Friendship You Need is unique. We are a mentoring organization, but we do not operate the same way as most other mentoring organizations. At times we may appear more like a crisis intervention or counseling organization, and while we are working toward providing what each of those models offer, we do not yet offer those services. So here is a look at how we compare against those other models, and when you should contact a licensed counselor or a crisis intervention program.

FYN vs. Other Mentoring Programs

Most mentoring programs begin with waiting lists and home studies, then involve commitments to meet a certain number of hours per month over a specified period of time. FYN believes that support should be offered as soon as it is needed, which is why we strive, whenever possible, to arrange a meeting with a mentor within 90 minutes of your request. While we may not always have enough volunteers available to meet this goal, we will do everything we can to offer support ASAP. Also, that first meeting is not a commitment. It is an introduction, and it is one-time support. If you just need to sit down one time and talk with someone who cares, that is absolutely fine. If a month later you want to do the same thing all over again, that is fine as well. But if you are looking for ongoing mentoring, we offer that as well. If the mentor who you met with is available and you want to be paired with them, we will try to set that up. If not, we will work to set up another ongoing mentoring relationship that is a good fit for you. The best way to sum up the differences between FYN and most mentoring organizations is that we are flexible, building around your specific situation so that we can offer the support that you want and need.

FYN vs. Counseling Services

It is important that you know that FYN does not yet offer professional counseling services. If you believe that you are in need of professional help, you should seek help from a licensed mental health professional. We offer support when you are depressed, but we are not the answer if you are suicidal. We offer support when you are afraid, but we cannot offer professional help with phobias. We offer mentors who truly care about you and who want to help you, but most mentors do not have the training needed to help you through the most serious of situations.

FYN vs. Crisis Intervention Programs

Much like the comparison to counseling services, FYN does not offer true crisis intervention. If you are in danger, or if you are a danger to yourself or others, we will need to contact someone who can provide the help that you need. However, we want to be your first call before you reach the point where a true crisis intervention program is needed. We want to provide support before severe depression or anxiety paralyzes daily life. We want to offer a listening ear before overwhelming stress turns into self-harm. We want to help process grief or a difficult breakup before it becomes a prolonged trauma response. We want to address isolation, conflict, boundaries, and stress before those issues escalate. We offer caring, personal support, and we want to help when we can; yet when we cannot offer the level of support that you need, we ask that you please contact a true mental health professional immediately.

We are here to support you. If we are able to help, we would love to! But we cannot always offer the level of help that you need. If you believe that you are in immediate danger, please call 911 immediately.