In response to the increased intensity of the heroin epidemic, a local therapy, counseling and treatment center, Developing Apex Inc. recently hosted a town hall meeting.

The concept around Developing Apex is a non-threatening, peaceful environment to treat the whole person, the family and the entire dynamic surrounding the substance abuse or mental health issue.

Owner Colleen Gensemer, MA, LPC, along with fellow counselor Allen Liszcz and office manager Melanie Schaefffer are prepared to welcome anyone in the community to the new location at 1150 Glenlivet Drive, Fogelsville.

“I am pleased to announce our new Lehigh County office is officially licensed as a substance abuse facility,” Gensemer said. “We will be offering a day time and night time partial hospitalization program.

“We will also offer intensive outpatient, reduced IOP, and outpatient treatment.”

Developing Apex aims to take a slightly different approach to treatment in a softer and less conspicuous environment.

Gensemer has another office in Wyomissing, Berks County, but felt a central location in Fogelsville provided the best opportunity to serve a larger community.

“I originally named the company Developing Apex because I didn’t want the words counseling or therapy anywhere in the title in order to maintain a level of anonymity for my clients,” Gensemer said. “The name, itself, literally means ‘developing a point of change’ and my vision is helping your tomorrow be different than today, one step, one breath at a time.”

The new location is ready, willing and able to help anyone in need, not just those dealing with heroin or other substance abuse issues.

Developing Apex is accepting new patients and most importantly, there is no wait time.

Gensemer said it is worrisome and troubling to see people unable to find a place to receive care.

“With the increased need in and around the Lehigh Valley, many people reach out for help only to be placed on a waiting list,” Gensemer.

“We want people to know that we are here, we do not have a waiting list, and no one should have to wait a moment when they are reaching out.”

Developing Apex has contracted with many major insurance companies including Highmark, Aetna, United Healthcare, Capital Blue Cross and Magellan, to name a few.

For those without insurance, Developing Apex offers reasonable rates.

Beyond substance abuse and DUI counseling, the group also offers anger management, marital/family counseling, as well as parenting and family therapy.

Developing Apex also provides child custody evaluations in the Berks County office.

Walk-in assessments are performed Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

For information, call the office at 484-269-6572 or visit developingapex.com.

“When you need therapy you can trust, we hope you consider us,” said Gensemer. “We are new in this location.

“We have flexible hours. We are caring and kind. We are here to serve you. You don’t have to wait.”