The Human Services Center's clinical programs and staff members treat a variety of mental health and relationship problems. These can include anxiety, depression, marital difficulties, and child-rearing problems as well as more serious problems such as the hallucinations and delusions that often accompany schizophrenia. Services are provided by highly qualified and licensed professionals that include psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, case managers, and counselors.
A family's first step should always be to walk in or call 724-658-3578. Hours of operation are 8:30 am - 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Walk ins are only available at our 130 West North Street facility during these hours of operation.
The Human Services Center charges reasonable fees for its services that often may be paid for through private or public insurance. However, should there be any question regarding payment, our trained staff will guide you through your options. When calling, you should always have your insurance information available. No one is turned away because of lack of resources or inability to pay. Staff can aid you in enrolling in pertinent government funded programs for which you may be eligible.
The Human Services Center has a large number of locations throughout Lawrence County. Principal administrative offices are located at 130 West North Street, New Castle, PA.
Sometimes there is a need for immediate help. Of course, one can always walk in during normal office hours at our West North Street facility in New Castle (Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm) A crisis line is available 24/7 at 724-652-9000.
Update Newsletters
Since 1981, HSC Update has served as an outreach of the Human Services Center. And, although the newsletter has been published in various styles throughout the last 24 years, it has consistently provided readers in the community a practical and timely review of behavioral health services and issues. Hard copies of the HSC Update may be requested by contacting the Human Services Center at 724-658-3578.
Select one of the choices below to either download the current UPDATE newsletter or past archived newsletters and summaries:
Interventions to curb adolescent aggression are summarized.
Our biological clock and its affect on human behavior are explained.
The Consumer Research Council of the American Psychiatric Association names HSC’s Medical Director, Dr. Shoukry Matta, America’s Top Psychiatrist for 2002 -2003.
Construction is started for a new group home for mentally ill adults.
Tips for improving mental health are provided.
David Jackson, the director of HSC Base Service Unit for Mental Retardation Services, is interviewed.
Dr. Dennis Nebel discusses mental health in the workplace.
HSC purchases property for a residential treatment facility for adolescents with behavioral problems.
A seminar on mental health, substance abuse, and HIV is hosted by HSC.
HSC’s supportive housing program for homeless, mentally ill adults is named the “Almira House” in recognition of the contribution of the Almira Foundation.
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is explained.
HSC holds a dedication ceremony for the completion of its Highland House Apartment Complex.
U.S. Representative Melissa Hart, Lawrence County Commissioner Brian Burick, and Eric Dickerson, VP for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, make comments.
HSC and AFSCME receive the Governor's Award for Labor-Management Cooperation.
Nabila Sargious, MD, joins HSC's medical staff.
Blaine Stachowiak, a case manager in HSC's Diagnostic Assessment Center, is interviewed.
HSC holds a dinner meeting and gives its Distinguished Service Award to Dan Levine.
Dr. Dennis Nebel discusses Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
Tom Boni, the director of HSC’s drop-in center, receives St. Francis Hospital’s Salute to Courage award.
Dan Barnes, MSW, discusses a school based violence prevention program with school superintendents. U.S. Representative Melissa Hart and State Representative Frank LaGrotta participate in the discussion and offer support to HSC.
Mental health services are introduced in Beaver County.
Cocaine and “crack” abuse are discussed.
Suzanne Lucot, M.D., presents information on autism.
The stigma of mental illness is discussed by Dr. Dennis Nebel.
HSC therapist, Larry Cross, MSW, is interviewed.
Dr. Donna Markham is the featured speaker at a dinner meeting held by HSC and St. Francis Hospital of New Castle.
HSC's executive director, Dr. Dennis Nebel, announces affiliation with St. Francis Hospital of New Castle.
Plans to renovate six buildings on East Grant Street are unveiled. The six buildings will provide office space for HSC staff, housing for clients, and a site for the client-fun drop-in center.
"The Assessment and Treatment of ADHD" is the title of a seminar offered by HSC and the University of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Shoukry Matta discusses Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders.
Childhood depression awareness day is held on May 8th.
HSC and St. Francis Hospital of New Castle participate in National Anxiety Disorder screenings.
Research on the causes and treatment of headaches is summarized.
Kim Campbell, the director of HSC's Child and Family Services discusses its six programs: outpatient services, student assistance, wraparound, family based, Phoenix House, and CASSP.
Recovery leader, John Hood, receives the Center's Distinguished Service Award.
Kim Campbell is selected as HSC Employee of the Year.
A support group for Children with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHAD) is formed.
The Ellwood City Uni-Center officially opens. HSC, Drug and Alcohol Community Treatment Services, WIC, LARK, APRC, and St. Francis Hospital provide services.
HSC receives a beautification award for the renovation of the Carinci building which is used as the Uni-Center.
HSC receives HUD grant for $1,400,000 for the development and operation of Westfield
HSC convenes a steering committee of community leaders who propose a Uni-Center for the Ellwood City area. The Uni-Center would be a centralized location for social service agencies that would “time-share” office space.
The Family Based Services program is started. Barbara Nickerson, M.A. is selected as its director.
The Resolution Trust Corporation donates a vacant apartment building to the Human Services Center.
Myths about mental illness are discussed.
Dorothy Paul, Ms.Ed. conducts an assertive training workshop.
Dr. Dennis Nebel selected to replace Dr. Donald McMurray as executive director of the Human Services Center.
J. Fred Rentz receives the Center’s Distinguished Service Award.
A mutual self-help group for people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is formed.
“In-the-Pink”, a client run drop-in center, opens.
Horizon House, a “community placement program”, opens. Eight former residents of Mayview State Hospital are discharged and placed in this community based alternative to institutionalization.
Dorothy Paul, Ms.Ed. offers advice on how to with the holidays.
HSC completes “sweat equity” project providing two apartments for two clients who participated in renovating an abandoned house on Butler Avenue in New Castle.
Over 200 volunteers are recruited by HSC to building a playgroup in Neshannock Village. The playgroup is built in one day with the financial support of the Caroline Knox Memorial Trust Fund.
Jacek Szypulski, M.D. joins the medical staff at HSC.
HSC offers a domestic violence prevention program for men. The 10-week program is conducted by Dr. James Holden.
“Developing Social and Communication Skills in Children and Adults with Autism” is the topic of a seminar sponsored by HSC and the local chapter of the Autism Society of America”.
A two-day program on the spectrum of car for the older adult is conducted by HSC staff for nursing home administrators.
HSC begins Student Assistance Program (SAP). Dan Barnes, M.S.W. is chosen as its director. Ilona Roth-Cohn, M.S.W., a former outpatient therapist, joins the SAP staff.
Helen Sloat, RN is selected as HSC’s “Employee of the Year”.
Dr. Donald McMurray, HSC’s executive director, is re-elected to the Board of Directors of the National Council of Community Mental Health Centers.
HSC offers summer tutoring program for children with learning disabilities.
A support group for family members of Alzheimer's disease is organized in collaboration with the Alzheimer Disease and Related Disorder Association.
HSC provides assistance to dislocated worked from Universal Rundle's vitreous china plant.
Expressive arts' therapy is explained by HSC staff members Kathy McQuiston and Mary Frances Braidersberger.
Clinical assessment, short-term counseling, and referral services are offered on-site to Westminster College students through a partnership between the college, HSC, and Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services.
HSC's role in de-institutionalization is described.
Programs for mental health month are announced. They include a panel demonstration of the Recover program, a workshop on Alzheimer's disease conducted by John Mansell, M.D. and Myra Wolcott, and a "Parenting the Preschooler" program that is conducted by David Gills, M.A. and Michael Stern, Psy.D.
HSC organizes an open house on June 25, 1983 and invites the community to visit its building and meet staff members. Workshops on mental health topics and parenting are offered by staff.
The Caroline Knox Memorial Trust Fund provides a grant to HSC to offer pastoral education programs in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute.
Dr. Donald McMurray is selected as HSC's executive director. He replaces Eleanor Reid, ACSW, who resigned after serving as the Center's director from 1973-1983.
HSC receives a grant from Pennsylvania's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to create a transitional employment program for chronically mentally ill clients.
"Pierre the Pelican", a newsletter for first time mothers, is organized by HSC and implemented with Jameson Hospital and the New Castle Junior Women's Club.
A workshop on self-hypnosis and relaxation is organized by HSC.
Tim Shelly, ACSW, is hired as a geriatric social worker.
Dr. Dennis Nebel, Eleanor Reid, ACSW, join Ed Uder from the Youth Development Center and Dr. Theodore Pett from Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic in making a presentation at the annual meeting of the National Council of Community Mental Health Centers. Their presentation dealt with providing mental services to appropriate delinquents.
HSC organizes program to assist employees laid-off from Rockwell Corp's "leaf spring" facility.
A sexuality education program is hosted by HSC. JoAnn Lewis, MPM, facilitates the program that is attended by social service professionals, school officials, and religious leaders.
Dr. Michael Stern stresses the importance of play in child development.
