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Mental Health Services

HRC believes that recovery from mental illness and serious emotional disturbance is possible. We believe that Recovery is the expectation in services. We understand lapse and relapse to be a common part of the recovery experience that can be utilized to clarify and refine the needs of the person served. Relapse can also assist the person served to refocus on necessary participation in a wide array of services. Recovery is a process, not a destination.
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mental health services paris illinois
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PROGRAMS HIGHLIGHTS

Mental Health Services We Provide

Mental Health and Recovery Groups

EMDR

Assessment and Treatment Planning

Drop-in Mental Health Services: LRP

Individual and Family Therapy

Recovery Support and Case Management

Crisis Intervention

IPS Employment Services

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HRC has both therapist-run therapy groups and recovery groups. Therapist-led groups involve a group of people who, with the guidance of a therapist, work on problems together. Recovery groups are facilitated by Certified Recovery Support Specialists. Groups can help people get well and stay well. HRC provides a variety of group treatments including Whole Health Action Management (WHAM) and Wellness Recovery Action Plan.

These services are available by contacting (217) 465-4118 and requesting mental health services. If, following an assessment, the person and their therapist identify groups as a benefit to recovery, they may be enrolled in one of HRC’s Groups.

emdr therapist near me
HRC offers Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR is a therapy that helps people recover from emotional stress and symptoms that are the result of disturbing or traumatic life events. Studies have proven EMDR can help people experience the benefits of therapy at a much quicker rate than previous treatment models.  It was once commonplace for severe emotional pain to heal over extended periods of time.  EMDR therapy proves that the brain can heal from trauma much quicker than previously believed.
These services are available by contacting (217) 465-4118 and requesting mental health services and specifying that you are seeking EMDR services. If, following an assessment, the person and their therapist identify EMDR as a benefit to recovery, the person may be enrolled in one of HRC’s Groups.
mental health assessment
HRC provides mental health assessment and treatment planning. Assessment is used to screen for mental health issues, struggles, and disorders. This is typically one of the first steps in the process of accessing mental health services at HRC. Treatment planning involves making a plan to address issues and achieve the person’s goals. Creating a treatment plan includes setting goals, identifying providers, establishing a plan to achieve goals, and methods of treatment.
These services are available by contacting (217) 465-4118 and requesting mental health services. In most circumstances this call will lead to an intake appointment, an assessment, and then the development of a treatment plan. Treatment plans are updated routinely throughout treatment.
mental health assessment

HRC’s LRP, the Living Room Program, offers a mental health crisis respite program for people who are 18+ years old. The goal of the Living Room Program is to provide a calm and safe environment in which guests can engage in recovery support activities to improve overall wellness and reduce symptoms. LRP offers services and supports designed to proactively divert crises and break the cycle of psychiatric hospitalization.  A Qualified Mental Health Professional will supervise the initial screening, and the person is paired with a Recovery Support Specialist who will orient the person to the Living Room.

The LRP provides a safe, inviting, home-like atmosphere where individuals can calmly process the crisis event as well as learn and apply wellness strategies which may prevent future crisis events. The LRP is staffed by Recovery Support Specialists. Individuals seeking services at LRPs are screened for safety by Qualified Mental Health Professionals upon entry and exit. Individuals experiencing psychiatric crises may self-refer or may be referred by police, fire, emergency departments, or other organizations with which an individual experiencing such a crisis may come into contact. The Living Room can help those not in immediate crisis, as well, but who are experiencing symptoms of mental illness, like anxiety.

HRC operates two living room locations. A person can access these services by location.

Paris LRP

  • Phone: (
  • Located at the Life Center, HRC side, on the Horizon Health, Paris Community Hospital campus, at 745 E. Court St., Paris, IL 61944
  • Open hours are:

              24 Hours per Day, 7 Days per Week

Marshall LRP

  • Phone: (217) 251-8478
  • Located at the Forsythe Center, next to Cork Medical Clinic, at 406 N. 2nd St., Paris, IL 61944
  • Open hours are:
         M-F 9a-5p
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY THERAPY
  • Individual counseling (called psychotherapy, talk therapy, or treatment) is a process in which clients work one-on-one with a trained mental health clinician in a safe, caring, and confidential environment. Counseling allows individuals to explore their feelings, beliefs, and behaviors, work through challenging or influential traumas or memories, identify their personal goals, better understand themselves and others, and work toward desired goals.
  • Family therapy is a type of treatment designed to help with issues that specifically affect families' mental health and functioning. It can help individual family members build stronger relationships, improve communication, and manage conflicts within the family system. By improving how family members interact and relate to each other, family therapy can encourage change in close relationships.

These services are accredited by CARF and available to youth and adults by contacting (217) 465-4118 and requesting counseling or family therapy. In most circumstances, this call will lead to an intake appointment, an assessment, and the development of a treatment plan. Treatment plans are updated routinely throughout treatment.

Recovery Support Specialist

The Recovery Support Specialist's (RSS) role is to support others in recovery from mental health struggles,  trauma, and those seeking resources in the community. The RSS serves as a role model, mentor, and advocate, and seeks to empower recovering individuals in order to help  prevent relapse, provide ongoing support, and promote long-term recovery.

A Recovery Support Specialist is a person successful in their own recovery process who helps others experiencing similar situations. Through shared understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment, a RSS helps people become and stay engaged in the recovery process. A RSS strives to extend mental health treatment, trauma recovery, and support beyond the clinical setting into the everyday environment and communities of those seeking recovery.

These services are available to individuals who participate in HRC’s mental health treatment programs who have a need for these services. In order to access these services, people need to enroll in substance use disorder treatment and demonstrate need for this service.

What can a RSS Assist With?

  • Advocate for people in recovery
  • Share resources and skill building
  • Build community and relationships
  • Mentor and help to set goals
  • Provide substance use services and/or training
  • Educate the public on various topics related to substance use
    — Assist in developing skills such as grocery shopping, budgeting, relationship building, problem resolution, and building a sober activities wellness toolbox
    — Coach individuals through their recovery process by helping them to identify their triggers for stress and discover coping techniques
    — Coordinate with other medical professionals to ensure that clients are receiving appropriate care for physical injuries or illnesses related to their addictions
    — Assist in applying for, obtaining, and/or utilizing resources such as public entitlements (SNAP, Medicaid, etc), childcare, employment, compassionate clothing closet, food pantry, public transportation, higher education

These services are available by contacting (217) 465-4118 and requesting mental health services. If, following an assessment, the person and their therapist identify this service as a benefit to the individual and the individual chooses, the service may be offered. Services of this nature are also available on a walk-in bases through the Living Room Program.

crisis intervention

HRC has the capacity to respond to mental health crisis needs at the local jails, doctor's offices, and the emergency room. This program  provides for telephonic, telehealth, and walk-in community access to behavioral health crisis care services. This service includes crisis assessment and crisis interventions for individuals regardless of insurance coverage. HRC provides equal access to services and supports to any adult individual experiencing a health crisis of a behavioral health (BH) nature that poses a risk for movement to a higher level of care, such as inpatient psychiatric or nursing home settings. The most common conditions that people seek these services for are ideation to self-harm, harm others, or delusional behavior that places an individual in risk of becoming seriously harmed.

HRC’s crisis services are provided to adults 18 years of age or older 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 52 weeks per year. These services can be accessed by calling (217) 712-9766.

Emergency Crisis Assessment services are available for youth & adults by calling 988.

ips supported employment

HRC’s Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services are an evidence-based practice that was developed to help promote the recovery of people who have serious mental illness through employment. This model is an evidenced-based program with proven success.

For several years now, HRC has held a top spot in the nation for program fidelity based on audits by the Department of Rehabilitation Services and IL Department of Mental Health as demonstrated by having the top score in the nation.  

IPS can help to address the following goals:

  • Assist persons with serious mental illness in choosing, obtaining, and maintaining competitive employment in the community.
  • Reduce or alleviate symptoms of mental illness through competitive employment.
  • Assist persons to identify work strengths, needs and preferences.
  • Provide support and assistance through the job search assistance.
  • Provide ongoing supports to employed persons to assist them in maintaining employment.

To participate in IPS the person must meet these criteria:

  • Participants must be identified as having a mental illness;
  • Must be 18 years of age;
  • Must reside in Edgar or Clark County, IL;
  • Must have documentation of mental illness that impacts the person’s ability to achieve and/or maintain competitive employment;
  • Participant must meet at least some of the following criteria:
    — Question the benefits of employment in treating mental illness;
    — Interested in work but are experiencing doubts about their ability to work or the impact of work on their public entitlements;
    — Work history has been interrupted or inconsistent due to mental illness but would like to return to work;
    — Interested in or actively seeking employment but have been unsuccessful;
    — Employed but have expressed the need or desire for ongoing supports to maintain employment or seek different employment;
    — Employed but would benefit from follow-along supports to maintain employment;
    — Has the need for integrated vocational and mental health services over an extended period of time;
    — Has a history of working in a non-competitive situation, little to no competitive employment history, or inconsistent/interrupted employment history due to mental illness;
    — Receiving mental health services or be in the process of obtaining mental health services.

These services are available by contacting (217) 465-4118 and requesting mental health services. If, following an assessment, the person and their therapist identify this service as a benefit to the individual and the individual chooses, the service may be offered.

Our team

Meet Our Team

HRC has staff members providing services throughout Edgar and Clark counties in IL. Staff members include but are not limited to Certified Recovery Support Professionals, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors, Qualified Mental Health Professionals, Mental Health Professionals, and Recovery Support Aides.

Jessica Collins

Jessica Collins is a Crisis Recovery Support Specialist at HRC with a psychology major and human resources administration minor from Eastern Illinois University. She enjoys helping people and finds her work with teenagers and young adults particularly rewarding. Jessica loves spending time with her own family and helping young families navigate the challenges of parenting.

Mary Alice Parks

Mental Health Professional, Direct Support Professional
Mary Alice Parks is a highly skilled professional at HRC who has served as a QIDP, DSP, and crisis intervention professional. With her extensive experience, she has filled in for shifts at the Rest Area and is an active member of the mental health crisis intervention staff. Her dedication and expertise are a valuable asset to the organization, and she continues to benefit those she serves throughout various HRC programs.

Julia Wernz

Clinical Director of HRC
Dr. Wernz is a licensed psychologist with more than 15 years of experience as a clinician, clinical supervisor and program director. Clinically, Dr. Wernz specializes in treating individuals with attention deficit, mood, anxiety and personality disorders and is a certified trauma specialist. Dr. Wernz has developed an expertise in working with veterans, first responders, and other individuals who present with post-traumatic stress disorder. Dr. Wernz is the Clinical Director of HRC, supervising all outpatient mental health and substance use disorder treatment.

Kerri Woolard

Crisis Recovery Support Specialist
Kerri, holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Health Administration, which she obtained from Indiana State University in 2015. Her enduring passion for mental health counseling and a strong inclination to assist others have been constants in her life. Kerri's empathetic nature allows her to connect with individuals facing life's challenges, providing them with a compassionate ear and supportive words. Outside of her professional endeavors, Kerri finds solace in moments of quiet reflection. She values quality time spent with friends and family and embraces the opportunity for more solitude. Kerri is enthusiastic about her role within HRC, particularly her involvement with the LRP (Living Room Program). She eagerly anticipates the journey ahead and making positive impacts.

Natasha Littlejohn

Crisis Recovery Support Specialist
Natasha Littlejohn, values her family most. Her deep love for family is evident in her choice of pastimes, which include cherished moments spent with her loved ones, camping adventures, fishing excursions, and leisurely strolls in the great outdoors. Currently, Natasha is diligently pursuing her degree in Marriage and Family Science, driven by her aspirations to become a Marriage and Family Therapist. Her ultimate goal is to attain a Masters's degree, furthering her expertise in this field to better serve individuals and families seeking therapeutic support.

Tee Stark

Crisis Recovery Support Specialist
Tee, a member of our Living Room Program team, brings valuable qualifications to their role. Tee holds a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and is presently pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree through ISU (Indiana State University). Tee's previous professional experience includes positions with Vigo County CASA and an internship at the Vigo County School Corporation, where Tee worked alongside an elementary school counselor. Within the HRC, Tee is eager to embark on a fulfilling journey. Tee's goals include completing both internships offered by HRC, starting with a generalist internship and subsequently advancing to a clinical internship.

Makenzie Means

Crisis Recovery Support Specialist
Prior to HRC, Makenzie Means dedicated a significant portion of her career to providing care to the elderly, particularly those affected by dementia and Alzheimer's disease. This compassionate commitment extended over a span of 5 to 6 years at Carriage Crossing, where she cherished her role. In addition to her work at Carriage Crossing, Makenzie also briefly contributed to ERBA, all while maintaining a PRN position in the healthcare sector. Her unwavering passion lies in assisting others, a driving force that has guided her career choices. Regardless of her chosen profession, Makenzie's primary goal has always been to make a positive impact by aiding those in need. Currently, Makenzie is excited to be part of the LRP (Livong Room Program) team at HRC. In this role, she looks forward to the opportunity to connect with new individuals daily and provide valuable assistance to the program's guests.

Jill Garland, LCSW

Licensed Mental Health Therapist
Jill Garland holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Indiana State University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Pathology, also from Indiana State University. With a rich background in the field, she has cultivated extensive professional experience in assisting both adults and adolescents facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues, with a particular emphasis on supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Jill derives immense satisfaction from creating a safe haven for survivors of domestic violence and other forms of trauma, guiding them towards empowerment and healing. Her therapeutic approach revolves around a person-in-environment perspective, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the individual within their unique circumstances. Jill is known for her unwavering commitment to professionalism in her practice. During her leisure time, she indulges in personal interests including reading, thrift shopping, and quality moments spent with friends and family.

Grayce Hightshoe

Grayce Hightshoe - Bachelor Level Mental Health Therapist
Grayce Hightshoe worked at HRC as a bachelor level mental health therapist for a just a few months! As a previous substitute teacher for PreK through 6th grade, Grayce has extensive familiarity in working with kids and feels drawn to serving that demographic. In May 23', she graduated from EIU with a bachelor's in psychology, with concentrations in education and human services program administration. She has recently applied to EIU to (hopefully) start a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling this summer! She wants to follow this career path because she wants to support people and help them help themselves. This job has given her plenty of applicable tools that she can utilize in school and in her official professional career. Outside of work, Grayce is a muralist and artist, having painted 6 murals at schools in Robinson! She also enjoys running and hiking, playing piano and guitar, and spending time with her friends, family, fiancé, and 6 cats!
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US

Testimonials

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“This woman may not remember me in a couple of years, but I will always remember her. The work you do here has changed my life, and it’s amazing.” [From a person who participated in mental health services regarding a Therapist]
Mental Health Services- Impact
5
One individual said, “I love the fact that I have a safe place to talk about issues. It helps me to relieve the stress of everyday life. It helps me get the support that I need. I like being with others who understand my needs and feelings”.
Quality of Services - Safe place to be understood
5
One individual said, “HRC has given me the tools to deal with my depression and anxiety. I am hopeful and have the will to live. I see the light instead of the darkness.”
Quality of Services - Impowered to deal with emotions
5
One individual said, “The services I received at HRC has helped me to regain hope and believe that recovery is possible. The encouragement and support I received has helped me to gain employment and have a belief in a better future.”
Quality of Services- Hope in Recovery
5
One individual said, “HRC helps me get through the day. I come in feeling stress and sadness. After talking to one of the RSS who listen to my problems when it is time to leave I feel better. I hope to live my life without stress and worries. I just want to be happy. I don’t know what I would do without the support of HRC”.
MH- Unload Stress
5
One individual said, “Thank you for seeing me on such short notice. I really appreciate your help.”
MH- Short Notice
5
One individual said, “I'm glad I can talk to you about what I've been through. It helps to get it all out.”
MH- Getting It All out
5
One adolescent said, “Thank you for being here for me today. I always feel comfortable coming in here and talking”
MH- Comfortable Services
5
One individual said, “I greatly enjoy coming to this group. I enjoy sharing with others and learning from each other.”
MH- Groups are Enjoyable
5
One person served said, “The services I am receiving have made a difference in my life and given me the extra support to improve things.”
MH SUD- Extra Support
5
One individual said, “You have been one of the only people who did not judge me and tell me I am worth more.”
MH, SUD- No Judgement
5
One individual served said, "I come here for me. No one else knows that I come here and that is okay. If it weren't for HRC I wouldn't be where I am today."
MH, SUD- I Come Here For Me
5
One individual said, “I especially like the peer-led group sessions. Knowing the facilitator has experienced some of the same things I have gives me a measure of comfort and hope. Their understanding comes from their own life experiences. They’ve seen through it too. Through sharing experiences with each other, I get much needed validation."
MH, SUD- Recovery Peer Led Groups
5
"I like coming here. Everyone is nice to me here, and no one judges me."
MH, SUD- Nonjudgmental
5
"You have helped me change my life. I don't want to go back to the guy I was before."
MH, SUD- Helped Me Change
5
"I can get services before I get my funding from the state. I have lots of friends."
MH- Able to Get Services Before Funding
5
“HRC helps me get through the day. I come in feeling stress and sadness. After talking to one of the RSS who listen to my problems when it is time to leave I feel better. I hope to live my life without stress and worries. I just want to be happy. I don’t know what I would do without the support of HRC”.
MH- Gets Me Through The Day
5
“I greatly enjoy coming to this group. I enjoy sharing with others and learning from each other”.
Senior Wellness Group Member
5
“I love the fact of having a safe place to talk about issues. It helps me to relieve the stress of everyday life. It helps me get the support that I need. I like being with others who understand myneeds and feelings”.
Becky Davison
5
“HRC has given me the tools to deal with my depression and anxiety. I am hopeful and have the will to live. I see the light instead of the darkness.”
Patsy King
Payment for Services

What Is the Cost of the Services?

HRC is the primary provider of such services for people who have Medicaid while also providing services to people who have private insurances. HRC offers assistance including reduced fees for individuals who have an inability to pay for services.
CONTACT US

Have Questions?

All HRC services are designed to assist individuals and families to be more independent, healthy, and resilient. Contact us to learn more!
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