Mental Health Therapy in Peoria Heights

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Therapists in Peoria Heights

Dr. Penny Brower

Peoria Heights, Illinois - Licensed Professional Counselor
Online

In this giant Carnival of Life, are you on the Roller Coaster full of ups and downs, on the repetitive slow-motion Carousel, on the Tilt-A-Whirl feeling unbalanced and squashed by outside forces, in the House of Horrors where every view is distorted and you can hardly find the exit, or on the Raging River where everyone else stays dry while you get drenched? Are you here by choice and enjoying the adventure, hanging on for dear life and fearing disaster ahead, or confused about how someone was able to drag you here against your better judgement? Though everyone's Carnival visit is unique, if you invite me to join this part of your journey, I can help you explore the decision-making processes and life events that have led you to this place. I will assist you in building skills and finding resources to thrive beyond the dangerous curves, the jarring stops and reverses, and the nauseating spins and loops. You will be empowered to choose and create more positive, adaptive ways forward, to better enjoy the ride and have a more fulfilling adventure. Because the best outcomes are achieved with a good client/counselor fit, I always welcome feedback regarding what has been helpful, as well as not helpful, so that methods can be adapted to achieve the best results. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I received my doctoral degree from The University of Iowa and I have worked for over 30 years helping individuals and couples become more intentional and response-able in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I began my career doing in-home therapy with complex, multi-problem families, and I have worked in Community Mental Health Centers and Private Practice settings. In addition, I worked for 8 years with the Air National Guard, helping to institute a new program that focused on reducing suicide risk and increasing resilience, while reducing the stigma of using mental health services to maximize personal functioning. When describing people, my least favorite word is NORMAL. I believe that each individual is unique, and deserves to be treated in caring and respectful ways that help them grow, versus being treated like a diagnostic label that needs to be fixed. It is the difference between: "It sounds like you may be struggling with depressed feelings. Let's explore the conditions that seem connected to when those feelings hit really hard, compared to when they seem to lighten up." versus "You are depressed. Here is what you need to do to change."

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Free Mental Health Resources in Illinois

IDHS Crisis/Emergency: Mental Health Partners/Providers offers an easily searchable directory of crisis hotlines and emergency services across the state. Recently expanded under the SAMHSA Crisis Services Initiative, the program connects Illinoians in need of crisis care to services within their town, city, and county.. Cities throughout the state offer around the clock crisis hotlines as well as online services to support youth and adults in need.
Illinois Warm Line is a telephone support service for individuals or their loved ones experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. Their support specialists are available Monday through Friday and provide peer support and mentoring.
Safe 2 Help Illinois is a state-wide program for students needing a safe and confidential way to reach out during a crisis. The program enables youth to safely share information that could prevent suicides, bullying, school violence or other threats to school safety. Their 24/7 program can be accessed via a free app, text/phone and online at their website.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students BIPOC LGBTQ Depression Anxiety Grief
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Illinois serves state residents by providing information and education on mental health. They’re also dedicated to improving the lives of people with mental health disorders and their loved ones through advocacy, support and access to resources.
Brave Space Alliance is an LGBTQ+ focused center on the South side of Chicago. Their culturally competent services include behavioral health, HIV/STD testing and counseling, temporary residential support, a community pantry and a dignity suite that promotes inclusivity and support for people on the entire spectrum of gender expression. Though all clients are welcome, they're an organization especially focused on serving Black and trans persons.
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BIPOC LGBTQ Men Women
C4 Chicago is an organization that provides evidence-based and trauma-informed mental health services for residents of Chicago and surrounding areas. This includes crisis services, mental health counseling and support, medical services including integrated care partnerships, substance use and recovery services and health education for people of all ages.
The Center on Halsted provides support and services for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Their programs range from behavioral health to HIV/STI resources and care coordination. For youth, they offer social, recreational, cultural and educational programs that support community and promote identity affirmation. They accept Medicaid and grant funding and offer services on a sliding scale.
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Teens & Students BIPOC LGBTQ Men Women Seniors
The Road Home Program, in partnership with Rush Health System in the Chicago area, assists active service members, veterans and their families, including reservists and members of the National Guard. Their services are designed for persons experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma and related conditions. They provide individual, group and family counseling including intensive outpatient programs, family therapy, and wellness and support groups. Services are offered at no cost and irrespective of discharge status.
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Men Women Veterans Disability First Responders Depression ADHD PTSD Anxiety Grief Substance Abuse
The Chicago Department of Public Health provides a free directory of mental and behavioral health care providers across Chicago.. The Department of Public Health provides support for Chicagoans who are experiencing emotional or psychological distress. Their mental health centers, located throughout metro Chicago, offer psychosocial rehabilitation, medication management services and child and adolescent programs, including specialized support for trauma survivors.
The Aurora Vet Center offers free mental health care in a nonmedical setting for active service members, veterans and their families experiencing PTSD, depression, military sexual trauma and readjustment difficulties. Their counseling services include individual, group and family therapy as well as referral services for those with substance use disorder.
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Men Women Veterans Disability Depression ADHD PTSD Anxiety Grief Substance Abuse
Lovell Federal VA Healthcare provides comprehensive mental health care for veterans and their families. Their outpatient mental health care includes substance use disorder treatment and services for individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and other common mental health conditions.
Provide Services for
Men Women Veterans Disability Depression ADHD PTSD Anxiety Grief Substance Abuse
The Service Provider Identification and Exploration Resource (SPIDER) is a free online program that helps residents of Illinois identify local social services. This includes help with housing, food, education, employment, caregiving, mental health services and addiction recovery support. Searches can be customized by various criteria, including service type, distance, and client population.
The Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center (BHWC) maintains a robust online clearinghouse of resources for persons seeking mental and behavioral health services in Illinois. This online resource also provides specialized information for mental health care providers, including job match services and peer support specialist training programs.
The University of Illinois offers mental health and self-care resources for students and employees in need. This includes access to crisis services, online apps and tools to improve mental health, access to employee assistance programs and other programs that promote overall wellness. They also provide information on mental health services and insurance benefits for mental health care.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students BIPOC LGBTQ Men Women
The Champaign Urbana Public Health District offers information and resources that assist community members in locating and accessing mental health services for young adults. They have seven counseling centers that help young people experiencing mental health difficulties as well as a 24 hour crisis line for those in immediate need. They accept Medicaid and offer financial assistance and sliding scale payment options.
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