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50+ Years
experience
Behavioral Health Services in Aurora, IL
Family Counseling Service has been a trusted provider of behavioral health care since 1925, dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities navigate mental health challenges. Our team of masters-level licensed clinicians brings over 100 years of combined experience, offering evidence-based therapies tailored to clients of all ages. We specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and crisis intervention, utilizing approaches like CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed care.

Multilingual services in English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Arabic, and ASL ensure accessibility for diverse populations. Our commitment to flexibility includes extended hours, telehealth options, and personalized care plans. As a community-focused nonprofit, we prioritize client-centered outcomes, maintaining rigorous professional standards while fostering hope, growth, and resilience in every therapeutic relationship.
Services
Behavioral Healthcare Psychiatric Services Substance Abuse Treatment Dialectical Behavior Therapy First Responder BH Program Older Adult Services Violence Intervention Telehealth Counseling Multilingual Therapy Continuing Education
Details
  • Year established: 1925
Highlights and features
  • We have over 100 years of combined clinical experience in behavioral healthcare
  • Our team offers therapy in six languages including ASL and Spanish
  • We provide flexible scheduling with telehealth and evening appointment options
  • Specialized programs for first responders and DBT therapy for all ages
  • Continuing education seminars for mental health professionals since 1925
Services
Behavioral Healthcare
Our behavioral healthcare services provide comprehensive treatment for individuals facing mental health challenges. Specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, and mood disorders, we offer personalized therapy plans using evidence-based approaches like CBT and DBT. Our licensed clinicians work with children, adolescents, and adults to develop coping strategies and improve emotional well-being through both in-person and telehealth sessions.
Psychiatric Services
Our psychiatric services include comprehensive medication assessment and management for mental health conditions. Board-certified nurse practitioners and psychiatrists conduct thorough evaluations to determine appropriate pharmacological treatments, combining medication with therapy when needed. We specialize in treating complex cases involving co-occurring disorders and provide ongoing monitoring to ensure optimal treatment outcomes for adults and adolescents.
Substance Abuse Treatment
The substance abuse treatment program offers comprehensive care for individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Our certified counselors conduct initial assessments to determine appropriate care levels, providing both individual and group therapy using evidence-based modalities. The program addresses co-occurring mental health disorders and focuses on relapse prevention strategies, with specialized tracks for first responders and trauma-informed care approaches.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Our DBT program specializes in treating emotional dysregulation and complex mental health conditions. Certified therapists deliver skills training groups for teens and adults, focusing on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. This structured program combines individual therapy with group sessions to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms and improve relationship dynamics through evidence-based behavioral interventions.
First Responder BH Program
The First Responder Behavioral Health Program addresses the unique mental health needs of law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS personnel. Specialized therapists with public safety experience provide confidential counseling for trauma, stress, and occupational challenges. The program focuses on reducing stigma while offering crisis intervention, peer support components, and tailored treatment plans that respect the distinct culture and demands of first responder professions.
People
Ana Mejia
Clinical Supervisor
Specializing in anxiety, depression, and domestic violence treatment, Ana Mejia provides individual and family therapy using CBT and DBT techniques. With a master's in Art Therapy, she serves clients aged 13-55 through a client-centered approach.
Dara Karlov
Lead Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
With 30 years of nursing experience, Dara Karlov specializes in psychiatric care for all ages. As a dual-certified PMHNP and FNP, she provides comprehensive medication management and mental health evaluations, combining clinical expertise with compassionate care.
Josie Carollo
Director of Clinical Compliance
Josie Carollo brings extensive experience in adolescent and adult mental health treatment. A certified partner abuse intervention professional, she specializes in trauma-informed care and clinical compliance oversight, ensuring high standards of practice across all therapeutic services.
Vivian Ndangoh-Tendong
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Vivian Ndangoh-Tendong provides psychiatric care with a holistic approach, treating clients across the lifespan. Board-certified with dual degrees in social work and psychiatric nursing, she specializes in community-based mental health treatment for complex cases.
Jason Andrade
VP of Organizational Development
With over 20 years in behavioral health programming, Jason Andrade develops innovative service models and community partnerships. His expertise in crisis intervention team development bridges mental health care and law enforcement collaboration through evidence-based practices.
Questions
What mental health services are available for children?
We offer specialized therapy for children aged 3-17 addressing behavioral issues, trauma, anxiety, and school-related difficulties through play therapy and age-appropriate interventions.
Do you provide telehealth counseling options?
Yes, we offer telehealth services for all therapy programs, ensuring accessible care through secure virtual sessions with licensed clinicians.
Are your therapists qualified and licensed?
All clinicians are masters-level licensed professionals with specialized training in evidence-based therapies and over 100 years combined clinical experience.
What continuing education programs do you offer?
Our CE Network provides Illinois-licensed professionals with seminars on topics like substance use disorders, trauma treatment, and therapeutic techniques.
How can first responders access mental health support?
Our First Responder BH Program offers confidential counseling through therapists with public safety experience, addressing occupation-specific mental health challenges.
What payment options are available?
We offer flexible payment arrangements and work with various insurance providers to ensure accessible mental health care for all clients.
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