For those without insurance, sitting down with a therapist can be a very expensive prospect.

A new county-wide program seeks to remedy that.

Funded by the 1/10th of 1 percent mental health sales tax, which was implemented in 2008, the county has launched a Community Wellness Program (CWP). It provides short term counseling services for individuals, couples, families, and children. Those who are eligible must be uninsured and can make up to 350 percent of the poverty level. The 2011 state guidelines put the poverty level for a family of four at $22,350.

“San Juan County has one of the highest uninsured rates in the state,” said Barbara LaBrash, Human Services Manager for San Juan County. “This is for people who won’t have the funds to access support.”

The family resource centers on Orcas, Lopez, and San Juan will serve as the points of contact for those interested in participating. Patients can have up to 12 sessions a year; there is a co-pay between $5 and $30, depending on income level. CWP is fashioned after similar initiatives in Skagit, Island, and Whatcom counties. It offers counseling for depression, post-partum depression, childhood issues, family stress, and parental concerns, to name just a few.

“Therapists have been pounding on the door for this program,” LaBrash said.

The process began several years ago with community meetings that included representatives from social services, medical centers, schools, church programs, and non-profits on all three major islands. LaBrash said the brainstorming resulted in two priorities: a school-based mental health program and mental health services for the uninsured. The school program has been up and running for some time, but the counseling services have taken a little longer to put into place.

Since CWP debuted a few weeks ago, Erin O’Dell, director of the Orcas Island Family Resource Center, has approved three clients for sessions. She sent invitations out to all Orcas Island therapists, and five have signed contracts to be a part of it.

“Many therapists are referring clients to the program,” said Sage Macleod, a resource center volunteer who helped write legal contracting for the program. “Dr. Shinstrom’s office has also been referring patients.”

Celia Marquis, director of the Lopez Family Resource Center, says she is just now starting outreach, and will be meeting with her first client soon. She has three contracts from Lopez counselors.

“I am very excited about this,” she said. “I think there is a real need for it on Lopez. I imagine some of our clients will want to see mental health providers on Orcas or San Juan.”

Joyce Sobel, director of the resource center on San Juan Island, says she has six therapists approved and is waiting for contracts from a handful of others.

“Some of those we have are Orcas therapists who practice on San Juan as well,” she said. “I am anticipating referrals from at least two people right off the bat. I see a fair number of people who do not have medical coupons, who therefore could not go to Compass Health, and who don’t have health insurance.”

Close to $130,000 is allocated to the Community Wellness Program; $17,000 of that is going to senior mental health assistance, which is still being developed with senior services on each island. CWP is funded through at least this year, after which it will be reviewed by the county.

“The intent is to help people get on longer-term, public health insurance, if it’s available,” LaBrash said. “The program offers help with applying for public assistance.”

To apply for CWP

Orcas Family Connections: 376-5780

Lopez Island Family Resource Center: 468-4117

San Juan Island Resource Center: 378-5246