Authentically Safe Counseling, Inc.
Our Mission
Authentically Safe Counseling, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to mental health, substance use, and community-based support for individuals and families facing barriers to care and essential resources. We provide person-centered, inclusive programs that promote emotional well-being, recovery, personal growth, and meaningful connection. Our work includes mental health and substance use education and outreach, including recovery support informed by the SMART Recovery model, as well as youth and family programming, literacy and educational support, job readiness, and initiatives that increase access to basic needs such as food, clothing, hygiene products, and household essentials. We are committed to building a community where individuals and families are met with dignity, compassion, and practical support — and where help is accessible to all.
How We Support Our Community:
Youth & Family Programs
We create free, supportive spaces where children, teens, and families can connect, build coping and communication skills, and strengthen emotional well-being. Through programs like Authentically Safe Chats, creative wellness events, workshops, and community activities, we provide opportunities for young people to feel heard, supported, and connected.
Education & Community Support
Basic Needs & Empowerment
Our programs address barriers that can affect well-being beyond traditional mental health care. We provide free literacy and educational support, mental health education and outreach, community resource connections, and opportunities for personal growth. As ASC grows, we also aim to expand substance use education and recovery-focused outreach informed by SMART Recovery principles.
We believe well-being is difficult to prioritize when essential needs are unmet. Through Community Care Days, donation drives, literacy resources, job-readiness support, and partnerships with local organizations, we help individuals and families access practical resources while preserving dignity, choice, and connection to their community.
Authentically Safe Chats Program
Free Virtual Youth Support Group
Authentically Safe Chats is a free, clinician-led weekly after-school virtual support group for children and adolescents that focuses on emotional expression, healthy coping skills, and social connection in a safe, non-judgmental space. This program has been running consistently for over one year and supports youth navigating stress related to school, self-esteem, anxiety, bullying, trauma, and family challenges. Sessions incorporate CBT-informed and social-emotional learning strategies, with an emphasis on grounding and mindfulness skills. As we continue to grow and receive additional funding, we plan to expand our free virtual programs to reach more families.
If your child could benefit from this and would like to check it out, please complete the interest form here: https://forms.gle/K8dyiZNSeSeQF17t6
Forming Community Partnerships to Support Accessible Youth Programs
Create & Connect Teen Event 2026
Create & Connect was designed to provide teens with a free, welcoming space to slow down, express themselves creatively, and connect with others. Creative activities such as painting can encourage mindfulness, emotional expression, confidence, and meaningful social connection. As our nonprofit grows, we hope to continue offering free creative wellness events that make these opportunities accessible to more youth in our community.
Children's Back-To-School Creative Studio Event:
Our Back-to-School Creative Studio gave children a free, welcoming space to create, connect, and have fun while preparing for the new school year. Participants explored hands-on activities including canvas painting, slime-making, and other creative projects designed to encourage self-expression, mindfulness, and positive social connection. In addition to taking home their creations, each child received a goodie bag filled with art supplies, positive affirmation bracelets, and mindfulness tools they could continue using at home. Through events like this, ASC aims to make creative wellness experiences and supportive resources accessible to children and families in our community.
Community Care Day 2026
Supporting Local Families Through Basic-Needs Assistance
Our first Community Care Day brought many local families together for a free distribution of food, hygiene products, household essentials, school supplies, community resources, and other basic-needs items. With the support of community members, local businesses, and organizations, we were able to serve approximately 35 families from across Prince George’s County and surrounding communities.
The strong turnout reinforced just how important accessible, judgment-free community support can be. We’re excited to continue growing these efforts and reaching even more individuals and families in the future.
More Community Care Days, donation drives, and opportunities to give back are on the way — stay tuned for upcoming events and ways to get involved!
Literacy Program
Empowering individuals of all ages with basic literacy skills and reading comprehension.
Join our educational program starting at 6 years old.
Please complete the interest form here: https://forms.gle/fVdTQtRM46Qf3wvh8
Person-Centered
Community Support
Skills Training
We offer a safe and non-judgmental environment where individuals can explore their emotions and thoughts freely. We use the IXL program to create individual learning plans. Our resources are designed to support personal growth.
Our goal is to help individuals feel more confident and prepared to engage and thrive within their community. With us, you are not alone or left behind.
Take a chance on yourself today by learning English basics like grammar, writing, reading, and reading comprehension.
We work at your pace and meet you where you are in your personal development journey.
Participants can receive support both in person at our office and virtually using evidence-based educational resources including IXL, GED preparation materials, and individualized learning plans tailored to their goals.
Crisis Intervention Presentation 2026
In Partnership with the Neighborhood Watch/Emergency Preparedness Committee of Berwyn Heights
Our team partnered with the Berwyn Heights Neighborhood Watch/Emergency Preparedness Committee to provide practical education on recognizing mental health crises, reducing stigma, and connecting community members with appropriate resources.
Support Our Initiatives
Get Involved!
Looking to contribute to our wellness programs in the DMV area? Contact us for more information on how you can help make a difference in the community. We are accepting interns and volunteers.
Your support is greatly appreciated!
Ways to Donate:
Authentically Safe Counseling, Inc. is an IRS-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Donations are tax-deductible as permitted by law.
Donate digitally:
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Zelle: Authentically Safe Counseling, Inc.
https://enroll.zellepay.com/qr-codes?data=CnsKICAgICJ0b2tlbiI6ICJhdXRoZW50aWNzZWxmMDQwNkBnbWFpbC5jb20iLAogICAgIm5hbWUiOiAiQXV0aGVudGljYWxseSBTYWZlIENvdW5zZWxpbmcgSW5jIiwKICAgICJhY3Rpb24iOiAicGF5bWVudCIKfQ== -
Venmo: @authenticallysafecounseling
Donate by check:
Mail to:
6201 Greenbelt Rd., Suite L4
Berwyn Heights, MD 20740
Please make checks payable to Authentically Safe Counseling, Inc.
Your support helps ensure that care, dignity, and healing are accessible to all.
Get in touch
Please don't hesitate to contact us for support in career counseling, literacy, basic resources, or personal growth.
We are here to help!
Contact
Call us at: (240) 863-2135
Email us at: authenticallysafecounseling@gmail.com
Send us a message: