BETHESDA MISSION

Our mission is to heal the trauma of childhood sexual abuse through therapy, education, and prevention. We Educate, Heal, and Empower our clients through their healing journey. We look forward to the future growth of our services so that no child is left untreated from the trauma of sexual abuse.

your first visit

The first visit at Bethesda is an opportunity to speak with a trained and compassionate therapist about your specific situation. Bethesda provides resources for children and their caregivers who have suffered everything from sex trafficking to exposure to explicit content. No matter your situation, the first visit with a trained therapist at Bethesda will provide clarity.

1. Before your first visit to Bethesda, it is important that the abuse is reported. You can make a report to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services at 1-800-522-3511.

2. Your first visit is arranged with Bethesda’s Client Services Coordinator by calling 405-364-0333. The Client Services Coordinator will ask for general information (name, age, address, etc.) and ask for a brief summary of the presenting issue. The Client Services Coordinator will set a date and time for you and your child to meet with the therapist. Bethesda strives to keep the first appointment within two weeks of the initial phone call. 

3. At Bethesda, your child must always have adult supervision. Another adult must be present with your child in the waiting room while you meet with a therapist.

4. The first appointment will last approximately 90 minutes, so please plan accordingly. 

5. The therapist will meet with each caregiver and child individually. The therapist will engage the child in age-appropriate discussion and may employ such things as play therapy or art therapy (usually for children 3-5 years old). Every child and caregiver is taught personal space boundary rules as a part of the first visit. The child is given an opportunity to disclose their abuse, but only if they want to. The therapists are sensitive to the trauma that may have occurred and conduct all sessions with the utmost care and sensitivity. 

6. After each member of the family has had an opportunity to meet with the therapist, a treatment plan is created that best fits the needs of the child and family. All caregivers are encouraged to enroll in the adult support group that meets at the same time child group sessions occur throughout the week.   

7. Following the initial appointment, the Bethesda team therapists meet to review each case and make recommendations to finalize the treatment plan. 

8. The family is notified of when a group or individual counseling will begin.