Chronic Illness Counseling
Lead Clinician: Dr. Brianna Henning, LCSW, who specializes in chronic illness counseling.
Available: In-person at Our Various Locations (Schererville, Valparaiso, Hobart, Merrillville) and statewide via telehealth
Interested in Working for Pillars in This Program?
We’re always looking for passionate, skilled clinicians who want to make a difference in their specialty area while being part of a collaborative and supportive team.
As a member of this Center of Excellence, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Provide focused services in your area of interest
- Collaborate with other program-aligned clinicians
- Receive mentorship, supervision, or leadership opportunities
- Help shape the future of programming and community outreach
- Grow clinically while contributing to innovation and excellence
Whether you’re early in your career or looking to expand your expertise, we’re committed to helping you thrive professionally and make an impact.
Who This Program Is For
This program is for individuals of any age living with long-term physical health conditions and/or chronic illness such as:
- Cancer
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Lupus, MS, RA)
- Diabetes or endocrine disorders
- Cardiac conditions
- Chronic pain or fatigue syndromes (e.g., Fibromyalgia, ME/CFS)
We also support caregivers and family members impacted by a loved one’s chronic illness.
What You Can Expect
- Personalized therapy focused on emotional support and coping with illness
- Clinicians with specialty training in chronic illness and psychosocial care
- Whole-person approach addressing physical, emotional, and lifestyle impacts
- Optional collaboration with your medical team (with consent)
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Why Mental Health Support Matters
Chronic illness deeply affects both body and mind. Many individuals face:
- Anxiety, depression, or grief after diagnosis
- Isolation or frustration in managing symptoms
- Identity shifts or disrupted daily life
Research shows:
- People with chronic illnesses are 2–3x more likely to experience mental health issues (CDC)
- Therapy helps reduce stress, improve coping, and enhance quality of life (APA)
Evidence-based therapies like CBT, ACT, and MBSR are effective tools in managing emotional and physical health challenges.
Individual Session Format & Frequency
- Format: In-person, telehealth, or hybrid
- Frequency: Weekly, bi-weekly, or month based on your needs
- Length of Treatment: Dependent on individual needs
- Insurance: Most insurances accepted; Sliding scale options available
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For Individual Clients
If you’re living with a chronic illness and wondering whether this program is right for you, our administrative team is here to help. We can:
- Answer questions about the program
- Explain the intake process
- Verify insurance or payment options
- Match you with a clinician who fits your needs
To get started: Call our office or complete our contact form — we’ll guide you through each step.
For Medical and Wellness Partners
We welcome referrals and collaboration with:
- Primary care providers and specialists
- Hospitals, infusion centers, and rehab programs
- Employer wellness programs and EAP coordinators
We offer:
- A simple, streamlined referral process
- Coordinated care with medical teams (with client consent)
- Tailored workshops and trainings on the emotional impact of chronic illness
To connect: Please reach out to our Program Lead. We’re happy to provide referral materials, schedule a meeting, or explore how we can support your patients or employees.