SAN DIEGO – In memory of Kurt Cunningham and his passion for ensuring that all community members, regardless of ability to pay, have access to counseling services, the Kurt Cunningham Counseling Services Fund has been established in accordance with his wishes. The purpose of the fund is to provide assistance to community members seeking counseling services at The Center who may be uninsured, underinsured, or need help with payments or co-payments.
“Kurt Cunningham was a passionate advocate for those suffering from mental health issues,” said San Diego City Commissioner Nicole Murray Ramirez. “The establishment of this fund will continue to help people, just as Kurt did his entire life.”
“Kurt was concerned by the fact that too many people were not able to access Mental Health services.” added Frank L. Jones, a long-time friend Cunningham’s. “His hopes were to have a fund that would provide mental health services to those who could not afford it, regardless of HIV status. He wanted alternatives to being locked up on a 5150 when it was not necessary.”
The Center’s counseling services are designed to provide confidential, individual, couples, and group counseling and support. Counseling services are also available for those struggling with same-sex relationship violence, transgender persons who need assistance with transition and for individuals, couples and families struggling with HIV/AIDS. Payments are based on a sliding fee scale and some insurance plans are accepted. Qualified persons living with HIV can receive free counseling services. Others may qualify to receive assistance with payment via the Kurt Cunningham Counseling Services Fund.
For more information about counseling services, visit www.thecentersd.org/programs/
To speak with an on-duty counselor or sign up for counseling services, call 619.692.2077 x208 or email onduty@thecentersd.org.
For information about the Kurt Cunningham Counseling Resources Fund, or to make a donation, visit http://events.thecentersd.org/