counseling Center opened a little over a year after the Community Counseling and Crisis Center shut down.

The new Oxford facility has all the services provided at the Hamilton and Middletown branches, so there is no reason for community members to leave Oxford to get the care they need.

Already, the center has 33 clients and plans to partner with Talawanda School District to bring services to a younger population.

"If we can bring it to the schools, it's more likely that the kids will get the help that they need," Macechko says.

Keeping It In The Community

The center is not just for Oxford residents — Miami University students can also schedule appointments to see staff there.

"We've slowly been increasing the number of clients we've been seeing," says program manager Kate McLain. "If you're in need of services, you can just come in. You don't have to jump through any hoops."

McLain, an Oxford native, was brought on board in November. She was excited about the prospect of helping out the community she grew up in.

"I grew up here, but I haven't been living in Oxford since high school. I really just wanted to return to serve and work with at-risk populations," she says. "I know the area and I know the community."

The site has a medical provider and nurse practitioner, but there is room to expand if the community need outgrows the current staff or physical location.

Macechko is enthusiastic about the future of the center.

"There is so much potential for new partnerships and opportunities," she says. "We are going to be the voice advocating for mental health in our community."

Oxford Counseling Center is located at 5223 College Corner Pike and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. To find out more information, call 513-273-8064 or visit the Butler Behavioral Health Services website.

Photo: The outside of the Oxford Counseling Center on College Corner Pike. The facility is located directly next to H&R Block in a small brick building. -- Photo by Abbey Gingras