ABC Counseling & Family Services is a licensed child welfare agency providing counseling services for children and families affected by sexual abuse, and offering specialized adoption services and birthparent counseling. The agency has served over 8,000 clients and families throughout Central Illinois.
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Services Offered
General Youth Counseling - Many kids need help dealing with school stress, such as homework, test anxiety, bullying, or peer pressure. Others need help to discuss their feelings about family issues, particularly if there's a major transition, such as a divorce, move, or serious illness. Our licensed counselors assist your child in navigating their feelings through a variety of different therapeutic techniques including art, play, sand tray, and writing to name a few.
Child Victims of Sexual Abuse - Children served at ABC Counseling & Family Services range in age from three to eighteen. Some of the children are victims of incest; others are victims of sexual abuse by perpetrators outside of the home. Common treatment goals include the following: * Processing the abuse * Expressing feelings about the abuse and the perpetrator * Learning how to prevent future abuse * Reduction of presenting symptoms such as low self esteem, high anxiety, depression, self-harming behaviors or other negative behaviors * Learning age-appropriate sexuality, problem-solving, and assertiveness
Youth with Sexually Problematic Behavior - The length of treatment for the sexually abusive youth is typically 18 months to two years and involves weekly individual and group sessions. Whenever possible the youth's family is also involved in the treatment. The main goal of treatment for the youth is to eliminate the sexually problematic behavior and to teach the skills to prevent a re-offense.
Services for Families - ABC offers psycho educational classes for parents of sexually abused children and offenders. The purpose of the group is to educate parents who have experienced sexual abuse in their family. The psycho-educational classes are open to anyone who wants to learn more about sexual abuse. However, due to the nature of the topics covered in this class, people who have been indicted and/or prosecuted for sexual abuse are not accepted.
Pregnancy Counseling - Between the extra hormones and the fear of the unknown, an unexpected pregnancy can be overwhelming. You do not need to go through this alone! We are available to offer you support as you look at options in a non-judgmental, caring atmosphere.
Fees and Payment
ABC Counseling & Family Services can accept the following forms of payment for Services Offered:* Private insurance (in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield) * Illinois Medical Card * Molina * Meridian (with pre-authorization only)
Some of our providers may be in-network with additional insurance companies. Families may also choose to pay out-of-pocket for services.
This is a non profit agency.
Services Offered To: Adults Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual LGBTQ
Payment: Sliding Scale Medicare
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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.