Hellen G. McDonald Counseling

Amy joined us in the last few months doing our billing and answering phones on Tuesdays primarily. She is working as a part-time therapist at a local social service agency. Amy is eagerly persuing her clinical supervision hours so she can get her LCSW. At this time, Amy has her State of Illinois License of Social Work which means she can see clients under certain insurance panels or on a private pay basis under Hellen's supervision. Feel free to review the "About Amy" page for more details on how Amy might be able to help you and your family.

Kelly approached me recently with an interest to get back in the swing of things with therapy. She will be ready to start seeing clients, children, youth, young adults and families by early part of January 2011. Click on "About Kelly" to learn more about our new colleague! We are very excited to have Kelly join us!

Hellen G. McDonald Counseling is a private practice in Champaign, Illinois offering therapy and counseling services to all age groups. Hellen opened up this office in March 2006 and since has added two staff: Janel Wager, LCPC and Kelly Fein, LCSW. All staff, including Hellen McDonald, LCSW work with adolescents and adults, while Janel and Kelly also work with children and Hellen also works with older adults. Feel free to peruse each page to learn more about Hellen, Janel, and Kelly and how we might be able to help you.

I am especially interested in working with postpartum depression and sexual difficulties. I have a certificate in Perinatal Mood Disorders (which include postpartum depression) AND am expanding my knowledge and resources on dealing with sexual dysfunctions, sexual issues and intimacy.

Back in 2006, after a 5 month-long search for local employment, I decided to open up my own office. With support from local therapists and counselors, and especially my awesome husband, my practice officially opened its doors in March 2006.

 What is really neat about my office space is that it is located in a historical building, the Lincoln Building, erected in 1916. Yes, much of the original, solid woodwork is still visible in the building.  It is located in downtown Champaign, close to all sorts of restaurants, stores, coffee shops, and the Train station. The local MTD bus stops right outside our sidewalk. My office is located on the very last floor of this five-story building, and YES, a working elevator is at your disposal, unless you want to test your stamina and run up five flight of solid stairs!

While working as a therapist/counselor in private practice, I also supervised therapists/counselors at a local social service agency, started a support group for women dealing with postpartum depression with a local doula, and recently (2009) started teaching as an Adjunct faculty member at the University of Illinois, School of Social Work. In addition, I decided that I'd challenge myself even more and hired a part-time therapist/counselor, Janel Wager, in August 2009. Janel is fantastic with children and families. I am fortunate to have her working with me.

I am hoping that my website will be helpful to you as you explore your options in finding the right therapist in this area. Feel free to send me your questions and/or suggestions.