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Braden Counseling Center

1815 Mediterranean Dr Sycamore, IL 60178
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About Braden Counseling Center

Braden Counseling Center is a rehabilitation facility in Sycamore, Illinois, that provides substance abuse treatment for adults for the small town and surrounding areas. They offer an intensive (IOP) and general outpatient (OP) program for individuals to receive treatment. The facility believes it’s often the case that personality characteristics can influence substance use. With that in mind, they offer group counseling services that integrate substance abuse treatment with mental health treatment. By teaching skills for both issues, clients can potentially have a higher chance of success with recovery.

The treatment programs at Braden Counseling Center are conducted on Mondays and Thursdays between 6 pm and 9 pm. Individuals can begin treatment by calling the office and setting up an intake appointment.

When clients arrive at their appointment, they’ll be assessed by a certified counselor. After gathering information from the patient, and with the patient’s consent, from friends and family, The counselor will want to know about past treatment history, medication history, physical health and other information to come up with an appropriate treatment recommendation. Patients will typically receive group and individual therapy as a part of their treatment plan.

If a client is in need of medical detox services, Braden Counseling Center can refer patients to a professional detox service.

In group and individual therapy sessions, some of the topics that will be addressed include how to manage urges and cravings, relapse prevention skills and co-occurring disorders. One unique thing about this facility is that all the staff members have completed NARCAN training. In the event of a suspected or known opioid overdose, staff members can use NARCAN in an attempt to reverse an opioid overdose and save a client’s life.

Latest Reviews

Tom Weber
2 months ago on Google
1
Terrible place don't listen to you or try to understand that not everyone needs therapy try to nickle and dime u for everything don't recommend I've been in mental health for over 20 years and never been a place that requires you to see a therapist or counselor just to see a pyschiatrist really bad place not everyone needs therapy some folks just need medicine to help maintain themselves there r people who finish therapy and no longer need they don't believe in tht
Response from the owner1 month ago
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and feedback. We genuinely value the insights from our clients as it helps us continuously improve and provide better services. Our primary goal is to ensure that all our clients have the best possible chance to succeed, and we believe in utilizing all available tools to achieve that. Numerous studies have shown that the combination of medication and therapy can significantly enhance the chances of success. While we do encourage this approach, I want to clarify that we do not require you to see our in-house counselor. You have the flexibility to choose any counselor you prefer. All we ask is that your counselor provides documentation showing that you are following their recommendations. We have observed great success with clients who have embraced this method, and our intention is to support you in every possible way. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Pedro Tomasini
3 months ago on Google
5
Professional, caring, and truly helpful. Highly recommend for anyone seeking support!
Response from the owner1 month ago
Thank you for the kind words.
Michael Conlee
3 months ago on Google
5
Braden Counseling has been instrumental in improving communication between my wife and me. We re incredibly grateful to Vicki, whose support and guidance have helped us navigate our emotions and strengthen our bond. Thanks to her, we re starting our marriage on a much stronger foundation and feel confident about our future together.
Response from the owner1 month ago
Thank you for the kind words. Our staff wants the best for everyone involved.
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Rehab Score

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Scoring is assigned by a proprietary system which helps surface key metrics that determine quality. The 10-point scale factors in categories such as operations, customer satisfaction, and trust metrics. Read Full MethodologyCaret icon
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6.8 / 10

Accepted Insurance

Braden Counseling Center works with several private insurance providers and also accepts private payments when possible, please contact to verify your specific insurance provider.

Other Forms of Payment

Private insurance refers to any kind of healthcare coverage that isn't from the state or federal government. This includes individual and family plans offered by an employer or purchased from the Insurance Marketplace. Every plan will have different requirements and out of pocket costs so be sure to get the full details before you start treatment.

Self-pay involves paying for treatment out of your own pocket. You can use savings or credit, get a personal loan, or receive help from family and friends to fund your treatment. If you don't have insurance or your insurance plan doesn't cover a specific program, self-pay can help ensure you still get the care you need.

Financial aid can take many forms. Centers may have grants or scholarships available to clients who meet eligibility requirements. Programs that receive SAMHSA grants may have financial aid available for those who need treatment as well. Grants and scholarships can help you pai for treatment without having to repay.

Sliding scale payments are based on a client's income and family size. The goal is to make treatment affordable to everyone. By taking these factors into account, addiction recovery care providers help ensure that your treatment does not become a financial burden to you or your family, eliminating one barrier to care.

Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance for those 65 and older. It also serves people under 65 with chronic and disabling health challenges. To use Medicare for addiction treatment you need to find a program that accepts Medicare and is in network with your plan. Out of pocket costs and preauthorization requirements vary, so always check with your provider.

Military members, veterans, and eligible dependents have access to specific insurance programs that help them get the care they need. TRICARE and VA insurance can help you access low cost or no cost addiction and mental health treatment. Programs that accept military insurance often have targeted treatment focused on the unique challenges military members, veterans, and their families face.

Addiction Treatments

Levels of Care

outpatient iconOutpatient
Outpatient Programs (OP) are for those seeking mental rehab or drug rehab, but who also stay at home every night. The main difference between outpatient treatment (OP) and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) lies in the amount of hours the patient spends at the facility. Most of the time an outpatient program is designed for someone who has completed an inpatient stay and is looking to continue their growth in recovery. Outpatient is not meant to be the starting point, it is commonly referred to as aftercare.
inpatient iconInpatient
When participating in an inpatient rehab program, you'll reside at the treatment center for the duration of the program. Your housing and meals are provided, allowing you to focus on your recovery without outside triggers, stressors, and other distractions. You'll receive daily addiction counseling, drawing on various psychotherapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing. Many inpatient drug rehabs also offer complementary holistic therapies, such as yoga, meditation, or animal therapy, and creative arts therapy.
intensive-outpatient iconIntensive Outpatient
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are for those who want or need a very structured treatment program but who also wish to live at home and continue with certain responsibilities (such as work or school). IOP substance abuse treatment programs vary in duration and intensity, and certain outpatient rehab centers will offer individualized treatment programs.
aftercare iconAftercare Support
Rehab aftercare programs provide a full continuum of care for clients who are exiting inpatient treatment. Though outpatient care is often considered an element of drug rehab aftercare, services typically continue for the remainder of the clients' life and long after formal treatment is completed. Clients work with their case managers and care team to formulate a customized portfolio of medical, mental health, and social service resources designed to evolve as the client's needs change.
12-step icon12-Step
Participants in 12 step programs focus on emotional, psychological, and spiritual growth as the foundation for long-term sobriety. They engage in regular 12 step meetings, which are anonymous, free, and accessible day and night, year-round, in most communities. Participants also receive one-on-one mentoring from a self-selected sponsor. Though the 12 steps of recovery are based on spiritual principles, religious affiliation isn't required. Specialized formats are available, including programs for seniors, teens, and families.
sober-living iconSober Living Homes
Living in a sober living home in Illinois is a lot like living in a traditional home. Everyone must contribute to household chores and maintenance. All residents must work and pay rent. Individuals can mostly come and go as they please, but they must be home before curfew. Most men's and women's sober living homes also host house meetings where they resolve disputes, assign responsibilities, and welcome new residents.
heart-hands iconIntervention Services
Loved ones can utilize a drug intervention in Illinois to help with addressing a family member's problematic substance use. The goal of the intervention is to educate the individual about the negative effects of their substance use and encourage them to accept professional treatment. Intervention services can help families initiate this conversation and plan appropriate follow-up care, such as inpatient or outpatient rehab.

Treatments

The goal of treatment for alcoholism is abstinence. Those with poor social support, poor motivation, or psychiatric disorders tend to relapse within a few years of treatment. For these people, success is measured by longer periods of abstinence, reduced use of alcohol, better health, and improved social functioning. Recovery and Maintenance are usually based on 12 step programs and AA meetings.

Drug rehab in Illinois is designed to help people recover from addiction to a number of substances. The length of each program and its intensity tend to vary, and the plan of care is based on your individual needs.

Opioid rehabs specialize in supporting those recovering from opioid addiction. They treat those suffering from addiction to illegal opioids like heroin, as well as prescription drugs like oxycodone. These centers typically combine both physical as well as mental and emotional support to help stop addiction. Physical support often includes medical detox and subsequent medical support (including medication), and mental support includes in-depth therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.

Substance rehabs focus on helping individuals recover from substance abuse, including alcohol and drug addiction (both illegal and prescription drugs). They often include the opportunity to engage in both individual as well as group therapy.

Programs

adult-program thumbnail image
Adult Program
Adult rehab programs include therapies tailored to each client's specific needs, goals, and recovery progress. They are tailored to the specific challenges adult clients may face, including family and work pressures and commitments. From inpatient and residential treatment to various levels of outpatient services, there are many options available. Some facilities also help adults work through co-occurring conditions, like anxiety, that can accompany addiction.
young-adult-program thumbnail image
Young Adult Program
Young adulthood can be an exciting, yet difficult, time of transition. Individuals in their late teens to mid-20s face unique stressors related to school, jobs, families, and social circles, which can lead to a rise in substance use. Rehab centers with dedicated young adult programs will include activities and amenities that cater to this age group, with an emphasis on specialized counseling, peer socialization, and ongoing aftercare.
military-program thumbnail image
Military Program
Serving in the military is both mentally and physically challenging, and can result in trauma that persists even after combat ends. Military programs are tailored to the specific and often complex needs of active duty personnel, veterans, and military families. Clients often access these programs through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Clinical Services

If you engage in cognitive behavioral therapy in Illinois, your therapist will work with you to change your thinking patterns. You'll learn how to recognize faulty thinking and develop skills to deal with stress without using substances.

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Motivational interviewing in Illinois is person centered and collaborative. This method allows the therapist to come alongside the client to address the issue of ambivalence toward change. By listening and reflecting, the therapist helps the client see the need for change and commit to making changes.

Trauma therapy provides you with a safe and supportive environment so you can address a traumatic experience. Your therapist helps guide you to understand your emotional, mental, and physical responses while developing healthier coping skills. This helps to improve your emotional resilience and ability to function in the community.

Whether a marriage or other committed relationship, an intimate partnership is one of the most important aspects of a person's life. Drug and alcohol addiction affects both members of a couple in deep and meaningful ways, as does rehab and recovery. Couples therapy and other couples-focused treatment programs are significant parts of exploring triggers of addiction, as well as learning how to build healthy patterns to support ongoing sobriety.

Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.

Staff & Accreditations

Staff

Brenda Butz

COO

Mallory Ludwig

Program Director

Accreditations

State Licenses are permits issued by government agencies that allow rehab organizations to conduct business legally within a certain geographical area. Typically, the kind of program a rehab facility offers, along with its physical location, determines which licenses are required to operate legally.

State License: Illinois

Contact Information

Phone icon (815) 787-9000
Building icon

1815 Mediterranean Dr
Sycamore, IL 60178

Fact checked and written by:
Eric Owens
Edited by:
Peter Lee, PhD

Rehab in Cities Near Sycamore

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Reviews of Braden Counseling Center

3.37/5 (89 reviews)
5
Staff
1
Amenities
1
Meals
1
Value
5
Cleanliness
5
49
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
32

Reviews

1
Couples marriage /not

Went in for what should have been marriage counseling. We enter a room with a desk full of rubber duckies, looks like a teenager room. I'm sorry but what does someone who hasn't even lived life know about marriage? She didn't say a word but pretended to type on her comput ... Read More

D.
Reviewed on 6/11/2025
Staff
5
Amenities
1
Meals
1
Value
1
Cleanliness
5
Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

3.4 (88 reviews)
Robert Hunyard
2 days ago
5

If it wasn't for brain counseling, I don't know what I'd be doing as far as my sanity

Brett Gamble
5 days ago
5

Thank you so much for your help. I had a very positive experience today.

Eduardo Fernandez
1 week ago
5

She was very polite and explain everything very well n helpful n much needed that thank you

Jeremiah Picurro
1 month ago
1

Response from the ownerInvalid relative date format:
I wanted to touch base with you regarding the negative reviews we've received. It's always challenging to respond to these because we deeply respect everyone's privacy.<br><br>What I can share is that we often receive negative feedback due to the nature of our services. We provide a lot of court-ordered counseling, and unfortunately, this often leads to dissatisfaction among our clients. We are bound to follow the guidelines set by the state, and while we may not always agree with these rules, we are ethically obligated to adhere to them.<br><br>Please understand that we do not make the rules; we simply ensure that we follow them to the best of our abilities. Our primary goal is to provide the best possible service while respecting the legal requirements imposed upon us. I am not saying this is you, again you may not even be a client at our office. <br> I wanted to touch base with you regarding the negative reviews we've received. It's always challenging to respond to these because we deeply respect everyone's privacy.<br><br>What I can share is that we often receive negative feedback due to the nature of our services. We provide a lot of court-ordered counseling, and unfortunately, this often leads to dissatisfaction among our clients. We are bound to follow the guidelines set by the state, and while we may not always agree with these rules, we are ethically obligated to adhere to them.<br><br>Please understand that we do not make the rules; we simply ensure that we follow them to the best of our abilities. Our primary goal is to provide the best possible service while respecting the legal requirements imposed upon us. I am not saying this is you, again you may not even be a client at our office. <br><br>
marissa lodge
1 month ago
1

Unwelcoming.

Response from the ownerInvalid relative date format:
Thank you for your feedback. As hard as we try, we will never make everyone happy. We have no idea if you are a client, but we would love to talk to you on why you gave us a 1 star review. We would like to do our best to make you happy.
Mandi “Whiskers” Moran
1 month ago
5

Response from the ownerInvalid relative date format:
Thank you so much for your positive review.
Tom Weber
2 months ago
1

Terrible place don't listen to you or try to understand that not everyone needs therapy try to nickle and dime u for everything don't recommend I've been in mental health for over 20 years and never been a place that requires you to see a therapist or counselor just to see a pyschiatrist really bad place not everyone needs therapy some folks just need medicine to help maintain themselves there r people who finish therapy and no longer need they don't believe in tht

Response from the ownerInvalid relative date format:
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and feedback. We genuinely value the insights from our clients as it helps us continuously improve and provide better services. Our primary goal is to ensure that all our clients have the best possible chance to succeed, and we believe in utilizing all available tools to achieve that.<br><br>Numerous studies have shown that the combination of medication and therapy can significantly enhance the chances of success. While we do encourage this approach, I want to clarify that we do not require you to see our in-house counselor. You have the flexibility to choose any counselor you prefer. All we ask is that your counselor provides documentation showing that you are following their recommendations.<br><br>We have observed great success with clients who have embraced this method, and our intention is to support you in every possible way. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.<br>
Nathan Blake
3 months ago
1

Response from the ownerInvalid relative date format:
Please reach out to us for the reason for the one star review. We would like the opportunity to fix any problems that you may have. <br><br>Thank you<br>
Pedro Tomasini
3 months ago
5

Professional, caring, and truly helpful. Highly recommend for anyone seeking support!

Response from the ownerInvalid relative date format:
Thank you for the kind words.
Michael Conlee
3 months ago
5

Braden Counseling has been instrumental in improving communication between my wife and me. We’re incredibly grateful to Vicki, whose support and guidance have helped us navigate our emotions and strengthen our bond. Thanks to her, we’re starting our marriage on a much stronger foundation and feel confident about our future together.

Response from the ownerInvalid relative date format:
Thank you for the kind words. Our staff wants the best for everyone involved.
Hunter Kaltenbach
8 months ago
1

Ash Allen
8 months ago
1

I wanted to leave this message back in January when the first ever incident took place with my husband's care but he wanted to give this facility another chance. This place has been NOTHING but a horrible experience for myself and my husband. My husband was a patient at Braden Counseling Center working with a therapist that was removed from their staff abruptly. If I recall correctly, he was told the DAY BEFORE his appointment with her that his therapist was no longer employed with them and that he would not be able to see or contact her again (at least through them, they offered no help or explanation). Then THEY chose a random new therapist to assign to him (and all of the rest of her clientele that were also left hanging.) Despite this, they told their patients that this (now terminated) therapist was the one to refer them to the new one; trying to claim that she thought these pairings would "work well" when the reality was that they assigned her patients random providers. These are people going through mental health crisises, people who struggle in their day to day lives and the entire situation was handled with ZERO care or tact for my husband or any other patient recieving care. This almost ruined his view on mental health counseling entirely but he wanted to keep trying so we scheduled another appointment. He found a new therapist, a trauma specialist, and set to work for several months on a new care plan until his new therapist went on leave. His temporary replacement was someone who specialized in addiciton and did not know how to handle him or his needs at all but he kept going to his appointments because his regular therapist was due to come back soon enough. When she did, he attempted to make an appointment with her only for them to call him an HOUR before his appointment to tell him his insurance was having difficulties. The appointment was cancelled on short notice with no apology on behalf of the facility for not reaching out any sooner than RIGHT before. He updated his insurance information and asked once more to make an appointment with HIS therapist and was ghosted for weeks on end. He finally called to see what was going on and why they had failed to contact him to be told ONCE MORE his therapist is leaving and they could just place him back with the Addiciton Specialist. (he does not struggle with addiction. He is working through CPTSD). These are two of many instances of this facility showing how LITTLE they care for the REAL PEOPLE in their care. Mental Health is a very sensitive subject and these kinds of setbacks are traumatizing. On behalf of myself, who held him while he sobbed because he had no faith in his providers, and every other patient that they have failed: DO NOT COME HERE.

Response from the ownerInvalid relative date format:
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about your experience at Braden Counseling Center. I am truly sorry for the difficulties and frustrations you and your husband have faced while seeking care here.<br><br>Unfortunately, turnover is an inevitable part of any agency, including ours. We do our best to hire only the most qualified counselors, and sometimes that can take time. We certainly strive to avoid hiring individuals who do not meet our standards, but occasionally we may make a mistake. When a counselor leaves, we endeavor to pair patients with a counselor who will be a good fit, although this is not an exact science.<br><br>I want to assure you that we genuinely care about our patients' mental health. Our commitment to providing the best possible care is the reason we exist. If we did not care, we would not have an office at all. We continuously strive to do what is right and improve our services.<br><br>If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to someone in management. We are here to help and support you.
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