Pastoral Institute offers free counseling sessions in new Columbus boys group
The Pastoral Institute, a nonprofit organization providing mental health counseling in Columbus, has started a new support group for boys — offering the sessions for free.
Structured to help boys ages 10-17 navigate emotions, loss and life transitions, the support group called Compass Crew is meeting now through May 28 on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 6-7 p.m. at the Pastoral Institute, 2022 15th Ave. in Columbus.
“Anxiety. Depression. Low self-esteem. Anger. Social challenges. Emotional impact of divorce. Loss of a parent. Teens go through a lot of trials in their youth but often go without coping skills and the necessary support to navigate these trials,” the Pastoral Institute’s news release says. “Our young men are particularly at risk, so Pastoral Institute is addressing the community need.”
Licensed clinical social worker Jerome Dingle facilitates the Compass Crew. Dingle said starting this support group is part of his mission to serve the community.
“Compass Crew will address the challenges that growing up comes with for young men this age,” he said in the news release. “They have unique pressures, and many boys lack safe spaces to openly express their feelings. Compass Crew was created to meet that need by offering a judgment-free environment where boys can talk openly, build confidence and learn healthy coping skills alongside peers who understand their experiences.”
The support group focuses on emotional expression, connection and personal growth to help participants learn vulnerability is not a weakness and that they aren’t alone in their struggle.
“Compass Crew has been specifically designed to foster brotherhood, strength and resilience during critical developmental years,” the news release says.
Registration for Compass Crew is available at pastoralinstitute.org.
For more information about this support group or the Pastoral Institute, contact marketing coordinator Stephanie Gobin at sgobin@pastoralinstitute.org or 706-649-6507, Ext. 1247.
This story was originally published February 17, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
