Personal Counseling Services

Personal Counseling Services (PCS) Inc., an outpatient, non-profit, 501(c)3 mental health organization, was established in 1959 by three determined women—Berniece Nicholson of Clarksville, Mary Vawter of Jeffersonville, and Bea Baxter of New Albany—who recognized the need for community mental health and pastoral counseling.

Over the past sixty-five years, PCS's multidisciplinary professional counseling staff has provided over 629,000 hours of individual, couple, family, and group counseling to 520,000 children, youths, and adults, along with medication management, addiction therapy, psychological testing, and specialized programs like music therapy and substance use disorder treatment.

Serving seventeen counties in Indiana and four in Kentucky, PCS ranks as one of the region’s leading providers of mental health and faith-based services, accredited by the Solihten Institute for integrated healing, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for its Substance Use Disorder Program, and the Louisville Better Business Bureau.

Our mission is to provide mental health services to everyone desiring wellness of body, mind, spirit, and community, with a vision to be the integrative Center of choice, providing and promoting excellence that is accessible and affordable for all.

Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, PCS offers evidence-based, client-centered services including marriage and family therapy, pastoral counseling, addictions counseling, play therapy, intensive outpatient programs, the Azari Program for first responders and veterans, and music therapy for individuals of all ages and abilities, fostering holistic recovery and empowerment through an interdisciplinary approach that treats the whole person.

What we treat

Treatment & Programs

Levels of Care

Recovery programming here is structured across a continuum of outpatient support. Clients can access everything from early intervention services—requiring just a few hours a month—to a rigorous Intensive Outpatient program that meets for nine hours a week over a 12-week period.

Intensive Outpatient Outpatient

Therapies

Clinical interventions blend traditional evidence-based modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy with specialized experiential methods. The center is particularly celebrated for its board-certified music therapy program, which runs alongside structured interactive journaling and pastoral counseling.

Music Therapy Family Therapy Group Therapy Individual Therapy Couples Therapy

Addictions

The clinical team at PCS strongly emphasizes treating addiction as a brain disease, utilizing careful assessments to guide recovery. They address a wide spectrum of drug problems and alcohol dependency, tailoring approaches based on whether an individual exhibits mild, moderate, or severe substance use disorder.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Conditions

Therapists provide targeted care for primary substance use disorders alongside co-occurring mental health challenges. The multidisciplinary staff works collaboratively to stabilize psychological distress, equipping individuals to build a self-directed, healthy life.

Issues

Beyond the primary diagnosis, counselors help individuals navigate complex life stressors like family conflict, anger management, and relationship issues. The specialized Azari Program intentionally addresses the deep trauma and unique workplace burdens experienced by first responders, dispatchers, and military veterans.

Relationship Issues Family Conflict

Programs

Operating as a holistic mental health organization, the facility balances clinical rigor with an integrated, Christian faith-based healing philosophy. They maintain several unique specialty tracks, including their dedicated Substance Abuse Disorder Program and active play therapy utilizing sand trays and therapeutic games.

Evidence Based Holistic/Integrative Christian Faith-Based

On-site

Amenities

Treatment takes place in a comfortable clinic setting designed to foster community healing rather than a residential atmosphere. Depending on the specific service, therapeutic sessions are held in dedicated onsite spaces, offsite office locations, or at contracted community facilities.

Coverage

Payment

Ensuring affordable access to mental health support is a core pillar of the organization's regional mission. They accept most commercial insurance providers, TriCare, and Indiana Medicaid, while also extending a flexible adjusted fee scale based on household income for uninsured community members.

Please contact the facility directly to verify insurance coverage and payment options. Many facilities offer free insurance verification.

Call to Verify Coverage

Eligibility

Who We Serve

Serving seventeen counties across Indiana and four in Kentucky, Personal Counseling Services welcomes clients ranging from children as young as two to adults up to age 102. Their diverse programming specifically supports marginalized communities, youth needing emotional guidance, and couples navigating interpersonal distress.

Age Groups

Adults (26-64)

Populations Served

Couples

Additional Services

Wraparound support includes extensive assessment and evaluation services to ensure each individual receives an accurate clinical picture before treatment begins. The organization also employs psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners to oversee ongoing medication management and runs dedicated Employee Assistance Programs for local workplaces.

Medication ManagementAssessment/Evaluation Services

About

Facility Info

Established in 1959 by three determined local women, this non-profit 501(c)3 organization is deeply rooted in the Clarksville community. Operating out of Indiana as a dedicated outpatient mental health center, the facility focuses on providing accessible and equitable behavioral care for the entire region.

Credentials

Accreditations

Highlighting an enduring commitment to integrated, faith-based healing, Personal Counseling Services is fully accredited by the Solihten Institute. Additionally, their specialized substance use tracks hold independent accreditation from CARF, reflecting strict adherence to industry-leading therapeutic standards.

CARF