Our Services
Chemical Dependency Counseling
Family and Marriage Counseling
Integrated Primary Care
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,Transgender and Queer Services
Medicaid Transportation Services
Mental Health Counseling
Prevention Services
School-Based Counseling
Youth Counseling
Public Notices and Privacy Practices
Report Fraud
Submitting a Complaint
Chemical Dependency Counseling
Family Counseling Services’ Chemical Dependency clinic was established in 1988 and offers both intensive and non-intensive outpatient care at the Cortland and Oneida clinics. Clients can take advantage of individual and/or group counseling to help address their needs. If a higher level of care is required, FCS can assist in making referrals to clinically appropriate options, such as inpatient care, detoxification, or half-way house residency. In addition to offering services to those struggling with addiction, FCS offers services to the family members of those who are struggling. And with no waiting list, clients can access the help they need when they need it.
Family and Marriage Counseling
The family is a social system with its own structure and communication patterns. Each family has a unique personality, which is a powerful influence on all of its members. As a result, all members are affected when one member has a problem. Family Counseling Services offers Family and Marriage Counseling as a way to help families support individuals within the unit, as well as the family as a whole.
Integrated Primary Care
FCS now offers integrated primary care services at our Cortland location. Clients can access primary care and behavioral health services within the same facility. The integration of physical and behavioral health services can help improve the overall quality of care for individuals with multiple health conditions by treating the whole person in a more comprehensive manner. Many individuals have unmanaged complications when we do not coordinate care between the primary provider and behavioral health care provider. In addition, clients with behavioral health needs often hesitate to access physical health services. Ensuring their availability at a location where trust and supportive relationships have already been established will decrease the stigma of behavioral health conditions and significantly improve overall health outcomes for this population.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Services
The acronym LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer and while it refers to these specific terms, it has become an umbrella statement that represents the community as a whole.The Cortland LGBTQ Center provides resources and advocacy to members of the LGBTQ+ spectrum, family members, and supportive allies. The LGBTQ Center offers information, resources, and social activities to both youth and adult members of the LGBTQ+ and ally communities. Come enjoy a welcoming space to relax or find answers to important questions with the help of the LGBTQ staff. In addition to advocacy and education, the LGBTQ Center also offers services to the Cortland community, such as reformatting medical and personnel forms, safe space training, LGBTQ+ education, and LGBTQ+ publicity. The LGBTQ Center is located at the Prevention offices. Click here for more information, or feel free to drop in at your own convenience. No appointment needed.
Medicaid Transportation Services
Family Counseling Services provides Medicaid Transportation Services to Medicaid eligible individuals who need transportation to any medical appointment. The service is available Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm with our drivers providing safe, reliable and friendly transportation in a clean, smoke free atmosphere. Family Counseling Services offers transportation to medical appointments in Cortland and surrounding counties. Of additional note, the current vans are not wheelchair accessible. Medicaid eligible individuals can obtain more information or schedule transportation by calling Medical Answering Services (MAS) at 1-855-733-9397 and requesting Family Counseling Services for your transportation or by visiting the MAS website.
Mental Health Counseling
Mental Health Counseling has been offered by Family Counseling Services in the Cortland area since the 1970s and has continued to grow as a service in the Cortland, Cincinnatus, and Oneida clinics. Clients can take advantage of individual counseling or attend group sessions. FCS offers medications management services in Cortland and Oneida to those who qualify. Counseling can help those with major trauma and emotional concerns as well as those who need support with their daily struggles. The agency’s no waiting list policy makes it possible for clients to access the help they need when they need it.
Prevention Services
Cortland Prevention Resources (CPR), a division of Family Counseling Services, offers prevention education and services to all members of the community, including youth, adults, families, professionals, and educators. People who benefit from the resources at CPR range from those struggling with harmful behavior to those simply looking for information or a safe place to relax. Whether someone is just dabbling in harmful behavior, has already fully engaged in that behavior, or is in recovery, CPR can help. Staff is available and accessible, no appointment needed. The services offered at CPR address more than just substance abuse or harmful behaviors. CPR programs cover everything from mentoring to emotions management, from parenting skills to homework help for youth. A main focus at CPR is increasing community awareness through programming on topics such as mental health, alcohol service, prescription drug abuse awareness, problem gambling awareness, ethics, and environmental strategies. Participating in prevention services is a positive way to grow healthier as an individual and as a community. Click here for more information.
School-Based Counseling
One in five children experiences a mental health challenge. The earlier children and adolescents receive services to address their mental health needs, the better the outcome. School-Based Counseling helps schools and parents identify these needs and address them appropriately. In-school services are convenient for both children and families. Because counseling is provided during the school day, there is decreased difficulty with scheduling, transportation, and attendance. School-Based Counseling allows families better access to the counselors and resources available to them. FCS counselors have a presence throughout the Cortland City School District, including elementary schools, the Junior/Senior High School, and the Alternative High School. School-based counselors can be found in Marathon, DeRuyter, McGraw, Homer, and Cincinnatus as well. These schools all participate in Early Recognition Screening in order to identify needs and respond quickly. Staff hopes to encourage and support emotional wellness within students as a way to promote success in school and within the community.
Youth Counseling
Young people often experience depression, low self-esteem, isolation, frustration, and confusion as they navigate the difficulties of adolescence. And for children and teens who suffer from traumatic pasts, it can be a challenge to find help they trust and respond to. Family Counseling Services offers a safe environment for children and teens to seek services for emotional and chemical dependency issues, as well as access prevention resources to discourage risky behavior. Teens can find information and a welcoming community at the LGBT Resource Center. They can take advantage of mentoring programs, youth groups, individual or group counseling, and the resources available at both Family Counseling Services and Cortland Prevention Resources to help them become happier and healthier.
Public Notices and Privacy Practices
Family Counseling Services is committed to serving all clients regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or ability to pay.
We accept most third party insurances including Medicaid, Medicare & Child Health Plus (CHIP) and offer discounted fees to those who qualify based on income and family size.
False Claims Act Policy and Procedure
Complaints may be made to:
Agency Executive Director
Lisa Hoeschele
165 Main Street, Suite A
Cortland, NY 13045
NYS Office of Mental Health – CNY Regional Office
545 Cedar Street
Syracuse, NY 13210
(315) 426-3930
National Alliance for Mentally Ill of NYS
260 Washington Avenue
2nd Floor
Albany, NY 12210
(518) 462-2000
Legal Services of CNY
Empire Building
472 South Salina Street Suite 300
Syracuse, NY 13202
(866) 475-3127
OASAS Regional Office
State Office Building
333 E. Washington St.
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 428-4113
OASAS Client Advocate
(800) 553-5790
OASAS Commissioner
(518) 473-3460
To Report Abuse or Neglect:
NYS Justice Center
(855) 373-2122
Vulnerable Persons Central Registry
(855) 373-2122
In case of emergency, or if you need assistance when the clinic is closed:
Contact 911
Madison County Crisis Hotline – (315) 366-2215
Cortland Regional Medical Center – (607) 756-3771