If you’re a survivor of abuse in Ocala, FL, finding the right support is crucial. This article lists seven trusted counseling services that specialize in trauma recovery, offering therapies like EMDR and CBT, crisis intervention, legal advocacy, and even emergency shelter options. Here’s a quick overview:
- CASA Marion: 24/7 hotline, free counseling, legal advocacy, and emergency shelter.
- Choices, Chances, Changes: Trauma-focused therapy, group sessions, and sliding scale pricing.
- Charles M. Litman, PhD, MFT: Online therapy specializing in PTSD, mindfulness, and family counseling.
- Deborah E Cohen, LMFT, CHT: Trauma recovery with EMDR, somatic therapy, and spiritual counseling.
- Renewed Life Counseling Center: Faith-based therapy for trauma and addiction recovery.
- Ocala Police Department Victims Advocate Unit: Immediate crisis response, safety planning, and legal aid.
- Marion County Domestic Violence Programs: 24-hour emergency shelter and financial assistance.
Need help now? Contact CASA Marion at 352-722-CASA or the Ocala Police Victims Advocate Unit at 352-369-7139. Keep reading for detailed information about each service.
1. CASA Marion
CASA Marion serves as Marion County’s official provider of domestic violence support, offering a wide range of services to survivors of all genders, ages, ethnicities, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Their mission is to help survivors heal and rebuild their lives with dignity and strength.
Availability of Services
CASA Marion operates a 24-hour domestic violence hotline for immediate support. Residents of Marion County can call 352-722-CASA, while those outside the county can reach out at 800-500-1119. Hearing-impaired individuals can access TTY services at 800-621-4202.
For those in need of shelter, CASA Marion provides an emergency facility. Additionally, they host in-person Empowerment Sessions every Wednesday from 6:00–7:00 PM at 717 SW MLK Jr Ave. Bldg. 6, Ocala, FL 34471. For those who prefer a virtual option, Zoom sessions are available on Thursdays from 2:00–3:00 PM, but participants must first complete an intake packet at the Outreach Office.
Specializations
CASA Marion specializes in trauma recovery and legal advocacy, offering survivors essential tools to navigate their path forward. Their Criminal Justice Advocates provide guidance through both criminal and civil court processes, along with free and confidential legal services. Survivors also receive help assessing relationship safety and creating personalized protection plans. These legal services are part of a broader network of therapeutic and recovery-focused supports.
Types of Services Offered
The organization provides a variety of services tailored to meet survivors’ unique needs, including:
- Individual counseling and therapy focused on trauma recovery
- Support groups that create safe spaces for connection and healing
- Economic empowerment programs aimed at fostering financial independence
- A 24/7 crisis intervention helpline to ensure immediate assistance during emergencies
Accessibility
All services offered by CASA Marion are completely free, ensuring that financial challenges never stand in the way of getting help. The organization works closely with community partners to strengthen its support network.
For survivors requiring additional legal assistance, Community Legal Services offers free legal aid in Marion County. This includes a Family Law Forms Review Clinic held at the Marion County Courthouse Law Library, providing extra support for family law matters.
2. Choices, Chances, Changes
Choices, Chances, Changes is a counseling center dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence. Located at 850 NE 36th Terrace, Unit G, Ocala, FL 34470, the center provides a safe and welcoming space where individuals can process their experiences and work toward building healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
Specializations
This center focuses on domestic violence counseling, with a strong emphasis on trauma and PTSD therapy. Their trauma-centered approach helps survivors navigate their past experiences and develop practical coping mechanisms. They also offer family and marital therapy, drawing on family systems techniques to assist survivors in rebuilding relationships and setting healthy boundaries.
What sets them apart is their use of evidence-based practices aimed at reducing resistance to change, while prioritizing survivor safety and fostering understanding through the healing journey.
Types of Services Offered
Choices, Chances, Changes provides both individual and group therapy options. They also run a court-approved Batterers Intervention Program based on the Duluth Model, with separate sessions for men and women held every Thursday and Saturday.
Additionally, group sessions include programs tailored to address substance abuse, which is often intertwined with domestic violence situations.
Accessibility
To ensure financial challenges don’t stand in the way of getting help, the center offers sliding scale pricing. Group therapy sessions are available for $30, while fees for the Batterers Intervention Program range from $20–$40 per session, depending on individual needs.
With options for individual, couple, and group therapy, survivors can choose the format that best aligns with their personal circumstances and goals.
3. Charles M. Litman, PhD, MFT
Dr. Charles M. Litman, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, combines traditional psychological practices with elements of Eastern philosophy. Using mindfulness and evidence-based treatments, he focuses on helping survivors of domestic abuse navigate the complex journey toward recovery.
Specializations
Dr. Litman specializes in trauma and PTSD, making him a valuable resource for individuals recovering from domestic and sexual abuse. His expertise also includes addiction counseling and anger management, recognizing that these challenges often intersect with the experiences of abuse survivors. By addressing these interconnected issues, he provides a more comprehensive approach to healing.
He integrates mindfulness-based therapy with Cognitive Behavioral techniques, creating a treatment plan that not only addresses emotional and psychological wounds but also supports spiritual growth and recovery.
Types of Services Offered
Dr. Litman offers therapy for individuals, couples, and families, tailoring his approach to meet the unique needs of each client. His methods include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Family Systems therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), hypnotherapy, interpersonal therapy, and Thought Field Therapy. This wide range of techniques allows him to create personalized treatment plans for each survivor.
For couples and families, Dr. Litman provides specialized counseling aimed at healing trauma while fostering healthy relationships. Additionally, he offers spiritual direction for those who wish to incorporate faith-based elements into their recovery process.
Accessibility
Dr. Litman conducts all sessions online, an option that can be especially valuable for abuse survivors. The virtual format allows clients to receive therapy from the comfort and safety of their own homes, removing potential barriers such as mobility issues or safety concerns. This also makes his services available to individuals throughout the Ocala area, regardless of their location.
Sessions are priced at $150 per session, with a sliding scale available for those facing financial challenges. To help survivors explore his approach, Dr. Litman offers a free 15-minute consultation, giving them an opportunity to discuss their needs without any upfront cost.
4. Deborah E Cohen, LMFT, CHT
Deborah E Cohen heads Soul Wisdom Therapy, a practice dedicated to helping individuals heal from trauma. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Certified Hypnotherapist (CHT) with a Master’s in Public Health, she blends traditional therapy with experiential techniques. Her work focuses on supporting abuse survivors in their recovery journey, offering a trauma-informed approach that prioritizes holistic healing for the Ocala community.
Specializations
Cohen’s work is centered on addressing the multifaceted needs of abuse survivors. Her expertise includes trauma and PTSD, domestic abuse, and sexual abuse recovery, as well as related challenges like anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
"I specialize in treating anxiety and panic attacks, phobias, PTSD, eating disorders, trauma recovery, sexual abuse recovery, OCD, depression, grief and loss, chronic pain and chronic illness, adult family mediation therapy, and couples therapy. I offer a group for those struggling with leaving or having left spiritual organizations due to maltreatment." – Deborah E Cohen
One area that distinguishes Cohen is her focus on spiritual trauma. She works with individuals who have experienced harm within religious or spiritual settings, helping them navigate the overlapping complexities of faith, spirituality, and abuse recovery. This unique expertise informs her therapeutic methods and provides a path for healing in an often-overlooked area of trauma.
Types of Services Offered
Cohen offers a range of services tailored to meet the diverse recovery needs of her clients, including individual therapy, couples therapy, and group therapy. She incorporates experiential techniques such as EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and hypnotherapy, which are particularly effective in addressing trauma that is deeply rooted in both the body and mind.
Her group therapy sessions focus on those grappling with the aftermath of leaving spiritual organizations due to maltreatment. These sessions create a supportive environment where survivors can share their experiences and begin to heal alongside others who understand the unique challenges of spiritual abuse.
For couples, Cohen provides relationship counseling designed to address how trauma impacts intimate relationships. Her sessions guide both survivors and their partners through the healing process, fostering understanding and connection.
Accessibility
Cohen’s services are offered exclusively online, ensuring both safety and convenience for survivors. This virtual format eliminates the need for travel, making her therapy accessible to clients throughout the Ocala area.
Individual therapy sessions are priced at $200, while couples sessions are $250. A sliding scale is available for those in need, and she also offers a free 15-minute consultation to help potential clients explore their options.
5. Renewed Life Counseling Center
Renewed Life Counseling Center is a faith-based therapy practice located on East Silver Springs Boulevard. They focus on evidence-based trauma treatment, helping abuse survivors regain control of their lives while integrating spiritual healing with clinical care.
The center’s mission is to provide therapy that addresses both the psychological and spiritual sides of trauma recovery, making it a meaningful option for individuals who want their faith to be part of their healing process.
Specializations
The center specializes in EMDR therapy, trauma recovery, and substance abuse counseling, offering proven methods to help survivors process traumatic experiences and manage emotional pain. Their therapists understand that trauma often comes with additional challenges, such as addiction or emotional regulation issues, and they are equipped to address these interconnected struggles.
By focusing on these areas, Renewed Life Counseling Center provides a comprehensive range of therapeutic services designed to meet the unique needs of abuse survivors.
Types of Services Offered
Renewed Life Counseling Center offers individual therapy, couples counseling, and family therapy, all tailored to address the wide-reaching effects of abuse. Individual sessions help survivors work through trauma, develop emotional regulation skills, and build healthy coping mechanisms.
Couples counseling is designed to help partners navigate the complex relationship dynamics that trauma can create, while family therapy focuses on repairing trust and communication within family systems affected by abuse. The center also provides group therapy for depression, offering a supportive environment where survivors can connect with others facing similar challenges.
Sessions are available both in-person and online, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for clients.
Accessibility
To accommodate diverse needs, the center offers flexible scheduling and pricing. Located at 1515 E Silver Springs Blvd Ste 123, Ocala, FL 34470, their hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Tuesday and Thursday until 7:00 PM. Session costs range from $65 to $175 for half-hour appointments.
Renewed Life Counseling Center works with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents, tailoring their approach to suit younger clients when needed. Their online therapy option makes services accessible for those unable to attend in person, whether due to safety concerns, mobility issues, or geographic limitations. This virtual option is particularly helpful for survivors who may still be in unsafe environments or are not ready for face-to-face sessions.
6. Ocala Police Department Victims Advocate Unit
The Ocala Police Department Victims Advocate Unit provides crucial support for survivors of abuse, focusing on immediate crisis intervention and legal advocacy. Backed by a grant from the Attorney General’s Office, this unit is dedicated to responding swiftly to victims of crime and guiding them through the legal system.
Rather than offering long-term therapy, the unit emphasizes on-the-spot crisis intervention and legal assistance. Advocates are specially trained to help survivors navigate the often-confusing legal process and craft personalized safety plans. This quick-response model ensures survivors get the help they need when they need it most.
Availability of Services
The unit operates around the clock, offering a 24-hour on-scene response to victims of crime. For scheduled appointments and follow-ups, their office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
If you need immediate assistance, you can contact them at 352-369-7139 or 352-369-7134. For emergencies requiring shelter or safety planning, a 24-hour Domestic Violence Shelter hotline is available at 352-722-2272.
Specializations
The unit focuses on providing immediate legal guidance, crisis intervention, and safety planning for abuse survivors. Their on-scene response ensures emotional and practical support during critical moments, while also connecting survivors to long-term resources.
Types of Services Offered
The Victims Advocate Unit offers a range of services, including:
- Assistance with safe shelter arrangements
- Safety planning and protection injunctions
- Relocation support
- Free legal aid and counseling referrals
- Transportation assistance
- Help with compensation claims
- Judicial advocacy
A key part of their mission is connecting survivors with resources tailored to their unique needs, ensuring they receive comprehensive support beyond the initial crisis.
Accessibility
All services provided by the Ocala Police Department Victims Advocate Unit are completely free, eliminating financial hurdles for those in need. Located within the police department, the unit is easily accessible for individuals already engaged in the criminal justice system.
While specific language support details for the unit are not mentioned, the Ocala area offers a wide array of multilingual services. According to local databases, there are 1,038 services in Spanish, 246 in Haitian Creole, 98 in American Sign Language, 90 in Portuguese, and 75 in French. This ensures survivors have access to both immediate and long-term support, regardless of language barriers.
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7. Marion County Domestic Violence Programs (Hotline & Emergency Shelter)
Marion County provides critical domestic violence support through CASA Marion, the county’s designated assistance provider. While CASA Marion is known for its counseling services, these specific programs focus on offering emergency shelter and immediate crisis intervention, ensuring survivors have access to both safety and support when they need it most.
Located at 717 SW MLK Jr Ave. Bldg. 6, Ocala, FL 34471, CASA Marion serves individuals across the county, addressing not just immediate safety concerns but also working toward survivors’ long-term stability and well-being. These services are designed to work alongside counseling efforts, providing a comprehensive approach to recovery.
Availability of Services
CASA Marion operates a 24-hour hotline at 352-722-2272, ensuring immediate assistance is always within reach. The organization also runs an emergency shelter, offering a secure place for survivors in crisis, available at any time of day or night.
Types of Services Offered
Beyond emergency shelter, CASA Marion offers additional programs to help survivors during their recovery journey:
- Support groups: A chance for survivors to connect, share their experiences, and build coping skills in a safe and understanding environment.
- Emergency financial assistance: Help with covering essential expenses during transitional periods, easing the burden as survivors regain stability.
Accessibility
Thanks to funding from grants like the Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment (DVPT) program, CASA Marion ensures that financial barriers do not prevent anyone from accessing help.
To meet the needs of a diverse community, CASA Marion provides language access services, including in-person interpreters, remote interpreting via phone or video, and document translation. Its central location in Ocala, paired with the 24-hour hotline, ensures that support is always within reach for anyone in Marion County, no matter their circumstances.
Service Comparison Table
Here’s a quick comparison of services to help you identify the best options for abuse recovery support:
| Service | Availability | Specializations | Service Types | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CASA Marion | 24-hour hotline | Domestic violence, trauma, crisis intervention | Individual counseling, support groups, emergency shelter | Language interpreters, financial assistance, central Ocala location |
| Choices, Chances, Changes | Standard business hours | Trauma recovery, relationship issues, women’s issues | Individual therapy, group sessions | Offers telehealth |
| Charles M. Litman, PhD, MFT | By appointment | PTSD, trauma recovery, EMDR therapy, sexual abuse recovery | Individual therapy, couples therapy, family mediation | Over 20 years of specialized trauma care |
| Deborah E Cohen, LMFT, CHT | By appointment | Anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, sexual abuse recovery | Individual therapy, EMDR therapy, somatic therapy | Certified EMDR and somatic therapist |
| Renewed Life Counseling Center | Standard business hours | Domestic violence survivors, mood disorders, chronic illness | Individual counseling, crisis management | Experience with domestic violence and trauma |
| Ocala Police Department Victims Advocate Unit | 24/7 emergency response | Crime victims, domestic violence, crisis intervention | Victim advocacy, safety planning, legal assistance | Free services, transportation, relocation assistance |
| Marion County Domestic Violence Programs | 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter | Crisis intervention, domestic violence | Emergency shelter, support groups, financial assistance | Grant-funded; no cost barriers |
Key Points to Consider
Immediate Crisis Support
For urgent situations, services like CASA Marion, the Ocala Police Department Victims Advocate Unit, and Marion County Domestic Violence Programs provide 24-hour assistance. These include hotlines, emergency shelters, and immediate safety planning.
Specialized Trauma Therapy
If your focus is trauma recovery, professionals like Charles M. Litman and Deborah E Cohen offer expertise in EMDR therapy, a proven method for addressing PTSD and trauma-related issues.
Comprehensive Care Options
CASA Marion stands out for combining emotional support, such as counseling and support groups, with practical help like emergency shelter and financial aid.
Accessibility Features
Telehealth services are available through providers like Choices, Chances, Changes, making it easier to receive support remotely. The Ocala Police Department Victims Advocate Unit also offers transportation and relocation assistance, ensuring help is available when and where it’s needed.
Financial Considerations
Cost doesn’t have to be a barrier. Grant-funded programs like Marion County Domestic Violence Programs offer free services, while others may provide sliding scale fees or accept insurance. It’s worth asking about payment options when reaching out.
With statistics showing that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience domestic violence, and 90% of children witness it, having a variety of services ensures that Ocala residents can find the support that fits their unique needs.
Conclusion
Recovering from domestic violence requires immense courage, a strong support system, and professional guidance.
"Domestic violence counseling can be a crucial step toward both safety and recovery… providing a safe space for victims to confront their situation, heal, rebuild self-esteem, and regain control of their lives." – REACH Ohio
In Ocala, a diverse network of support services is available to help survivors navigate this challenging journey. The seven counseling services discussed offer specialized treatments such as EMDR therapy, trauma counseling, and crisis intervention. These services address conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related challenges, providing survivors with the tools they need to heal.
What sets Ocala apart is its combination of mental health care and practical resources. Organizations like CASA Marion provide emergency shelters and a 24-hour hotline, while the Ocala Police Department Victims Advocate Unit offers legal aid and transportation services. Together, these resources ensure survivors can access both immediate safety and long-term recovery support.
"Therapy empowers survivors to regain control over their lives. It helps them recognize the cycle of abuse, understand its underlying causes, and develop strategies to break free from it." – Thriveworks
For those seeking legal assistance, Law Firm Ocala provides experienced representation in domestic violence cases, ensuring survivors have the legal protection they need.
Breaking the cycle of abuse often involves both counseling and legal protection, creating a safer environment for survivors and their families. Whether it’s through crisis hotlines, trauma-focused therapy, or legal advocacy, Ocala’s dedicated professionals are ready to help survivors reclaim their lives and build a healthier, more secure future.
FAQs
What are the main differences between the counseling services provided by CASA Marion and Choices, Chances, Changes?
CASA Marion: A Lifeline for Survivors
CASA Marion is dedicated to helping survivors of domestic violence regain control of their lives. They offer a range of services, including a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and support groups. These programs cater to individuals from all walks of life, providing the tools and support needed to navigate the aftermath of abuse and move toward safety and recovery.
Choices, Chances, Changes: Expanding Mental Health Support
Choices, Chances, Changes takes a broader approach to mental health care, addressing issues like substance abuse alongside other mental health challenges. Their offerings include individual, couple, and family therapy, with an emphasis on cognitive behavioral techniques to promote personal development and healing. Unlike CASA Marion, their services are not specific to domestic violence but instead focus on a wide range of recovery and mental health concerns, making them a versatile resource for those seeking support.
What is EMDR therapy, and how can it help abuse survivors in Ocala recover from trauma?
EMDR Therapy in Ocala: A Path to Healing
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a specialized approach aimed at helping survivors of abuse and trauma. By incorporating guided eye movements or other types of bilateral stimulation, EMDR assists the brain in reprocessing painful memories. This process reduces the emotional weight of those memories and encourages healthier ways to cope. It’s particularly helpful for people dealing with PTSD or other trauma-related challenges.
For those in Ocala, several counseling providers offer EMDR therapy, including:
- First StrideZ Counseling
- Renewed Life Therapy
- Haven Counseling
- Jennifer Swanson Counseling
- Ocala Consulting
EMDR therapy can be a transformative step in recovery, equipping survivors with the tools to regain emotional balance and take meaningful strides toward a brighter future.
What should I do if I need urgent legal help and support for domestic violence in Ocala?
If you’re in immediate danger, don’t hesitate – call 911 right away. For situations that aren’t emergencies, you can reach out to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111 for crisis intervention support. Another option is the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119, available 24/7 to provide assistance and guidance.
You might also consider connecting with local organizations like CASA Marion, which offers services such as shelter, counseling, and legal aid for survivors of domestic violence. The Ocala Police Department provides victim advocacy services, including help with safety planning and obtaining protective orders. Be sure to document any incidents of abuse – this could include photos, text messages, or details from witnesses – as these records can be vital when seeking legal support.