Construction is under way at our new outpatient counseling center! We are ready to provide counseling, case management and Telepsychiatry to the underserved, including Medicaid recipients who have serious mental illness or emotional disturbance. Pictured is Zach, the Medical Records guru at the new counseling center. Zach will soon be joined by therapists and case managers. He's ready for the phones to start ringing!

So, what IS this new outpatient counseling center? "Stepping Stones Outpatient Counseling Center will provide compassionate, trauma-informed, value-based community mental health services to individuals and families facing mental and behavioral health barriers in Winnebago County. Mental Health Treatment Services and Case Management offered at the Center will expand and enhance mental health recovery options in Winnebago County. The goal will be to provide children, adolescents and adults with serious mental illness and serious emotional disturbances with Mental Health Treatment including Diagnostic Evaluation, Supportive Counseling, Medication Management and Case Management services in an individual, group or family setting."

How is this expansion possible? Stepping Stones of Rockford received funds to expand services, as made possible via the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board (MCCMHB) 1/2 Cent Sales Task. To read more about WCCMHB, please go to http://r1planning.org/wccmhb

How is this different from other counseling options in the community? Stepping Stones is expanding choice for those with serious mental illness and serious emotional disturbances, with priority given to those on Medicaid. There are many excellent providers in our community. We aren't competing--we're complimenting and expanding opportunity and choice! Providing mental health services to children and teens with severe emotional disturbances and serious mental illness will help address the lack of services for these age groups.

When will the counseling center open? We are pleased to say that counseling services have begun! The construction won't stop therapists from providing services. Slow but steady progress is the name of the game during this remodeling project. A a safe, welcoming, spacious treatment area for all who receive services takes time to build. We're excited to get services rolling despite the renovation. When you call the center to inquire about services, please ask for details about provision of services during the construction. It is anticipated that services will be provided at our Main Office location until Phase I of the remodel is completed. The Main Office is located at 706 N. Main Street, right across the street from the Discovery Center.

Where is this new counseling center? 4317 Maray Drive, Rockford IL 61107.

Who can go there? Expanded services will be focused on providing outpatient services across the lifespan for those with serious emotional disturbance or serious mental illness, with priority to those receiving Medicaid. When you call for an intake, your eligibility will be confirmed. Kiddos, teens and adults are within the scope of services.

Don't have insurance? Call the office! Let's see if you qualify for counseling and/or case management services.

How do I get ahold of someone at the new counseling center? Please call 779-970-5605.

What do I need if I call for an intake and appointment? We'll need to verify your eligibility, so please have your insurance information ready to go (i.e. Medicaid Card, RIN number, Managed Care/MCO, Medicare information). 

I don't drive. How do I get there? The office location was specifically chosen to be on the RMTD bus route, with a bus stop right down the street. Other options might be available, so don't let transportation get you down!

By the way, WE'RE HIRING! We need an Associate Director of Service, therapists, and case managers. If you are interested in working at the new program, please reach out to our HR department (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Stepping Stones provides furnished office space, scheduling, and insurance. You focus on mental health services; we'll focus on the behind-the-scenes stuff. 

We look forward to updates about this adventure. Here's to speedy completion of our new office!