A longstanding mental health counseling agency in Columbus said Monday that it has begun shutting down and will cease operations by the end of the month, citing “stark financial realities.”
Family Service of Bartholomew County, 1531 13th St., said in a news release that its board of directors has decided to officially close the nonprofit effective Feb. 20 “after careful and thoughtful analysis of stark financial realities.”
“It was not an easy choice,” said Dwayne Smith, president of the organization’s board of directors, in the release. “At the forefront of the board’s concerns was a commitment to closing the organization ethically, with the well-being of clients as the top priority, and with deep gratitude for the many years of service, connection, and meaningful impact Family Service has had within the Bartholomew County community.”
The organization did not specify in the news release the nature of its financial difficulties, what led to them, how many people it employs or how many clients it currently serves. Family Service Executive Director Sue Lamborn said the organization had no further comment at this time.
Founded in 1968, Family Service has provided mental health services including prevention, education, treatment and advocacy. Family Service’s website was listed as “suspended” on Monday morning.
An archived version stated that, at least as of February 2025, the organization provided a range of mental health services, including assessments, evaluations and counseling for individuals, families and couples.
Family Service described itself in the archived version of the website as “an invaluable resource to families in times of strain and stress” and said it was seeing growing demand for its services as of last year.
“The need for our services is growing, as families struggle with economic and emotional stress brought about by what is going on in the world around us,” according to the archived website. “From marriage and divorce issues, to depression and anxiety, to parenting and personal growth issues, the needs are there and they are ever-growing.”
In the news release, Family Service said it is “committed to closing responsibly and with care” and had started notifying clients about the closure and to provide them with information and referrals to other community resources whenever possible to support continuity of care.
Family Service is listed as a partner organization on United Way of Bartholomew County’s website.
