Established in 1989, The Rev. Dr. Gary C. Augustin Client Assistance Fund offers subsidies to individuals, couples, youth and families who have little or no resources to receive mental health counseling.
In 2023, the fund was re-named in honor of The Rev. Dr. Gary C. Augustin, who has been an integral part of the Center for 25 years, from 1997-2023. He joined the Center in 1997 as a Staff Counselor and Director of Education and Training, and over the years served as both Clinical Director and Executive Director. He is a military family and life counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, adjunct faculty member at Chaminade University, and ordained minister in Honolulu; and was awarded the Center’s prestigious Ho’omenemene Award in 2020. Previously, he was the Executive Director of the Samaritan Counseling Center in St. Joseph in Missouri, a minister with the Presbyterian Church (USA), a Fellow with the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, and a Clinical Member and Approved Supervisor of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. He holds a PhD. in pastoral counseling from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
“The Rev. Dr. Augustin has tirelessly served his clients and the Center with humility, generosity, and grace,” says The Rev. Dr. Bert Sumikawa, President of the Board of Directors of Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai‘i. “Renaming the Client Assistance Fund honors his contributions to the Center and his lasting legacy of hope, healing, and compassion.”
Why was the Client Assistance Fund created? Everyone should have access to the mental health care that they need to be healthy and whole. Counseling can help individuals, couples, and families reduce anxiety and stress, leading to improved mental and physical well-being; and build stronger personal, work, and school relationships, leading to improved job stability and financial security.
The greatest barriers to mental health care are cost, access to care, and the stigma of mental illness. Without subsidized mental health counseling, clients may continue to experience poor mental health or be unable to cope with hardships; may experience declining personal and work relationships; may not have the support they need to make good decisions; and may refuse to make or keep mental health appointments due to financial concerns.
Who is eligible? Individuals and families may be eligible for the Client Assistance Fund if they are uninsured, under-insured, low-income, or elderly. Subsidies are also available if their health plan will not cover counseling services or if they cannot afford sliding scale fees, high deductibles, or high copays.
What services are provided? Individuals and families will be offered an initial 6 (six) 50-minute sessions with a licensed, professional counselor. Additional sessions may be offered based upon need and availability of funds.
Is there a copay? To be an active participant in their care, we encourage people to pay an amount they can afford. This will help replenish the Client Assistance Fund and ensure that more people can receive mental health care.
How is the Client Assistance Fund funded? The Client Assistance Fund is supported by donations from individuals, churches and temples, organizations, community fundraising campaigns, and grants.
To make a donation to Client Assistance Fund, visit www.samaritancounselingcenterhawaii.org/giving.
For more information and to schedule an appointment, please call us at 808-545-2740.
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