While HARC is unable to fund services to assist individual
animal hoarders, their family members, or humane law
enforcement, we will be developing a list of private
consultants whom we know to be specializing in animal
hoarding crisis intervention, assessment, service planning,
identification and coordination of community resources,
and case management. At present, one counselor is available
who has substantial experience working with hoarders
and their families.
Jane N. Nathanson, LCSW, LRC, CRC
Social Work and Rehabilitation Consultant,
Specialist in Human-Animal Health and Welfare
Boston, MA
Fee-for-Service Consultations which are
available include the following:
a) Self-referrals for individuals in need of counseling
services for their animal hoarding
Animal hoarders seeking assistance to improve problematic
personal and home conditions may make arrangements
to receive assessment services, guidance and supportive
counseling, identification and coordination of community
resources relevant to their needs, and care management.
Self-referrals may be made for the purpose of either
preventing or responding to crisis situations that
are associated with animal hoarding conditions, which
may include the risk of losing one's pets, losing
one's home, and confronting related financial and
legal problems.
b) Counseling for family members or friends of an
animal hoarder
Information, guidance, and support services are available
for family members or friends of an animal hoarder
to learn methods of intervention, communication and
coping strategies, and the utilization of appropriate
resources within the community.
c) Assistance for Humane Societies and Law Enforcement
in Need of Animal Hoarding Assessment Services to
Facilitate Court-Mandated Counseling
Consultation services are available for humane societies
and law enforcement professionals to enhance the outcome
of animal hoarding crisis intervention, case management
and disposition. With mandated counseling becoming
increasingly utilized to effect long-term resolution
of animal hoarding behavior, a comprehensive initial
assessment of the animal hoarder can be arranged in
order to facilitate the process of determining the
specific medical and/or mental health treatment needs
of the individual animal hoarder. In addition, specialized
community-based resources may be recommended as being
appropriate for the animal hoarder's rehabilitation.
Long distance telephone consultation services provided (or available) for out-of-state
clients or organizations. References are available
upon request. For further information and costs of
service, contact Ms. Nathanson directly. Email: jnncnslt@aol.com
or Telephone: (617) 325-4828 |
