The goal of the Pro Bono Counseling Project (PBCP) is to increase access to mental health counseling for individuals, couples or families who do not have insurance or are otherwise unable to afford mental health counseling.
This is a short- term counseling arrangement (up to 12 sessions within a 3-6 month period) with a volunteer licensed mental health professional at no cost to the client. Volunteer therapists need to have an active Indiana license and malpractice coverage.
Once we receive your application, we will review it to make sure you are a good candidate for this project. We consider your employment and insurance status, as well as your financial stress and the type of problem you are hoping to address with a therapist.
As the therapist is donating their time, it is expected that the client does their best to keep scheduled appointments. The therapist may choose to terminate the service after multiple missed appointments. If the assigned therapist or applicant determine that the client needs will not be well met by the therapist, the PBCP will assist in connecting the client with another therapist or service.
The following list are problems that are best served through other providers and organizations in the community. We are happy to help connect applicants with other appropriate community services.
Jean Davidson, LCSW, LMFT, has been in practice for over 10 years. She provides individual therapy to adults and adolescents, and also offers couples therapy and family therapy. At this time, she is open to seeing clients either in person or virtually.
Stephanie McIntosh Szabo, LMHC, LCAC, has been in practice for over 10 years. She specializes in treating individuals experiencing substance abuse issues. At this time, she is open to seeing clients virtually.
Maria Guarraci, LCSW, has been in practice for over 10 years. She specializes in treating individuals experiencing anxiety and depression. Maria takes a Solutions Based Approach to therapy. At this time, she is open to seeing clients virtually.
Lisa Kelly, LCSW, has been in practice for over 10 years. She provides individual therapy to clients suffering from perinatal mood disorders, anxiety, and depression. She utilizes CBT and Mindfulness Based strategies in therapy. At this time, she is open to seeing clients either in person or virtually.
Naomi Adams, LCSW, LCAC, has been in practice for over 10 years. She specializes in treating individuals experiencing substance abuse issues with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. At this time, she is open to seeing clients virtually.
Tracey Malesa-Wheaton, LCSW, has been in practice for 7 years. She provides individual therapy clients, and has specific expertise using emotion regulation techniques, mindfulness techniques, and EMDR with those who have experienced trauma. At this time, she is open to seeing clients virtually.
Tonya Newton, LSW, has been in practice for nearly 2 years. She works with individuals suffering from OCD or hoarding disorders, those experiencing low self-esteem, and/or those experiencing issues in aging of self or a loved one, and she also works with couples, using Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Notably, she is ADHD-CCSP certified, LGBTQ friendly, and poly couple friendly. At this time, she is open to seeing clients either in person or virtually.
John Petersen, PsyD, HSPP, has been in practice for over 10 years. He works with couples, and his practice is grounded in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. He also specializes in sex therapy. At this time, he is open to seeing clients virtually.
Paul Sexton, LCSW, has been in practice for almost 5 years. He works with teens, young adults, and men, offering individual therapy and family therapy, and specializing in treating anxiety. At this time, he is open to seeing clients either in person or virtually.
April Rowe, LCSW, has been in practice for over 10 years. She specializes in treating individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, and PTSD. At this time, she is open to seeing clients either in person or virtually.
Once an applicant is screened and found to be appropriate for the PBCP, MHAM matches the applicant to a volunteer therapist. Once the therapist accepts the applicant, the therapist follows their normal protocols. The PBCP will request a monthly check in (on line) for an update on whether the service is still being provided. At the completion of the service, the PBCP will ask for an feedback of how the service went, including progress made.
If you are found eligible for this program, there is no additional cost to you.
We will help make referrals for services needed beyond the scope of what our volunteer therapists are able to provide.
Once you begin work with your volunteer therapist, you will contact them directly with any changes needed to scheduling. We are here to help trouble shoot any problems that arise during your participation with the program.
Contact MHAM directly if you feel that the therapist will be unable to meet your needs. We will work hard to match you with a service provider who will meet your needs.