In September 1985, a small group from Highland Presbyterian Church began to explore the possibility of establishing an accredited, interfaith counseling center. This group soon expanded to represent several faith communities as well as a variety of people having professional and personal interest in such a counseling center.

The group contacted the Samaritan Institute, a national consultant group which helps communities start church-related counseling centers. An extensive community survey and needs assessment was completed. Information gathered in the study and analyzed by the Samaritan Institute indicated a strong need, as well as a strong desire, for counseling services.

In September 1988, a 16-member ecumenical Board of Directors was formed, representing local churches and a broad spectrum of experience and professional expertise. The Samaritan Center of Lancaster County was incorporated on January 5, 1987. The first office was set up in a trailer on the property of Highland Presbyterian Church. In September 1989, the office moved into the newly renovated Highland House. Highland Presbyterian Church continues to provide this facility as well as supporting the Center in many other ways.

Since then, three additional satellite offices have opened to meet the ever increasing need for counseling space and outreach to different areas of Lancaster and Lebanon counties. The Willow Street office opened in June 1990, supported by Willow Street United Church of Christ.

Effective October 20, 1994, the Samaritan Center of Lancaster County officially registered a name change with the State of Pennsylvania. Our name became Samaritan Counseling Center.

In 1997, the Oregon Pike location began to undergo extensive renovations. During this time, the Center moved a short distance away in order to continue providing services. In January 1999, the renovations were complete and the Center returned "home". During this time, renovations on the Willow Street office were also undertaken. In October 2000, two new offices opened by virtue of the affiliation of Luthercare Counseling Services with Samaritan Counseling Center. The first office, located in Lebanon, is now located at 20 South Eighth Street. The second is on the campus of Lutheracres at 600 East Main Street in Lititz.

The Samaritan Counseling Center recently celebrated its 19th anniversary. We continue to serve a client population from Lancaster, Lebanon, Berks, York and other counties. With a clinical staff of 14 and an administrative staff of 13, the Samaritan Counseling Center continues to reach out to meet ever-changing community needs through service and program diversification and community support. To schedule an appointment, please contact our Client Service Coordinator at 717-560-9969. To discuss supporting the Center, please contact our Director of Development, Anita Hanna, at 717-560-9969.