Upward Call Counseling Services
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The mission of both agencies were similar and designed to offer Biblically-based counseling services to the public at an affordable cost. In 2010, Upward Call and Shepherd's Touch combined resources to merge as one agency under the corporate name of Upward Call Counseling Services, also doing business as Shepherd's Touch.

Dr. James E. Johnson serves as Executive Director. Bob Weaver is currently involved as a liaison to plain {Amish/Mennonite} communities. We continue to provide Biblically based counseling services and have expanded our services to include counselor training opportunities for Pastors and lay counselors and seminars on topics such as Depression, Addiction, Marriage & Family, Sexuality and Finances.
Services
We treat Depression and Anxiety using Family Systems Therapy as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Often times, severe Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Anxiety are best treated with therapy combined with medication. We do not have a Psychiatrist on staff at Upward Call; if it is determined that a person would likely benefit from medication we will refer the person to their PCP or psychiatrist for medication management.
Patricia has a B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies and a BA in Psychology from Regent University. She received her master's degree in Social Work from Millersville University, and is a Licensed Social Worker. Patricia uses an eclectic approach for counseling. This approach uses various forms of therapy depending on the client's individual needs.
We believe that God uses Biblical, Christian counseling to bring healing, wholeness and holiness to wounded lives and relationships. It is our earnest desire to make this counseling available to all who need it, regardless of their ability to pay. Therefore, we offer services on a "sliding scale" through our Compassionate Care Fund.
Receiving caring support, practical wisdom, and valuable tools when going through suffering and trials of all kinds. To schedule an appointment, please call our main office at 717.656.4834. Our office staff will take your information and arrange for an initial appointment with the counselor best suited to your situation and schedule.
We are THRILLED to be participating in this year's Extra Give, Lancaster's largest day of giving! Do you struggle with a sense of self-worth? Maybe you feel alone, depressed, awkward, afraid, struggle with shame, or experience anxiety. Upward Call Counseling Services invites young ladies, ages 15-20, to consider joining one of our 8-week groups: A Journey to Self-Worth.
Reviews (5)
Becky Everett
Becky Everett
Apr 04, 2021
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Our family has known Tom Gavin and his family for 21 years and are close friends. We wish to convey how wonderful a man Tom is and how wise and caring a counselor his is. We are saddened to see these untruthful reviews that were maliciously posted a month ago.
John Doorly
John Doorly
Mar 26, 2021
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I have known Tom Gavin personally for over 30 years. He is a trusted friend going all the way back to college days to even today. He has been a faithful friend to me and my family and has offered excellent counsel to me over the years. I hope many can benefit from his wise, godly counsel as I have.
Andrea Decker
Andrea Decker
Oct 05, 2020
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I very much enjoy the atmosphere, kindness, and passion this location has for their clients, they're always very pleasant and extremely helpful in guiding to a better path for each individual.
Jennifer Miller
Jennifer Miller
Sep 24, 2019
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We had a very serious issue with some of the practices introduced into a family counseling session. These methods have since been identified by other counseling and psychological services as very unprofessional and extremely concerning methods. Our counselor seemed through concerning methodologies to actually be attempting to undo the positive work our family was making. I have heard others who were happy with their services, so I would hope our experience was highly unusual and not normal practices of their services. We moved our counseling elsewhere and had a much better experience.
Kimberly Wetzel
Kimberly Wetzel
Jan 03, 2019
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My husband and I came to Upward Call for premarital counseling when were considering blending our family 5 years ago. They were great at setting appointments timely, we had a great time and got wise counsel as we walked the path. Even went back to iron a few things out after the wedding and they helped to make the transition a very smooth one. We knew what to expect, we understood the perspectives of the others and have used what we learned to this day. I loved that they incorporated all the other family members as well, our parents included. Even started each session praying for one another, putting