A Place for Hope, Healing, and Support: Julianna Poor Memorial Counseling Center

Mental health challenges affect people from every walk of life. Whether it's anxiety, grief, relationship struggles, depression, parenting challenges, or major life transitions, many people find themselves needing support but aren't always sure where to turn.

That's why the Julianna Poor Memorial Counseling Center exists.

As part of Houston's First Baptist Church, the Counseling Center provides biblically-based, clinically-competent, and Spirit-sensitive counseling to both church members and the broader Houston community. Through the generosity of our church family, people across Houston have access to counseling services that address emotional, relational, and spiritual needs.

The Counseling Center is a ministry of Houston's First dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life's challenges through professional counseling grounded in biblical principles.

Its mission is simple: to provide care that is clinically sound, rooted in Scripture, and sensitive to the work of the Holy Spirit.

The Counseling Center serves both Houston's First members and individuals throughout the Houston area. Counseling is available for adults, couples, families, children, and adolescents, depending on their specific needs.

People seek counseling for a wide variety of reasons, including:

- Anxiety and depression

- Grief and loss

- Marriage and relationship challenges

- Family and parenting concerns

- Trauma and recovery

- Major life changes and transitions

- Stress and burnout

- Spiritual struggles alongside emotional challenges

Many people are surprised to learn that counseling isn't only for moments of crisis. Often, people benefit most when they seek support before challenges become overwhelming.

The Counseling Center takes a unique approach by integrating biblical truth with professional counseling practices.

Counselors may incorporate Scripture, prayer, and spiritual guidance when appropriate, while also using proven counseling methods to address emotional and relational concerns.

The goal is not simply symptom relief, but whole-person care that supports emotional, psychological, relational, and spiritual health.

The Counseling Center team includes licensed professional counselors, counseling associates, and supervised counseling interns who are trained to provide compassionate, effective care.

The Counseling Center offers:

- Individual counseling

- Couples and marriage counseling

- Family counseling

- Group counseling

- Counseling intensives

- Therapy and Support groups

Services are available in both English and Spanish.

Counseling services are available through Houston's First campuses, including:

- The Loop Campus

- Cypress Campus

- Sienna Campus

Getting started is simple.

Individuals can call 713-335-6462 to begin the intake process. After an initial conversation and completion of intake forms through a secure portal, appointments are scheduled with a counselor who best fits their needs.

Most counseling sessions last approximately 45 minutes.

Our Care Groups page includes therapy groups as well as support groups. Therapy groups are led by a counselor and provide structured, clinically informed support for specific concerns. Support groups are lay-led and provide a safe, encouraging environment for individuals to share experiences and receive peer support.

One of the biggest barriers to receiving help is stigma.

Many people believe counseling is only for severe crises or that asking for help reflects a lack of faith. The Counseling Center seeks to change that perception by reminding people that seeking support can be a healthy and proactive step toward healing.

Just as people seek guidance for physical health, many benefit from support for their emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being.

The impact of this ministry is best seen in the lives of people who have walked through its doors.

In a powerful testimony, Selena shares her journey toward healing from sexual abuse. While healing takes time, through God's love and supportive relationships, Selena has been able to replace the lies she once believed with God's truth. Her story reminds us that hope and healing are possible when survivors rediscover their identity as beloved children of God. Watch her testimony here.  

You can also learn more about Ashes to Beauty, a facilitated support group through our Pastoral Care ministry and the Julianna Poor Memorial Counseling Center for women seeking healing from sexual abuse. 

Because of your generosity, our church has been able to provide support and resources to people with stories like Selena’s.

If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, trauma, or other challenges, know that Houston's First is here to help. We would be honored to walk with you during the season and be a source of counseling and support.