Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois improves the well-being of people across the state by protecting children, strengthening families and building futures for those who have experienced trauma. We do this as a leading provider of a variety of child welfare services. We serve children, individuals, families and communities of all faiths, races, orientations and ethnic backgrounds.
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Services Offered
Individual and family counseling - There are times in our lives when we all need someone to talk to. Perhaps it is a struggle with marriage or children. Or, maybe our lives are in a period of transition and we need help coping with the changes. LCFS has counselors at many sites in Illinois who can help. Counseling is intended for individuals, couples or families in difficult situations such as: * Those experiencing a personal or family crisis * Those experiencing stress or continued dissatisfaction with work, home or school * A person who feels depressed or has suicidal thoughts * Family members dealing with a loved one's alcoholism, drug use or other addictions * Parents concerned about their child's behavior in school * An individual or family struggling with a history of sexual or physical abuse * A couple needing help resolving conflicts * A person having difficulty making life decisions
Trauma-informed services - Traumatic experiences can occur to anyone at any stage in his/her life. At times like these, professional counselors at LCFS can help address those situations so that individuals can move forward with their lives. LCFS utilizes trauma-informed therapy processes that can help reduce the symptoms of trauma across all age levels.
Pre-marital and marital counseling - If you are considering marriage, engaged, married or wish to strengthen your relationship with your significant other, LCFS counselors can provide couples with pre-marital and marital counseling.
Employee counseling - You know that employees are the heart and hands of any company. LCFS can help you provide employee counseling and support services to your employees at minimal cost. We can help you show that you care about them, that you're there to help when a disaster strikes, when family or personal problems arise or when they struggle to replace self-destructive behaviors with positive, life-enhancing ones. The end result for you is a more stable, more productive work force and reduced operating costs for your organization.
Fees and Payment
There is a fee for counseling services. Insurance coverage may pay part or all of the cost and some services may be covered by your employee-assistance program or managed-care arrangements at work. Affordable rates are also available for school counseling and organizational services.
LCFS is committed to offering counseling at affordable rates based on family size and income. Toward that end, LCFS partners with local organizations whose generosity subsidizes the cost of counseling services. Because of the support of these organizations LCFS can often work with you to achieve a fee structure that is within your ability to pay.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens Children
Special Groups: Faith-Based
Payment: Sliding Scale Medicare Medicaid
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Qualifying for assistance from Illinois' program usually depends on the severity of your condition and financial circumstance. Read our full guide to Illinois' program.
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.