Counseling

LCFS has the responsibility to ensure that counseling services are available to the
children and families who are served through our child welfare programs.
Counselors utilize a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach to assist
people to recover from past traumas and their well-being is enhanced. LCFS looks at people’s lives in the context of their life experiences. We recognize that trauma is a significant factor in reaching one’s full potential. Working with a counselor, LCFS assists families in the identifications and solutions so that their strengths are maximized and connections to other support systems are available to them.

LCFS provides counseling services for those individuals/partners/children who are in need of therapeutic services. For all of us, there are times in our lives when we all need someone with whom wish to talk. For some, a family member, a friend, a clergy, and others are listening ears. However, there are times when we need professional assistance. LCFS has qualified counselors who can assist.

Counseling can help anyone facing challenges in their lives such as:

• Reactions to trauma
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Poor educational success for our children
• Children demonstrating unusual behavior
• Marriage conflict

LCFS offers community counseling through our offices in Decatur, Mt. Vernon, O’Fallon and Springfield Illinois. LCFS counselors offer in-person or telehealth appointment options. To schedule an initial appointment with an LCFS counselor call 800-363-LCFS (5237) or complete our Contact Us form.

AWARE: Assertive Ways to Address Relationship Equality

AWARE is an approved Partner Abuse Intervention Program (PAIP). It is designed to help individuals who have been abusive in their relationships to become AWARE of:

• How their behavior influences people with whom they interact regularly.
• How their past affects their current behaviors.
• How to develop healthy, safe and equal relationships.
• How to be assertive in relationships rather than aggressive.
• How to stop the cycle of violence.

AWARE leaders are specifically trained to address issues of safety and advocacy for the victim. Group leaders encourage participants to think about their relationships differently by:

• Promoting attitudes associated with healthy relationships, such as safe and equal partnerships and equal rights of both partners
• Challenging attitudes associated with abusive behaviors by encouraging full responsibility for the behaviors and the ability to stop

Successful completion requires living a non-abusive lifestyle as evidenced by positive attitudes towards healthy and safe relationships and application of skills. Program requirements are tailored to the individual needs of group members.

AWARE Eligibility

Currently, this program is only offered through referrals to LCFS’ Decatur and Springfield office locations. To access the program, call 800-363-LCFS (5237). A comprehensive assessment is conducted to determine the nature and severity of the abuse and whether the individual is appropriate for the group program.

“These skills have made me a better person. Being aware of these now has helped me and will continue to the rest of my life. I had never seen or heard any of this before so I didn’t know it.” — AWARE Participant

There is a fee for community counseling services. Insurance may cover part or all of the cost. In addition, LCFS accepts Medicaid and some services may also be covered by an individual’s employee assistance program at work.

If needed, LCFS can also work closely with individuals seeking care to achieve a fee structure that is within their ability to pay. This is made possible thanks to partnerships with local organizations whose generosity subsidizes the cost of the counseling services for those who need it. For information on insurance and fees, call 800-363-LCFS (5237).

Also contact your insurance company to determine what counseling services are covered.

The following organizations recognize the importance of affordable counseling services through their generous support of LCFS’ counseling program:

O’Fallon: United Way of Greater St. Louis

Decatur: United Way of Decatur

Mount Vernon: Jefferson County 708 Board and Marion County 708 Board

Springfield: United Way of Central Illinois

LCFS counselors bring a wealth of professional experience. They hold masters’ degrees in counseling, psychology, social work or allied fields and receive ongoing clinical training and supervision. Our counselors are also trained in trauma-informed therapy, have an understanding of how trauma affects the lives of those it touches and utilize evidence-informed interventions. They are dedicated to reaching out with care and compassion.

LCFS is interested in linking you with a counselor whom you can connect with and who meets your needs. We offer community counseling through our offices in Decatur, Mt. Vernon, O’Fallon and Springfield Illinois. LCFS counselors offer in-person or telehealth appointment options.

To schedule an initial appointment with an LCFS counselor call 800-363-LCFS (5237) or reach out via our Contact Us form.