Children First Counseling Center

You never truly know what another family may be carrying. Be hind a familiar front door, a child may be struggling with anxiety, a parent may be processing past trauma, or a family may be facing a crisis without access to the care they need. For nearly fifty years, Children First Counseling Center has provided a safe space where children, adults, and families can find compassionate support, practical tools, and an opportunity to heal.

Serving clients across Dallas, Tarrant, Ellis, and Johnson Counties, Children First was established in 1977 to address the needs of children affected by abuse. While its name reflects its child-centered beginnings, this nonprofit’s work reaches far beyond childhood. Today, Children First provides trauma-informed counseling and education for children, teens, adults, couples, and families.

Children First Serves More Than Just Children

“One of the things I wish people understood is that the name Children First
suggests we only serve children, but we don’t,” shared Amber Alexander, the organization’s CEO. “We serve children and adults in the family unit. We even
do couples counseling.”

At its core, the Center’s mission is focused on helping people heal. Rather than attempting to be everything to everyone, Children First concentrates on counseling and trauma-informed care while collaborating with other nonprofits, government agencies, and community resources to connect clients with additional support.

“We don’t have what I would call mission drift,” Alexander explained. “We stay in our lane. Our lane is counseling, and we outsource everything else.”

Removing Barriers to Mental Healthcare

Children First works to remove the barriers that can keep individuals and families from receiving support. Services are offered in both English and Spanish, with in-person and virtual options available when appropriate. The organization also does not bill insurance, which can make care more accessible for individuals who are under-insured, uninsured, or navigating a Child Protective Services case.

“You never really know what another family is carrying. Mental health challenges and trauma exist in every neighborhood at every income level,” shared Alexander. “What differs is whether people have access to help that they need, and that’s where I believe our community can make a large difference.”

Through funding such as the Victims of Crime Act grant and Grand Prairie’s Community Development Block Grant, some eligible clients can receive counseling at no cost. For others, Children First offers a sliding scale based on household income and family size, with sessions ranging from $10 to $50. For families living paycheck to paycheck, community support, monthly donors, and foundation partners remain essential to the organization’s mission.

Care Built Around the Client

From clinicians and interns to administrative staff and volunteers, everyone who works or volunteers at the organization receives trauma-informed training. The goal is to create an environment where clients feel safe, respected, and understood from their first interaction.

Children First offers a range of counseling approaches, including individual, family, couples, and adolescent services. Each clinician is certified to use a variety of trauma-informed modalities, tailoring therapeutic care to each client’s needs. For example, the organization specializes in play therapy for children as young as three. For a child who does not yet have the language to explain anxiety, grief, or trauma, play can become a powerful form of expression. The Center also intentionally creates a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors will find peaceful outdoor spaces, encouraging messages, sound bowls, and even small reminders of joy, such as tiny ducks and googly eyes tucked into unexpected places. The organization sees humor as a core value, recognizing that moments of levity can help people feel connected and safe.

A Community Call to Action

This fall, the community is invited to take part in the Center’s 31st Annual Little Lunch of Hope. Scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, this costume-encouraged luncheon is expected to welcome approximately 400 guests and will raise vital awareness and support for the nonprofit’s services. If you can’t attend, consider supporting Children First in other ways.

“I think when people understand and realize how prevalent this is, they ask, “How can I help? How can I get involved?” said Alexander. “That is when we start making a change as a community.”

Visit their website to learn more, seek counseling, or support the Little Lunch of Hope. childrenfirstinc.org or call (972) 264-0604.