Christian Counseling in St. Charles, IL
For many people, faith is central to how they understand their struggles, their relationships and their hope. At Hesed Psychological Services, every one of our clinicians offers Christian counseling: professional, evidence-based therapy informed by the tenets of the Christian faith and practice and by Scripture, whenever a client asks for it. We also gladly serve clients of any faith or of no faith. We see clients in our St. Charles office and by telehealth, and we serve Kane County and DuPage County, including Geneva, Batavia, Elgin, South Elgin, Aurora, Wayne, West Chicago, Wheaton, Winfield, Warrenville, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Lombard and Downers Grove.
Why "Hesed"?
Hesed is a Hebrew word from the Scriptures, often translated "steadfast love" or "lovingkindness". It describes faithful, committed kindness that goes beyond what's required. We chose the name because it describes the kind of care we want to give. Our approach considers the whole person: biological, psychological, social and spiritual.
What Christian counseling looks like at Hesed
Christian counseling at Hesed is counseling informed by the tenets of Christian faith and practice and by Scripture. It isn't a separate program or a different team: any Hesed clinician can provide it, so you can choose a therapist for their specialty and still have your faith be part of your care.
You decide how much faith is part of your therapy. Some clients want Scripture and Christian principles woven throughout their sessions. Others simply want a therapist who understands and respects their beliefs. When you start, tell us your preference. Your therapist will follow your lead and adjust at any time. If you ask, your clinician may pray with you in session. Prayer is never required, and it's entirely your choice.
Faith is added to sound clinical care, not used in place of it. Your therapist still uses evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, and exposure-based treatment for OCD, matched to your needs.
Clients often bring concerns like these:
- Anxiety, depression and stress
- Religious scrupulosity (religious or moral OCD)
- Grief, loss and questions of meaning
- Marriage and relationship conflict, and family challenges
- Guilt, shame and self-forgiveness
- Spiritual struggles, doubt, or hurt connected to church experiences
- Infertility and adoption-related difficulties
- Life transitions and caring for aging parents
Choosing a therapist
Because every clinician offers Christian counseling, choose by specialty and fit. For example:
- Dr. Brad Kahle, PsyD, specializes in OCD and treats depression, anxiety, grief, relationship difficulties and spiritual/faith concerns.
- Andrew Linder, LCSW, has 37 years of experience with individuals, couples and families, including guilt, shame and self-forgiveness.
- Dr. Alyssa Donovan, PhD, treats anxiety, OCD and traumatic stress, and offers therapy in English and Spanish.
- Dr. Eiko Venovic, PsyD, works with depression, anxiety, relationships, identity and acculturation.
Meet all of our clinicians on our Clinicians page.
For everyone
Hesed welcomes clients of every faith background and of none. Christian counseling is offered at your request. If you'd rather not bring faith into your counseling, it won't be. See our general Counseling & Therapy page.
Insurance, hours and location
Christian counseling at Hesed is professional mental health therapy, billed like any other therapy. We're in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Optum, UnitedHealthcare, UMR, Aetna, Cigna and Medicare. Coverage depends on your plan.
Office: 2580 Foxfield Road, Suite 201, Saint Charles, IL 60174.
Telehealth is available throughout Illinois. Dr. Ben Pyykkonen, Dr. Eiko Venovic, Dr. Jen Kern and Ben Wenzel can also see clients in other states, including PSYPACT jurisdictions.
Hours: Monday–Thursday 8 AM–8 PM · Friday 8 AM–6 PM · Saturday 8 AM–2 PM · Closed Sunday
Frequently asked questions
Is there Christian counseling near me in Kane or DuPage County?
Yes. Every clinician at Hesed Psychological Services offers Christian counseling at our St. Charles office. It's close to Geneva, Batavia, Elgin, Wayne, West Chicago, Wheaton, Warrenville, Glen Ellyn and Naperville. Telehealth is available throughout Illinois. Dr. Ben Pyykkonen, Dr. Eiko Venovic, Dr. Jen Kern and Ben Wenzel can also see clients in other states, including PSYPACT jurisdictions.
What is Christian counseling at Hesed?
It is professional, evidence-based therapy informed by the tenets of Christian faith and practice and by Scripture, offered whenever a client asks for it.
Which therapists offer Christian counseling?
All of them. Every Hesed clinician offers Christian counseling, so you can choose a therapist by specialty and still include your faith.
Do I have to be a Christian to see a Hesed therapist?
No. We serve clients of any faith or of no faith. Christian counseling is offered at your request, and faith isn't brought into your sessions if you don't want it.
Does insurance cover Christian counseling?
Our Christian counseling is professional mental health therapy, billed like any other therapy. We're in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Optum, UnitedHealthcare, UMR, Aetna, Cigna and Medicare.
Do you treat religious scrupulosity?
Yes. We treat religious scrupulosity (religious OCD) with evidence-based OCD treatment, delivered with respect for your faith.
Will my therapist pray with me?
If you ask, your clinician may pray with you in session. Prayer is never required. It is offered only at your request.
Do you offer Christian marriage counseling?
Yes. Couples therapy is available, and it can be informed by Christian faith and Scripture at your request.
All of our clinicians are currently accepting new clients.
Find counseling that honors your faith. Call (331) 707-4031, ext. 8, and tell us you'd like Christian counseling, or request an appointment online.