Marblehead Counseling Center Completes Patient Satisfaction Survey 

 For the past 56 years, Marblehead Counseling Center (MCC) has offered therapeutic and social service assistance to individuals and families in Marblehead and surrounding North Shore communities. As part of its commitment to a cycle of continuous improvement, MCC recently conducted a client satisfaction survey. The survey, sent out to approximately 300 clients in April 2026, was largely very positive about the therapists and services offered by the Center. The survey received a 16% answer rate, which is considered about average for a survey response rate. The majority of respondents have been clients at MCC for more than two years (1 in 3), with another 25% saying they have been part of the MCC community between one and two years. 

Of those responding, an encouraging 100% reported that they feel their therapist treats them with care and respect, with 95% stating they ‘strongly agree’ with this statement.  

When clients were asked whether their therapeutic treatment was effective, an overwhelming 94% believed their therapy has led to improved outcomes. Nearly sixty percentof respondents said they ‘strongly agree’ that they are making progress with the concerns that brought them to counseling, and another 34% ‘agreed’ with that statement. 

Three-quarters of survey respondents would recommend MCC to a friend or colleague, describing their therapists as “one of the best therapists I’ve ever had,” a “game changer for me”, and a “perfect fit”. Respondents also shared some of the things they liked best about MCC’s range of services: access to telehealth and online therapeuticappointments; being locally-based; the feeling of safety at the small, private center; a very welcoming facility; and staff that is knowledgeable about insurance issues. A number of respondents mentioned the availability and affordability of services, as well. 

The survey also asked clients for feedback about areas at MCC that need improvement or services that might be added. No single issue stood out in the data.  Just one respondent felt that billing and insurance were somewhat confusing. A client from Swampscott would like MCC to expand social service support for people outside of Marblehead, particularly for aging residents. The exceedingly snowy winter made parking a challenge for another respondent. Suggestions for improvement included a wish for a larger selection of therapists at the Center, more educational opportunities, and additional group therapeutic options, such as parent support groups, art therapy, meditation meetings, and a support group for dementia care givers.  

As a small facility, Marblehead Counseling Center has made a commitment to helping new clients get on the schedule quickly. It has been working to reduce waitlist times with more flexible hours, as well as telehealth offerings that expand appointment options for both clients and therapists.  

“We feel a great responsibility to take care of our community,” says Ruth Ferguson, President of the MCC Board of Directors, “and we understand it’s a privilege to have been supported by our town in this work for the past five decades. It’s heartening to see that our clients overwhelmingly feel we’re on the right track. But we will continue improving and tweaking the areas they suggested. It can only make us more effective.”  

About Marblehead Counseling Center (MCC) 

In 1969, the need for services for substance abuse and mental health problems such as depression and family upheaval were especially pressing. In response, a group of Marblehead residents founded Marblehead Counseling Center to provide direct services to individuals and families and to address community needs. Today, MCC improves the quality of life for individuals and families in Marblehead, Swampscott and other North Shore communities by providing a high-quality, local source of mental health and family support. 

MCC is a registered Massachusetts 501(c)3 non-profit fully licensed clinic. Individuals, families, and businesses may support the work of Marblehead Counseling Center by making a tax-deductible contribution.  

For additional information on MCC, a calendar of events, volunteer opportunities and how to donate, please visit www.MarbleheadCounseling.org.