Shelter Services Counseling
Lead Clinician: Erin Brown, LMHC-A
Available: On-site at shelters, in-office at our locations, or via telehealth (NWI region)
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.
✨ [Apply here to join the team]
Who This Program Is For
This Shelter Services Program Supports:
- Adults and children living in emergency or transitional shelters
- Families navigating housing instability or domestic violence
- Individuals receiving outreach or services through shelter programs
- Youth, couples, and adults in high-stress transitions or recovery
Whether you’re experiencing homelessness, recovering from trauma, or navigating relationship stress, Shelter Services offers compassionate, culturally responsive care tailored to your needs.
What You Can Expect
Shelter Services is a wraparound mental health program that meets individuals and families where they are—partnering directly with local shelters to provide accessible, trauma-informed care.
We offer:
- Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy
Confidential, strengths-based therapy with licensed clinicians and supervised interns. Sessions are flexible and personalized. - Group Therapy and Peer Support Groups
Weekly groups create a safe space to build skills and connect with others facing similar challenges. Topics may include:- Trauma recovery
- Coping with anxiety or depression
- Healthy parenting
- Problem-solving and communication
- Resource Session After Intake
A follow-up session to identify coping strategies, safety plans, and community support connections. - Psychoeducation & Digital Resources
Through PillarsU, our growing library of on-demand videos covers:- Understanding trauma and the nervous system
- Coping with grief, anxiety, and depression
- Mindfulness and emotional regulation
- Communication and relationship tools
- Virtual Workshops
Monthly workshops promote resilience and accessible mental health education for shelter residents and staff.
Session Format & Frequency
- Format: In-person (on-site at shelters or in-office), telehealth, or hybrid
- Frequency: Weekly to start, adjusted based on client goals and progress
- Insurance: Most plans accepted; shelters may assist with coverage or referral
We are committed to flexible, accessible, and judgment-free care that adapts to each family’s circumstances and cultural context.
Why Mental Health Support Matters
Housing instability and shelter living come with intense emotional and relational stress. Left unaddressed, these experiences can contribute to:
- Emotional distress in both children and adults
- Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and chronic overwhelm
- Disrupted family systems, identity confusion, or shame
Research from HUD and the National Child Traumatic Stress Network shows that:
- Children in shelters face significantly higher rates of behavioral and emotional challenges
- Adults often carry trauma histories that directly impact present functioning
Therapy in shelter settings can help individuals and families:
- Process trauma and rebuild a sense of safety
- Regulate emotions and reduce shutdowns or outbursts
- Strengthen communication in family or partner relationships
- Improve self-worth, confidence, and future planning
- Learn coping tools for transitions, triggers, and high-stress environments
- Break cycles of violence, addiction, or shame
- Set goals for recovery, housing stability, and long-term healing
Shelters are often a place of survival—but with the right support, they can also be a launching point for hope and recovery.
For Shelter & Community Partners
We proudly partner with shelters, transitional housing programs, and community organizations to bring trauma-informed mental health care directly to clients where they are.
We provide:
- On-site therapy and group facilitation
- Clinician consultation or case collaboration with shelter staff (with client consent)
- Customized support for crises, transitions, or long-term planning
- Access to psychoeducation tools and virtual workshops through PillarsU
We are committed to trusted, collaborative, and culturally responsive care within the shelter setting.
Getting Started
For Individuals & Families
If you are currently in a shelter and want support:
- Ask a staff member for a referral to Shelter Services
- Email us directly at info@pillarstherapy.com
- Join a support group or attend a workshop offered at your site
All services are judgment-free and designed with your story and strengths in mind.
For Shelter Staff & Referral Partners
Healing Starts Here
At Shelter Services, we believe therapy can be the turning point from simply surviving to truly healing. You don’t have to do this alone—we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.