Biblically-based, Clinically-competent, Spirit-sensitive Counseling

COUNSELING CENTER

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Counseling for individuals, couples, and families.

Christ-Centered Counseling

The Julianna Poor Memorial Counseling Center (JPMCC) exists to promote emotional, psychological, and spiritual health through biblically grounded, professional counseling. Our trained staff walk alongside individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life’s challenges—offering hope, healing, and practical help rooted in the truth of God’s Word.

HFBC Counseling Center Logo
Houston’s First Baptist Church Counseling Center Logo

Julianna Poor Counseling Center

We offer in-person counseling services at the Loop, Cypress, and Sienna campuses. All appointments are limited and you will need to call our main office at the number below. Fees are the same for all locations. For appointments at Cypress and Sienna, you will be asked to make a payment by phone at the confirmation of your session.

  • Phone: 713.335.6462
  • Main Admin Hours: Mon-Thu, 8a-7p and Fri, 8a-2p

Schedule an Appointment

Call 713.335.6462 to begin. You’ll receive access to our secure patient portal to complete forms. For family counseling, please fill out the Family Counseling Inquiry Form and a team member will follow up.

Call Now!

Service Hours by Campus

Image of The Loop Campus

The Loop Campus

  • Monday 8a-7p
  • Tuesday 8a-7p
  • Wednesday 8a-7p
  • Thursday 8a-7p
  • Friday 8a-1p
Learn More
Image of Cypress Campus

Cypress Campus

  • Monday 9a-6p
  • Tuesday 9a-6p
  • Wednesday 9a-6p
  • Thursday 9a-6p
Learn More
Image of Sienna Campus

Sienna Campus

  • Tuesday 9a-7p
  • Wednesday 10a-5p
  • Thursday 9a-5p
Learn More

Confidential, Compassionate Care for Every Season of Life

Counseling Services

Whether you’re facing personal struggles, relational challenges, or emotional pain, we’re here to help you take the next step toward healing and growth.

Individuals & Couples

Support for Life’s Challenges

Individuals & Couples

We provide support for issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relational conflict, and spiritual concerns. Sessions are typically scheduled weekly, biweekly, or as needed based on your goals.

Family Counseling

Guidance for Families

Family Counseling

Our team-based approach supports families navigating transitions, discipline challenges, communication struggles, and blended family dynamics. We offer guidance and practical tools for every stage of parenting. Get started by completing the Family Counseling Inquiry Form below:

Inquiry Form Formulario de Consulta

Group Counseling

Healing in Community

Group Counseling

Group sessions offer a safe, counselor-led environment where participants explore shared challenges and find healing through connection, biblical truth, and mutual support. Group availability varies by topic and season.

Counseling Intensives

Focused, In-depth Care

Counseling Intensives

Designed for individuals or couples who need deeper focus in a short time, intensives include half-day or full-day sessions. These allow space for extended healing work and provide a jumpstart to long-term growth.

Preparation for Marriage Program

Biblical, Christ-honoring marriage

Preparation for Marriage Program

This program is designed to help couples establish a Biblically-based, Christ-honoring, Spirit-led marriage.

Learn More

Schedule an Appointment

Call 713.335.6462 to begin. You’ll receive access to our secure patient portal to complete forms. For family counseling, please fill out the Family Counseling Inquiry Form and a team member will follow up.

Call Now!

Care that Connects

Meet the Counselors

Taking the step to seek counseling is both brave and wise, and we commend you for prioritizing your mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Finding the right counselor is an important part of the journey, and we encourage you to take the time to connect with someone who feels like a good fit for your specific needs and personality. A strong, trusting relationship with your counselor can make a meaningful difference in your healing and growth.

As a ministry of Houston's First Baptist Church, our counselors often include integrating Scripture, prayer, and other faith-based practices as part of the counseling process. While each counselor brings their own unique style and area of expertise, all are committed to providing care that is biblically-based, clinically competent, and Spirit-sensitive.

We’re honored to walk with you in this season and hope you’ll find both clarity and comfort through the counseling relationship.

Clear
Adam Mason

Adam Mason

LPC-S, CSAT, Neurofeedback

Betsy Contreras

Betsy Contreras

Bilingual Consultant

Supervisor: Adam Mason

Habla Español
Carolina Elliston

Carolina Elliston

LCSW

Habla Español
Cherie Pierucci

Cherie Pierucci

Practicum Counselor

Supervisor: Greg Curnutte

Taking Clients
Chris Jee

Chris Jee

LPC, EDMR, Neurofeedback

Courtney Strong

Courtney Strong

LPC

Daria Morris

Daria Morris

Consultant

Supervisor: Mary Ring

Taking Clients
David Tamez

David Tamez

LPC

Habla Español Taking Clients
Dylan Pierson

Dylan Pierson

LPC-Associate

Supervisor: Mary Ring

Emad Mossad

Emad Mossad

LPC

Taking Clients
Gene Burrus

Gene Burrus

Pastoral Counselor

Taking Clients
Greg Curnutte

Greg Curnutte

LPC-S, EDMR, Neurofeedback

Hannah Causey

Hannah Causey

LPC-Associate

Supervisor: Greg Curnutte

Taking Clients
Issa Kabar

Issa Kabar

Practicum Counselor

Supervisor: Myles Schutte

Jennifer Brock

Jennifer Brock

LPC-Associate

Supervisor: Greg Curnutte

Jennifer Griffith

Jennifer Griffith

LPC, EDMR

Jessica Hernandez

Jessica Hernandez

LPC-Associate

Supervisor: Adam Mason

Taking Clients
Jill Barnhart

Jill Barnhart

LPC-Associate

Supervisor: Greg Curnutte

Taking Clients
Julie Dugle

Julie Dugle

LPC-Associate

Supervisor: Greg Curnutte

Karen Fuchs

Karen Fuchs

LPC-Associate

Supervisor: Greg Curnutte

Taking Clients
Kori Odior

Kori Odior

LPC-Associate

Supervisor: Greg Curnutte

Kristen John

Kristen John

LPC-Associate

Supervisor: Greg Curnutte

Taking Clients
Kristin Britt

Kristin Britt

LPC

Lizz Calderon

Lizz Calderon

LPC

Mary Ring

Mary Ring

LPC-S, LMFT-S, EDMR

Myles Schutte

Myles Schutte

LPC-S, CSAT, EDMR

Natalie Dindorf

Natalie Dindorf

LPC-Associate

Supervisor: Myles Schutte

Taking Clients
Nicole Thompson

Nicole Thompson

LMFT-Associate

Supervisor: Mary Ring

Taking Clients
Orelia Velazquez

Orelia Velazquez

Consultant

Supervisor: Myles Schutte

Habla Español
Pamela Washington

Pamela Washington

LPC

Richard Cozart

Richard Cozart

LPC

Rob Revenaugh

Rob Revenaugh

LPC, Neurofeedback

Taking Clients
Rosemary P'Pool

Rosemary P'Pool

LPC-Associate

Supervisor: Adam Mason

Taking Clients
Sarah Iskander

Sarah Iskander

LPC-Associate

Supervisor: Greg Curnutte

Taking Clients
Sika Apaloo

Sika Apaloo

LMFT-Associate, MAMFT, MBA

Supervisor: Mary Ring

Taking Clients
Suzanne Rose

Suzanne Rose

LPC-Associate

Supervisor: Greg Curnutte

Tim Garrett

Tim Garrett

Supervisor: Greg Curnutte

Taking Clients
Tori Hankey

Tori Hankey

LPC

Taking Clients

Clarifying qualifications to help you choose with confidence

Understanding Counselor Credentials

As you consider a counselor, you may notice a variety of titles and credentials. Each reflects a different stage of training, licensure, or area of expertise. Here's a simple guide to help you understand what these designations mean:

Fully licensed therapists who have received additional certification to supervise Associate-level counselors (LPC-Associates or LMFT-As) during their internship period.

Therapists who have completed all educational, clinical, and testing requirements for full licensure through their respective Texas state licensing boards.

Holds at least a master’s degree in biblical counseling, pastoral counseling, or pastoral theology. They offer counseling from a biblical worldview, incorporating spiritual guidance and clinical insights. These counselors are not licensed by the state of Texas.

Individuals who have completed a master’s degree and passed their licensure exam. They are currently gaining the required 3,000 supervised hours to achieve full licensure.

A graduate-level counselor who has completed all academic and practicum requirements and is receiving supervision from our staff as part of their professional development.

A student currently earning their master’s degree in counseling. They provide services under the weekly supervision of both our staff and their university’s academic supervisor while fulfilling practicum hour requirements.

Resources

Access to hotlines and local assistance for various needs are listed below.

Counseling Center FAQs

  • Individual and Couple counseling
  • Family counsling
  • Preparation for marriage
  • Life transitions
  • Group counseling
  • Support groups
  • Retreats
  • Intensives

These support groups are offered by the Counseling Center

Conquer (Men) — Support group for men struggling with sexual purity. For information on date, time, and location contact Myles Schutte .

Courage & Mended (Women) — For women, we offer two types of groups. Courage is our support group, and Mended is our therapy group for women who struggle with sexual purity. Both meet on Monday nights. Contact Hannah Causey .

Anchored in Hope (Spouses) — 12-week therapy group for spouses navigating the trials of their spouse’s struggle. Monday nights 7–8:30p. Contact Jennifer Brock .

DivorceCare — Support for those walking through divorce. Wednesdays @ 6:30–8p (Room 263) during Equip. Contact Sika Apaloo .

First H.O.P.E. — 3-week Job Search Work team that meets on the first Monday of every month from 13-3p. Contact hfbc_firsthope@HoustonsFirst.org .

Yes. Houston’s First offers a variety of support groups such as DivorceCare, GriefShare, Waiting in Hope, and more. These groups provide curriculum-based support in a Christ-centered, confidential environment.

Call us at 713.335.6462. Our team will gather basic info and send you login details for our patient portal. For children and teens under 18, complete the Family Counseling Inquiry Form.

Yes, if availability allows. When scheduling, let our staff know your preferences. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request, but we ask for flexibility in case your preferred counselor is unavailable.

The counselors of the Julianna Poor Memorial Counseling Center are either licensed by the state, in the process of completing state requirements, or in their Master’s level work. You can read about each of our counselors by scrolling through their bios above. If you would like further information, our administrative staff will help you. Please select a couple of choices as some counselors’ schedules could be full or have a longer wait to get an appointment.

  • Counseling sessions are 45 minutes long and cost $110 per session.
  • A reduced rate of $55 per session is available for members of Houston’s First Baptist Church and students of First Baptist Academy.
  • Reduced rates are available if you choose to see a practicum student or a consultant ($45 for church members and FBA students; $85 for non-members)
  • Group counseling fees vary by group
  • Intensives are $300 for half-day sessions and $600 for full-day sessions, including lunch
  • Additional fees apply for testing, reports, and court testimony.
  • The counseling center does not accept insurance, but they will provide documentation for self-filing with your insurance provider.
  • Payments via cash, check, and credit/debit cards is accepted.

Our counseling center does not accept insurance, but can provide a statement. Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, the “No Surprise Act”, you have a right to receive a “good faith estimate” explaining how much your therapy service will cost. Healthcare providers are required to provide clients who do not have insurance or who choose not to use their insurance for therapy services with an estimate of the cost of those services.

  • You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total cost of therapy services.
  • Make sure your therapist gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least one business day before your appointment. You may also ask your therapist for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an appointment.
  • If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
  • Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call HHS at 1.800.985.3059.

Good Faith Estimate Notice

Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, the “No Surprise Act,” you have a right to receive a “good faith estimate” explaining how much your therapy service will cost. Healthcare providers are required to provide clients who do not have insurance or who choose not to use their insurance for therapy services with an estimate of the cost of those services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total cost of therapy services. Make sure your therapist gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least one business day before appointment. You may also ask your therapist for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an appointment. If receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call HHS @ 1.800.985.3059.

LPC-Associate Internship

Part of the vision here at the Julianna Poor Memorial Counseling Center is to invest in the future of Christian Counseling. A way to fulfill this vision is through counseling associate internships. As a LPC-Associate you will go through training as you integrate into the counseling center.

LPC-Associate Internship

Practicum

The Julianna Poor Memorial Counseling Center is an approved practicum site for several of the universities in the Houston area. We currently have several board-approved supervisors on staff. Our practicum spots are reserved for those who feel a calling to use their professional training in a Christian ministry environment.

Note: We are not currently accepting practicum applications.

Practicum

History of the Julianna Poor Memorial Counseling Center

A Legacy of Compassion

A Legacy of Compassion

The Counseling Center is named in memory of Julianna Poor, the daughter of Dr. Charles and Joanna Poor. Julianna was known for her radiant faith, contagious joy, and deep love for others. Despite her cancer diagnosis, she approached life with courage, hope, and an unwavering trust in Christ. After her passing in 1991 at the age of 21, the center was renamed in her honor to reflect the love and compassion she lived out so beautifully. Her legacy continues to inspire the mission and ministry of the Counseling Center today.

Founding with a Vision

Founding with a Vision

The Counseling Center was established in 1983 by Dr. Charles Poor, then Counseling Minister at Houston’s First Baptist Church. Dr. Poor was burdened to create a place where people could receive both the truth of Scripture and the practical help of professional counseling. From the very beginning, the counseling center was built on a vision to be Christ-centered, clinically excellent, and Spirit-sensitive—offering hope and healing to anyone in need, whether part of the church or the broader community.

Dolores Schreckengost: Steady & Faithful

Dolores Schreckengost: Steady & Faithful

Dolores Morris joined the Counseling Center in its earliest days and faithfully served as the Counseling Ministry Assistant for nearly four decades. Known for her warm spirit, attentive care, and strong organizational leadership, Dolores helped shape the heart of the ministry and became a trusted presence for counselors and clients alike. Her long-term commitment and compassionate service were instrumental in sustaining the day-to-day operations of the center, and her legacy of faithfulness is deeply woven into its story.

The Influence of Marge Caldwell

The Influence of Marge Caldwell

A beloved Bible teacher and counselor, Marge Caldwell joined the ministry when she was 70 years old, bringing decades of wisdom and spiritual maturity to the team. She focused especially on ministering to women and mentoring younger counselors. Marge was known for her honesty, grace, and vibrant love for the Lord. In 2004, the Gay Caldwell Roper Center for Counselor Education was named in her honor, celebrating her profound influence on both the Counseling Center and the lives she touched.

Building a Lasting Foundation

Building a Lasting Foundation

Even after his retirement in 1998, Dr. Poor continued to serve as Counseling Minister Emeritus, offering guidance and encouragement to the team. He remained deeply involved in the mission until his passing in 2023. The Counseling Center he helped to build continues to stand as a place of refuge, restoration, and renewal. Today, the Julianna Poor Memorial Counseling Center honors its past while looking to the future—remaining rooted in biblical truth, clinical excellence, and a deep desire to serve people in Jesus’ name.

Meet our staff

Contact Us
Koyenum Okonma

Koyenum Okonma

JPMCC Premarital Coordinator

Monica Holiday

Monica Holiday

Counseling Admin

Denise Munton

Denise Munton

JPMCC Office Manager

Elisa Standridge

Elisa Standridge

Financial Administrative Assistant

Rachel Knight

Rachel Knight

Practice Manager