Shelter Services Counseling
About the Program
Shelter Services Counseling is a trauma-informed mental health program designed for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Services are delivered through partnerships with shelters and community organizations and include individual therapy, group counseling, psychoeducation, and post-shelter support.
This service line offers trauma-informed mental health care for individuals and families navigating homelessness or housing instability. Services are delivered in partnership with shelters and community organizations to reduce barriers to care and support emotional stability during periods of transition.
Safety & coordination notice: All services are coordinated directly through partner shelters or approved referral pathways. Pillars of Wellness does not solicit clients directly inside shelters, request payment information outside established systems, or provide services without proper coordination and consent.
Who This Program Supports
This program is ideal for individuals and families experiencing:
- Housing instability or homelessness
- Trauma related to domestic violence, displacement, or chronic stress
- Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or emotional overwhelm
- Relationship conflict, parenting stress, or family disruption
- High-stress life transitions or recovery
Suitable for:
- Individuals
- Families and couples
- Shelter residents served through organizational partnerships
What You Can Expect
Shelter Services Counseling is a wraparound mental health program that partners directly with shelters to provide accessible, strengths-based, trauma-informed care.
Services are delivered by licensed clinicians and supervised interns and are never contingent upon payment, participation in unrelated programs, or sharing personal financial information outside approved systems.
Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy
Confidential, personalized counseling sessions focused on stabilization, emotional regulation, and relationship support.
Group Therapy and Peer Support Groups
Weekly groups focused on:
- Trauma recovery
- Coping with anxiety or depression
- Healthy parenting
- Communication and problem-solving
Resource Session After Intake
A follow-up session to support:
- Coping tools and emotional regulation
- Safety planning
- Connection to appropriate community resources
Psychoeducation and Digital Resources
Clients receive access to PillarsU, an on-demand learning platform covering:
- Trauma and the nervous system
- Grief, anxiety, and depression
- Mindfulness and emotional regulation
- Communication and relationship tools
Post-Shelter Virtual Support Group
A telehealth group for individuals transitioning out of shelter settings who are seeking continued emotional support.
All care is delivered in a culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and judgment-free environment.
Program Impact
trauma-informed psychoeducation groups completed
Pillars of Wellness’ Shelter Services Counseling program delivers trauma-informed, shelter-based psychoeducational and support groups designed to be accessible, relevant, and engaging for individuals and families experiencing housing instability.
With over 90% of participants reporting positive experiences related to listening, relevance, and engagement, and an average overall rating of 4.5 out of 5, these outcomes highlight the effectiveness of Pillars’ community-based mental health support delivered through shelter partnerships.
Group-based support isn’t one-size-fits-all, yet 9 out of 10 participants rated sessions as highly relevant to their current needs—reflecting a program designed to meet most individuals where they are while continuing to adapt to diverse experiences.
92% of participants rated their group leader’s listening skills a 4 or 5 out of 5, reporting feeling heard, respected, and understood during sessions.
90% of participants rated group topics as highly important to their current needs, reflecting timely and meaningful discussion topics.
90% of participants rated group activities a 4 or higher for engagement and enjoyment, supporting active participation and skill-building.
87% of participants rated their overall group experience positively (4–5 out of 5), with an average overall rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Client Testimonials
“I think Griffin does a fantastic job at listening to everybody and getting his lessons across. I believe the system that’s in place now is working just fine. I enjoy going to groups.”
— Anonymous
“Pillars of Wellness is our most important community partner. The Shelter Services Program is so impactful for our clients, giving them coping skills and building their resiliency for the future.”
— Lisa Swayne, Gabriel’s Horn
Meet Our Clinicians
Lead Clinician: Erin Brown, LMHC-A
Specialist: Griffin Rhyne, LMHC-A
Our Shelter Services clinicians are licensed, trauma-informed professionals experienced in working with individuals and families navigating crisis, housing instability, and complex trauma. Care is collaborative, strengths-based, and rooted in dignity and respect.
Pillars of Wellness is a community-based mental health organization providing therapy, education, and specialty programs across Indiana and surrounding regions.
Partnership Information
We proudly collaborate with:
- Emergency and transitional shelters
- Domestic violence programs
- Housing and outreach organizations
- Community service providers
Examples of partnership offerings include:
- On-site therapy and group facilitation
- Clinician consultation and case collaboration with consent
- Customized support for crisis response, transitions, and long-term planning
- Access to PillarsU psychoeducation tools and virtual workshops
- Intake mental health assessments for shelter residents to guide recommendations
Interested in partnering or requesting services?
Contact: info@pillarsinspires.com
Pillars coordinates all services directly with partner organizations. We do not request personal information, payments, or enrollment outside of approved shelter or referral processes.
Applicant Information
Interested in working for Pillars in this program?
As part of this Center of Excellence, clinicians have the opportunity to:
- Provide focused services in their specialty area
- Collaborate with program-aligned clinicians
- Receive mentorship, supervision, and leadership opportunities
- Help shape future programming and community outreach
- Grow clinically while contributing to innovation and excellence
Healing Starts Here
Shelters are often places of survival. With the right support, they can also become a launching point for healing, stability, and hope. You don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to walk alongside you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What mental health services are available for shelter residents?
Shelter residents may receive trauma-informed individual therapy, group counseling, psychoeducation, and post-shelter virtual support coordinated through partner organizations.
Do you provide counseling directly inside shelters?
Yes. Pillars partners with shelters to provide on-site and virtual counseling services based on the needs of each organization.
Is Shelter Services Counseling free to clients?
Services are coordinated through shelter partnerships or approved referral pathways. Clients are never asked for payment or personal financial information outside established systems.
Who provides the counseling services?
All services are delivered by licensed mental health clinicians and supervised interns trained in trauma-informed and culturally responsive care.
Do you offer support after someone leaves a shelter?
Yes. A post-shelter virtual support group is available for individuals transitioning into stable housing who want continued emotional support.