New Clients
Welcome, we are glad to help you along your life’s journey. To help smooth the course we’ll need a few papers.
Accreditation
Phone: (330) 759-3040
Fax: (330) 759-3070
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, about one in five Americans experiences a mental disorder in the course of a year. The good news is that a range of treatments exists to achieve good mental health, leading to an overall sense of well-being.
Churchill Counseling Services offers comprehensive mental health services to meet the needs of the persons served. Counseling services are provided at either of the two Churchill Counseling facilities or in the natural environment of the client. Regardless of location, services are provided in such a way to ensure privacy. The focus of these services is on treatment of the client’s mental or emotional issues. Services may include collaboration with the client’s primary care physician, psychiatrist, or other providers, with the signed consent of the client.
At the first appointment, a mental health assessment will be conducted to ascertain the nature of the client’s concern. The initial assessment delineates the reason for seeking services, a brief social history, and assessment of the client’s mood and behavior, history of abuse, and other pertinent information to make a diagnosis.
Counseling services are intended to help the client work toward understanding and resolving emotional conflicts, developing healthier coping strategies, restoring more positive interpersonal relationships, and exploring alternative behavior patterns.
Since a main objective is the provision of high quality outpatient services, provisions are made for psychiatric consultation when indicated. Clients may be referred to a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner to assess medication needs. At the discretion of the psychiatrist or nurse practitioner, medication may be prescribed and follow-up visits may be scheduled with the client so that the effects of the medication can be monitored. Recommendations may also be made for further assessment and/or inpatient treatment.
The purpose of psychological testing is to determine the client’s primary problems, identify his or her strengths and weaknesses, and determine which methods of treatment are most likely to be effective. The client will be told the cost and expected outcome of specific testing, for example, psychological or educational (IQ testing). The client has the right to refuse testing. Results of psychological tests are explained to the client and/or parent/guardian and may provide information about the client’s ability to benefit from counseling services and suggest the treatment modality that may be most effective.
Consultation services are provided to schools, day care agencies, businesses, and other organizations.
Churchill Counseling is a provider of Continuing Education, as certified by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage & Family Therapy Board. Churchill provides workshops in such areas as client treatment, ethics, supervision, and safety.
Critical Incidence Stress Briefing is provided upon request. We have assisted banking institutions and schools following a “critical incident” such as a robbery, death, or other threat.
Employee Assistance Services are provided to employees who are referred by either their place of business or insurance carrier. These services are brief, solution-focused sessions (usually 5 – 8 sessions).
Churchill Counseling Services, a woman-owned company, began as a small office in Liberty Township with a staff of five. Over the years, it has grown to a staff of 30, with an additional office in the Cornersburg area of Youngstown. Churchill receives referrals from many area physicians, attorneys, and schools. Our largest referral base is from current and former clients, which is a testament to the high quality of service we provide.
Our clinical staff treat clients from age 3 to 103, working with individuals, couples, and families with a variety of diagnoses. Our psychologists offer IQ and developmental testing, often receiving referrals from school counselors and area pediatricians. Our psychiatrists and nurse practitioners offer evaluative and medication management services. Our Spanish-speaking clinician treats many of our Hispanic clients.
Business hours of operation are Monday-Thursday, 8am-6pm; Friday 8am-1pm. Evening and weekend counseling appointments are also available.
Julie Plesich is a Licensed Professional Counselor who graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Youngstown State University. Before working in private practice, she began her professional career at Turning Point Counseling Services, which allowed her to work with clients on both an outpatient and inpatient basis, on the Crisis Stabilization Unit, and as a facilitator of group counseling. Julie also worked in Turning Point’s Emergency Department, enabling her to work closely with area hospitals as an emergency pre-screener. She has experience counseling children, adolescents, adults, and couples with a variety of issues including mood disorders, substance abuse, and psychosis. Julie utilizes a solution-focused approach with her clients and incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, psychoeducation, and mindfulness-based practices in order to optimize client progress.
Jamie Johnson is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor – Supervisor, having received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Youngstown State University. Jamie has been practicing counseling with children, teens, families, and adults since 2011 and has experience in nonprofit and private practice, which includes experience in home, office, and school interventions where she worked closely with clients and other professionals. She has received her basic training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and other trauma-focused interventions such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness Interventions. She specializes in the following issues: depression, anxiety, poor body image, behavioral/impulse control issues in children and teens, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Paulette is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with supervision designation and a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor. Additionally, she obtained specialized training and certification as a family development specialist and financial social worker, which has provided her with awareness and intervention strategies for dealing with challenging family issues. She earned her Bachelor and Master Depress in Social Work at Youngstown State University, graduated summa cum laude, and was inducted into several honorary organizations. She interned at Meridian Community Services and the Mahoning County Juvenile Justice Center, wherein she practiced the skillful application of core coping skills for individuals and families within the systematic understanding of families. More recently, she was acknowledged for her continued volunteer experiences with Youngstown State University as a field educator. She has also provided solution-focused clinical services as an effective counselor, psychotherapist, and educator to clients through the Mahoning Valley.
Breanna earned her Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Kent State University. She then went on to earn her Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Youngstown State University. While earning her degree, she completed her internship at the Mahoning County Juvenile Court. There she gained valuable experience working with children, adolescents, and their families to overcome trauma, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and LGBT+ issues. She uses an individualized, non-judgmental approach to counseling, allowing her clients to utilize their own strengths to achieve their personal goals.
Shannon Fahy is a Licensed Independent Social Worker, earning a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the Ohio State University. She also studied social and political conditions in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and has worked as a therapist for over 10 years with children, adolescents, and adults, most of whom have experienced significant trauma. Her specialties include depression, anxiety, trauma (including domestic violence and sexual assault), self-injury, body image and self-esteem, relationship issues, and women’s issues. Shannon is trained in the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) a highly specialized therapy that has impressive results in helping people overcome trauma. She also conducts trainings in cultural competence, domestic violence, self-injury, trauma informed care, and other areas related to mental health. Using a non-judgmental approach in her work, and considering how history, life experiences, and societal messages impact one’s capacity for growth, Shannon looks for the strengths that all people have and helps them to empower themselves.
Tina Bigowsky is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with over 14 years of experience in counseling children and adults of all ages. She has treated those who have depression, anxiety, mood changes, grief, trauma, difficulty in relationships, poor school performance, low self esteem, and issues unique to women. Feeling happier, improving communication skills, becoming a better parent, setting healthy boundaries and finding ways to deal better with the stressors of everyday life are goals that Tina has helped others to achieve. Tina has a Master’s Degree in Education/Community Counseling. She volunteers her time as a liaison to prospective transplant recipients, supports Relay for Life, and is an advocate for no-kill animal shelters and the ASPCA.
Kathy Wozniak has a 34-year background in mental health counseling and is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor – Supervisor. She has particular interest and experience in women’s issues, couples counseling, anxiety disorders, and phobias. Kathy is a yoga practitioner who incorporates breathing and other relaxation skills into her practice.
Susan Wardle-Burke earned her Bachelors of Arts degree and Master’s in Counseling from Youngstown State University. A Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Susan has been working in private practice since 1997 and has been with Churchill Counseling for 13 years. She has also been an intake (level of care) and diagnostic counselor for both Neil Kennedy Recovery Clinic and Turning Point Counseling. Susan currently works in various area hospitals as a contractor for Turning Point doing emergency prescreens. Her scope of practice is with adolescents and adults. Issues include depression, anxiety, OCD, divorce, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Susan specializes in working with both the families of, and individuals with, borderline personality disorder.
Karen Paradise, Licensed Independent Social Worker, received her Master’s of Social Work from the University of Akron. She earned her undergraduate degree from Youngstown State University where she received her Bachelor’s in Social Work. Karen works closely with children and adolescents as she is employed at a local school district. She also has extensive crisis intervention experience in rape, trauma and mental health illness. Her scope of practice at Churchill Counseling is with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and family counseling. Issues include depression, anxiety, chronic mental illness, self-esteem, behavioral issues, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Jennifer Palumbo is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor – Sueprvisor, having received her Master’s Degree in Community Counseling, with an emphasis on children and adolescents, from Youngstown State University. Jennifer has been practicing counseling for 10 years and has experience working with adolescents in crisis, families, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Kenneth Moore received his Master’s Degree in Community Counseling from Youngstown State University, currently working as a Psychology Associate. His specialty is working with minority children in the Youngstown area. He has also worked with the Youngstown Board of Education, Boy Scouts of America, Ohio State University, and the City of Youngstown.
Jim McGaha is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor – Supervisor, and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor – Supervisor, and a Licensed Social Worker. Jim has over 25 years of counseling experience. His background includes working with chronic psychiatric clients and with children with learning and behavioral problems. He was instrumental in setting up the SAMI or Dual-Diagnosis Program of Mahoning County Chemical Dependency Program, now known as Meridian Community Care. Jim worked for years with alcohol and drug addicted individuals. He has a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Youngstown State University, a Master’s of Science in Counselor Education from Kent State University, and postdoctoral studies at the University of Pittsburgh. During the past 20 years, Jim has also performed assessments and evaluative testing for the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Kim Lydic is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 22 years of experience in counseling children, adolescents, and adults. She specializes in treating individuals with depression, anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, grief, low self esteem, Autism Spectrum Disorder, divorce and custody issues. Kim has worked with numerous attorneys and the court system in dealing with child welfare issues. Kim has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Community Counseling from Youngstown State University. She has been employed at Churchill Counseling for 21 years.
Karen Kiriazis is a Licensed Independent Social Worker – Supervisor. After graduating from YSU in 1977, she worked as a caseworker in child welfare before returning to school for her Master’s Degree. She attended Ohio State University and completed her Master’s Degree in Social Work in 1987. Karen has worked with dialysis patients and as a social worker in an adult psychiatric unit in a hospital setting. Since 1996, she has been a mental health therapist with Churchill Counseling working with clients of all ages and specializing in mood/anxiety disorders, childhood abuse, and women’s issues. Karen has also provided supervison for social work students completing their internships from YSU and Case Western Reserve University. She has provided professional advisement to a local Depression/Bipolar Support Group and has been on the Alzheimer’s Association Board.
David Jones has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Ohio State University. He is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with a supervisory designation. Practicing in the Youngstown area since 2006, David’s areas of specialization are related to adolescents with behavioral difficulties, adults with anger issues, relationship issues, depression and anxiety. He is also an adjunct professor at Youngstown State University.
Amil Hernandez has been a counselor since 1970. He was a Supervisor and Clinical Director of Eastern Behavioral Health, and CEO and Clinical Director of Southbridge Counseling. Amil received his PhD in Counseling/Psychology from Columbia Pacific University, and his Master’s Degree in Community Counseling from Youngstown State University. He is currently a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. His areas of competence include working with clients of all ages dealing with Asperger Syndrome, aging, behavioral and psychotic disorders, self esteem and assertiveness, relaxation and meditation training, anxiety disorders. He is proficient in both Spanish and English.
Ed Dyer has been providing counseling services in the Mahoning Valley for 38 years. He has provided individual counseling, assisting individuals in making life adjustments, developing coping skills, and improving communications in relationships. He has also worked with many individuals dealing with behavioral and substance use issues. Ed, who received his Master’s Degree from Youngstown State University, is licensed as a Professional Clinical Counselor – Supervisor as well as an Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor – Clinical Supervisor. He has been on the adjunct faculty at YSU and is an Army veteran.
Toni DiMargio is a Licensed Professional Clinicial Counselor – Supervisor. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Youngstown State University in 1988, and graduated from YSU’s Master’s Program in Community Counseling in 1992. Working with clients of all ages for over 20 years, she currently specializes in counseling couples. In 1995, she became the owner and CEO of Churchill Counseling Services. In 2004, Toni received YSU’s Outstanding Alumnus/Counseling award. She has served as a member of YSU’s Beeghly College of Education Professional Education Council, YSU’s College of Education/Counseling Department Advisory Board, and Boardman Rotary. She currently is a volunteer with the Ebony Lifeline Support Group. As a consultant, Toni has worked with businesses and conducts professional education workshops. She is also an adjunct professor at Youngstown State University.
Susan Coonrod is an Ohio Supervisor Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Ohio Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor. Treatment interests are cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. Susan accepts child, teen, and adult clients for individual or family mental health therapy. A former teacher, she received her Master’s Degree in Community Counseling from Youngstown State University.
Danielle Morrone has been a Registered Nurse since graduating Summa Cum Laude from Youngstown State University in 2001. There, she earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing. She has worked within the community at area hospitals in the acute care setting, floating between Pediatrics, Newborn Nursery, Medical-Surgical, Orthopedic, Skilled Nursing, Cardiac, and Adult/Geriatric Psychiatry departments. Danielle earned her Master’s in Nursing Science degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner and is board certified through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She completed 250+ hours of advanced practice nursing at Churchill Counseling Services, analyzing simple to complex mental health diagnoses, providing psychopharmacological medication management and counseling, and assisting clients with effective coping skills based on their illness. For her Master’s thesis, Danielle completed her research on the effectiveness of Complementary Alternative Medicine treatments to alleviate chronic non-specific low back pain.
Lisa Hrina is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Her educational background includes a Master’s Degree of Science in Nursing from the University of Akron, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Nursing, and a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts in Psychology from Youngstown State University. Lisa is Board Certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center for the Psychiatric and Mental Health Treatment of individuals across the lifespan. She has worked in acute, residential, and state facilities treating children, adolescents, and adults for the past 20 years. Her passion and specialty is working with children and adolescents. Lisa is a very strong advocate in ensuring her clients and their families receive the education, support, and resources they need. She believes in and follows a shared decision-making and holistic model of care.
Dr. Melinda Smith provides psychiatric evaluation and medication services. She is employed part-time at Churchill Counseling while working full-time at Turning Point Counseling Service. Melinda is a board certified adult Clinical Nurse Specialist and obtained her doctorate degree from Chamberlain College. For her Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project, she developed a web-based “Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Toolkit for Mental Health Providers” for clients with depression, anxiety, and agitation. She is a part-time adjunct instructor for nursing students in the psych rotation at Kent State University.
Philip Maiden MD provides psychiatric evaluation and medication services. He works part-time at Churchill Counseling while working full-time as the Medical Director at Belmont Pines Hospital. Phil has provided many workshops for the community, sharing his expertise about medications prescribed for children and adolescents. He received his Medical Degree from James Quillen College of Medicine in Tennessee and completed his residency at Cornell University College of Medicine. He is a Diplomate in both General Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
Linda Caimano received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from Penn State University and her Adult Nurse Practitioner Degree from Kent State University. She specializes in pain management and psychiatry. She has worked for several local hospitals as well as consulting at the Cleveland Clinic.
Michael Stern earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Princeton University, and his Doctorate of Clinical Psychology from Baylor University in Texas. Licensed as a psychologist in the states of Ohio and Pennsylvania, he has worked at various behavioral health agencies in Western PA and Eastern Ohio. He has been a consultant to WKBN Channel 27 News and an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Northeastern Ohio University’s College of Medicine. Mike treats clients from 18 months to 18 years of age, but will complete psychological testing on children and adults of all ages. He specializes in the diagnosis, testing, and treatment of ADHD, Asperger’s, Autism, Learning Disabilities, and a wide variety of other behavioral health disorders. He also offers second opinions and diagnostic evaluations.
Dennis McArthur received his Master’s Degree in clinical psychology from Ohio University. He is an Ohio Licensed Psychologist and conducts psychological testing on children and adolescents. He provides various speaking, teaching, and consulting seminars to area organizations and academic institutions. He also owns Town and Country Psychological Services in Salem, Ohio.
Liberty Office
Phone 330-759-3040
Fax 330-759-3070
Cornersburg Office
Phone 330-270-3040
Fax 330-270-1996
Our standard fees are:
During your first visit, you may discuss fees and an agreeable payment arrangement. You are responsible for your co-pay at the time of service. We accept most insurance as well as Medicaid and Medicare.
Counseling sessions are 45-60 minutes in length. The actual number of sessions depends on you. During your first session, your clinician will gather information to assess your condition and formulate a diagnosis. Within the first month of counseling, you and your clinician will develop a treatment plan that will list your personal goals for improvement. You and your clinician will then review, and possibly revise, your treatment plan on an ongoing basis according to your needs.
Any minor child (under age 18) must be accompanied by an adult for the first visit. Afterwards, you and your clinician will discuss the need for your presence in future sessions.
Your privacy is of utmost importance to us. All information you give us will be kept in strictest confidence. CCS will not convey to a person outside the agency that a client attends or receives services from CCS, or disclose any information identifying a client unless you give us permission in writing. The exceptions include disclosure mandated by a court order or the disclosure is made to medical personnel in a medical emergency. Federal law and regulations do not protect any information about suspected child abuse or neglect from being reported under state law to appropriate state or local authorities. Also, we are mandated to report a threat of suicide or a threat to harm others
Appointments may be arranged by calling Churchill during business hours, usually Monday – Thursday, from 8am-6pm, or Friday from 8am-12pm. Every effort will be made to provide the earliest possible time convenient for you. When you call to make your first appointment, please have your insurance information available, as well as the client’s information (as in the case of a minor).
Welcome, we are glad to help you along your life’s journey. To help smooth the course we’ll need a few papers.
You may be asking, “What’s wrong with me?” Instead, try asking, “What’s right with me?” You might find that your entire perspective changes. This is what counseling is all about: changing the way one acts, thinks, and feels. Of course, there are often issues beyond one’s control. Remember, you have the ability to form your life. To take back your life. That is Churchill’s motto, and that is what we do to help you become the person you want to be.
For many people, the first step is the hardest. Admitting that something just isn’t right; that something needs to change. Acknowledging that one can’t do it alone. Once a person understands that “toughing it out” and “doing it on my own” aren’t really working, he or she may make that important first phone call for help. At Churchill Counseling, we offer that help.