In this article, we’ll look at the services provided by Thrive Mental Health Counseling and how they help support the mental health of their community.
About Thrive Mental Health Counseling
Thrive Mental Health Counseling Center is a non-profit mental health center in Oak Park, Illinois, and has been helping the community since 1898.
Located close to downtown Oak Park, it’s easy to reach from Chicago and nearby suburbs.
Thrive’s mission is to support people in achieving mental and emotional well-being by fostering healthy minds, families, and communities.
Their programs are centered around hope, resilience, and recovery.
For over 120 years, Thrive has been dedicated to reducing suffering and helping individuals and families live healthier and more hopeful lives.
They offer a variety of mental health and community services, with a team of caring and experienced social workers, counselors, and psychiatric staff who are trained in different areas.
The team is diverse and understands the emotional challenges of starting counseling and providing compassionate and respectful care.
Thrive Counseling Center accepts most major insurance plans, as well as Medicare and Medicaid.
They also offer sliding scale fees for residents of Oak Park and River Forest who don’t have insurance.
Mental Health Services Provided By Thrive
1. Counseling Services
Thrive Counseling Center understands that starting counseling can be emotionally challenging, so they provide a caring and respectful environment with a diverse team of counselors who are highly trained in various specialties, including EMDR.
They ensure all client information is kept confidential, following Illinois laws. During the intake process, they work to match each person with a counselor who best fits their needs.
Their services cover a wide range of counseling options, including individual therapy for both adults and youth, marriage and couples counseling, family therapy, and group counseling.
2. Psychiatric Services
Thrive Counseling Center offers both counseling and psychiatric care in one convenient location.
Their experienced psychiatrists provide excellent care in a comfortable, supportive environment, focusing on your overall well-being.
They keep all client information private, following Illinois laws. Services include psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and coordination with other types of care.
3. 24/7 Crisis Team
A mental health crisis occurs when someone faces overwhelming emotional or behavioral stress that they can’t handle alone, often due to a specific event.
Crisis intervention helps calm the situation, provides support, and helps the person understand what’s happening.
This can involve thoughts of suicide, losing touch with reality, or other dangerous behaviors.
Thrive Counseling Center has trained crisis counselors who work with local police to offer immediate help in the Oak Park and River Forest areas. They keep all client information private, following Illinois law.
4. Client Advocacy
The staff at Thrive Counseling Center helps clients who are already receiving counseling or psychiatric care by connecting them with additional wellness services to support their recovery.
They can refer clients to external providers for health, legal, medical, and transportation services, assist with applications for benefits like Medicaid and Social Security, help reduce medication costs through pharmaceutical assistance programs, and provide support in navigating daily challenges while fostering confidence, independence, and coping skills.
5. Group Services
Thrive Counseling Center offers group services that help individuals develop coping skills, live independently, and improve their social interactions.
Participants have the opportunity to both give and receive supportive feedback as they work together to overcome challenges.
They also learn about community resources to support their recovery after completing the program. All client information is kept confidential in line with Illinois laws.
The center provides various group sessions, including some in-person (with masks required) and others online.
- Join Art Therapy with Angie Potaczek every Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:30 am, in person. This group offers adults a chance to express themselves through art, work on projects at home, and share their experiences in a supportive environment. It’s open to anyone 18 and older.
- Charlotte Holley offers a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) group on Thursdays from 1:00 to 2:30 pm. Over 12 weeks, this group helps adults strengthen their emotional health through mindfulness, better communication, and managing emotions. The program is divided into three 4-week parts, and new participants can start at the beginning of any part.
- Charlotte Holley’s Grief Group meets online every Wednesday from 10:00 to 11:30 am. It provides a supportive space for adults to share their grief, understand the grieving process, and learn ways to cope.
- Elainna Simpson also leads a Grief Group in person on Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Like Charlotte’s group, it helps adults talk about and manage their grief.
- Meaning Through Music with Kevin Vega is held in person on Wednesdays from 12:00 to 1:30 pm. This group helps adults manage stress and practice mindfulness through music, exploring the connection between music and memory.
- Mindfulness Basics with Angie Potaczek takes place in person on Wednesdays from 11:00 am to noon. Adults learn simple stress-reducing techniques like stretching, guided meditation, and breathing exercises.
- Charlotte Holley’s Relationships Group meets online every Friday from 10:00 to 11:30 am. It’s a supportive space where adults can learn how to build and maintain healthy relationships, set boundaries, and become more self-reliant.
- The Trauma Clinic led by Laura Arbetman and Angie Pill offers group and individual sessions on various days and times. This clinic helps adults manage and recover from the effects of trauma. Pre-screening is required; see the flyer for more details.
5.2 Youth Groups
- Coping Cat with Ryne Dominguez, LCSW, is an in-person program held on Tuesdays from 5:00 to 5:50 pm. This free group is for 7th and 8th graders in Oak Park and River Forest and helps kids manage anxiety by normalizing their feelings and teaching coping skills. Screening and registration are needed.
- Empowered for Greatness with Susanna Ramos, LSW takes place in person on Wednesdays from 5:00 to 5:50 pm. This 9-week group is open to all genders ages 13-15 and focuses on building self-esteem, improving body image, and learning coping skills. Screening and registration are required.
6. Suicide Prevention / Awareness
Since 2015, Thrive has been working to prevent suicides in Oak Park and River Forest. Each year, about six people in the community die by suicide, and around 4,000 people have suicidal thoughts.
Thrive’s staff, trained in suicide prevention, teaches the community how to recognize and help those at risk.
They also train local police, EMTs, and school staff to handle these situations. Thrive offers half-day training to show people how to spot signs of suicide, connect those in need with resources, and support them.
By raising awareness and reducing stigma, Thrive aims to lower suicide rates and encourage people to get help.
7. Trauma Clinic for Adults
Thrive understands that many people they help have experienced trauma, which can impact their daily lives and mental health.
Recognizing the limited options for trauma-specific treatments like EMDR, Thrive aims to make these treatments more available to the community.
This program offers specialized, evidence-based therapies to help people manage the effects of trauma, delivered by qualified professionals.
You can check more about trauma clinics for adults by checking their official website.
Board of Directors & Team of Professionals
Thrive Mental Health Counseling has a dedicated team of exceptional mental health professionals who are committed to offering high-quality care.
Here are just a few of the services we provide. For more detailed information about their mental health professionals and their qualifications, please visit their official website.
1. Board of Directors
The Board of Directors at Thrive Counseling Center includes:
- Maria Garvy is the Chair, leading the board and overseeing its activities.
- Mike Ohata as the Vice Chair, assisting the Chair and stepping in when needed.
- Mike Harris, MBA, serves as the treasurer, managing financial matters.
- Frowene Rodgers, MBA, serving as the Secretary, is responsible for keeping records and ensuring effective communication within the board.
This dedicated team helps guide and support the center’s mission and operations.
2. Team of Professionals
Leadership TeamPsychiatric ServicesYouth ServicesFinanceMarketing
2.1 Alice Amell, LPC
Alice has Master’s degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Sport and Human Performance from Adler University.
She helps clients develop coping skills, boost self-acceptance, improve their thinking, and deal with traumatic memories.
She especially focuses on working with people who have experienced trauma.
2.2 Alix Reid, MSW, LSW
Alix completed her Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in Mental Health and Well-Being from Dominican University.
She specializes in supporting individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, life transitions, and self-esteem issues.
Alix applies person-centred and strengths-based approaches in her therapy, along with elements of family-systems theory.
2.3 Amanda Lopez
Amanda earned her Bachelor’s degree in Community Health Promotion and a minor in Health and Wellness Coaching from Illinois State University.
As a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), she is dedicated to promoting equitable access to healthcare.
2.4 Andrew Nabil Aramouni
Andrew is working on his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on Trauma-Informed Counseling.
As the child of an immigrant and someone who has worked with immigrant and refugee communities both locally and abroad, he is passionate about helping people who have experienced trauma.
2.5 Angela Potaczek, MA, LCPC, ATR
Angela has a Master’s in Art Therapy from the University of Illinois Chicago and a Bachelor’s in Fine Art from Columbia College Chicago.
She is interested in art therapy, mindfulness, and helping people with depression, anxiety, life changes, and relationship issues.
Angela works with creative professionals like writers, artists, musicians, performers, and filmmakers, using mindfulness and other techniques to help them connect with their creativity and get through tough times.
2.6 Angie Pill, LCSW, CADC
Angie has a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Arts from Marquette University. She focuses on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, substance use, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Angie helps people with self-esteem, body image, trauma, boundaries, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and other mood problems. She sees clients as experts in their own lives and works to highlight their strengths, empower them, and help them achieve their goals.
2.7 Celia Li Thomas, LPC
Celia has a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Moody Theological Seminary and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Michigan.
She focuses on helping people with trauma, PTSD, learning disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, racial identity, grief, and spirituality.
2.8 Charlotte Holley, MSW
Charlotte is interested in trauma, substance use issues, mood disorders, personality disorders, and various therapies like CBT, DBT, and ACTCorinne got her Bachelor’s in Nursing from DePaul University and her Master’s in Nursing with a focus on substance abuse from St. Xavier University.
2.9 Corinne Battista, MS, RN
.Corinne got her Bachelor’s in Nursing from DePaul University and her Master’s in Nursing with a focus on substance abuse from St. Xavier University.
She worked as a nurse educator for most of her career and retired from Triton College after 30 years. Corinne has also raised three adopted children in Oak Park.
2.10 Daisy Rios, LCPC
Daisy has a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and a Bachelor’s in Psychology.
She works with young people, including teens, and uses therapies such as CBT, DBT, and expressive therapies. Daisy has experience helping teens, adults, and families with trauma, anxiety, depression, and life challenges.
She is also trained in domestic violence, trauma-focused therapy, anger management, and case management.
Employment and Internship Opportunities at Thrive
1. Employment Opportunities
1.1 Adult Therapist
As an Adult Therapist, you’ll work with a team to provide therapy to individuals, couples, and groups. You’ll help people and families facing behavioral, mental, or emotional challenges, guiding them in setting treatment goals to support their well-being.
1.2 Advanced Crisis Therapist
As an Advanced Crisis Therapist, you’ll support people in crisis, helping them stabilize and access mental health services. You’ll work with clients to manage stress and make healthier choices.
1.3 Engagement Specialist
An Engagement Specialist on Thrive’s Crisis Team is on call 24/7 to respond to mental health emergencies in Oak Park or River Forest as part of the Statewide 988 program.
The role is suited for individuals with personal experience in mental health who are passionate about helping others facing similar challenges.
Full training is provided, and support from licensed therapists is available. The position offers both full-time and part-time options, including weekend and overnight shifts.
1.4 Youth Therapist
Young Therapists have both full-time and part-time opportunities available.
In the full-time role, therapists work with both youth and adults, providing individual, family, and group therapy sessions. The job includes evening and/or Saturday hours, with a target of 23 sessions per week.
Full-time therapists receive benefits like continuing education, loan forgiveness, a retirement plan, health insurance, paid time off, sick leave, a professional development stipend, case consultations, an end-of-year wellness week, and clinical supervision.
A Master’s Degree in a related mental health field is required, and clinical licensure and experience with Medicaid Rule 132 and IM+CANS are preferred.
The part-time role focuses mainly on youth therapy, with the option to also work with adults. Part-time therapists work weeknights and Saturdays, with a target of at least 5 sessions per week.
Part-time staff also receive continuing education, loan forgiveness, and clinical supervision.
A Master’s Degree in a related mental health field is required, with clinical licensure and experience with Medicaid Rule 132 and IM+CANS preferred.
Want to know more about mental health counseling services, check these out:
- CPH Mental Health Counseling: Compassionate Support
- Black Mountain Counseling Center Review
- Liberty Mental Health Counseling: Freedom in Healing
2. Internship Opportunities
2.1 Administration Intern
This internship can be full-time (30+ hours) or part-time (20-30 hours) and is open to college students and recent grads interested in learning about non-profit and community mental health organizations.
Interns will gain experience in areas like nonprofit management, social media, website management, data analysis, fundraising, marketing, public administration, social work, and community outreach. This is an unpaid internship.
2.2 Counseling and Social Work Intern
This internship is for second-year Master’s students in counseling or social work who want to work with youth and families in a community mental health setting.
Interns will gain experience in direct therapy, group therapy, case management, and assessments.
Availability for evenings and Saturdays, with a minimum of 24 hours per week, is required. This is an onsite, unpaid internship.
2.3 Crisis Intern
This internship is for second-year Master’s students in clinical counseling or social work. Interns will manage therapy cases, respond to crises, and help with inbound calls.
They will work with a team including former interns and licensed professionals.
Interns should be ready to handle urgent situations and work with community services like law enforcement and hospitals. This is an unpaid internship.
On the other hand, Thrive Counseling Center offers an internship Program for second-year Master’s students in clinical counseling or social work.
These internships run from August to May, requiring 24 hours of work per week. Interns can choose from three areas: general therapy for adults, therapy for youth and families, or a combined focus on therapy and crisis intervention (which requires a car).
Interns will spend 40% of their time providing direct therapy and 60% on training and supervision, including weekly one-on-one sessions, group case discussions, and monthly training.
Interns will work with different types of clients, such as individuals, couples, and families. To apply, email a cover letter, resume or CV, and 2-3 letters of recommendation (preferably in PDF format) to [email protected].
Address and Contact Information
Thrive Mental Health Counseling is located at 120 South Marion Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302.
You can reach them by phone at (708) 383-7500 or send faxes to (708) 383-7780.
Their current hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. T
To make an appointment or learn more about their services, you can call 708-383-7500. For more details, visit their official website.
