Connection: for the Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing
NWHS’ Connection Program serves Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard-of-Hearing residents of Marion and Polk Counties and surrounding areas, providing counseling, case management, and other services. Our highly skilled and professional staff provide assistance with the challenges faced by those with hearing loss, including communication issues, adjustment to hearing loss, and general counseling. Services are individualized to each person’s specific needs.
Additionally, Connection offers services at no charge to Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard-of-Hearing clients who have been victims of crime. If you have been, or know someone who is deaf and has been a victim of a crime, Connection staff can provide counseling, case management, and advocacy services, as well as assistance in applying for victims’ benefits.
Our Connection team is specially selected for their ability to communicate effectively with this special population with compassion and respect. This means not only being fluent in American Sign Language, it also means understanding the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing culture including the barriers and special challenges they face.
"I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and hold a Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling with a special focus on Deafness from Western Oregon University and I am a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). .
The Connection Program, affiliated with NWHS, serves Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deafened individuals. I am myself Deaf and fluent in ASL. I am familiar with the Deaf community and its issues; among them the ethical considerations of confidentiality and dual relationships. I take these concerns seriously and address them directly during counseling sessions.
I view the process of counseling as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery in the context of a safe and supportive environment. I operate from a strength based approach. I encourage equality between the client and therapist in the counseling relationship. Cultural diversity and unique individuality are acknowledged. Strengths are recognized and feelings are honored. I value empowerment as a way of increasing self awareness of choices so that one can choose to live according to one's values. I use techniques from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as a way of increasing skills to deal with the challenges people face in life."
Connection Staff
Connection Program
Street Address: 1233 Edgewater St NW, Salem, OR 97304
Videophone: 971.239.5829
F: 503.588.5803
Business Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Administration Offices: 681 Center St NE, Salem, OR 97301 | Ph. 503.588.5828 | F. 503.588.5852 | Email: info@nwhumanservices.org
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Lior Azen, LPC
Counselor for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing at West Salem Mental Health Clinic since 2008
Come See Us For:
- Individual, family, and group counseling in client's primary language of ASL or English
- Use of videophone for counseling sessions
- Case management services including advocacy, info & referral; and other supports
- Services for Deaf victims of crime
- Assessment and diagnosis
- Substance abuse assessment, education and referral
Our Team Can Also Help with linkage to other NWHS services including:
- Crisis Intervention
- Support Groups
- Interpreter services including American Sign Language
- Medical, psychiatric care, case management, and dental services
- Oregon Health Plan enrollment assistance
Email: connectionprogram@nwhumanservices.org
Videophone: 971.239.5829
General Information | West Salem Clinic: 503.378.7526
24/7 Crisis & Info Hotline: 503.581.5535
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About Connection
