Our Story
Personal Counseling Services (PCS) Inc, an outpatient, non-profit, 501 (c) 3 mental health organization, was established in 1959 before the community mental health initiatives of the
1960s. Three very determined women, Berniece Nicholson of Clarksville, Mary Vawter of Jeffersonville, and Bea Baxter of New Albany, recognized a need for community mental
health and pastoral counseling.
Over the past sixty-five (65) years, the PCS multidisciplinary, professional counseling staff has provided over 629,000 hours of individual, couple, family, and group counseling to 520,000 children, youths, and adults. In addition, we provide medication management, addiction therapy, and psychological testing services. Today, we serve seventeen counties in Indiana and four counties in Kentucky. This impressive record of service ranks PCS as one of the region’s leading providers of mental health and faith-based services.
Today, PCS is accredited by the Solihten Institute in Denver, Colorado, which accredits faith-based mental health Centers nationwide. They believe integrated healing is more loving and empowering and utilize techniques proven to treat specific conditions more effectively. By advancing member Centers that practice integrated healing, Solihten Institute furthers one of the most potent paths to wholeness.
Additionally, PCS is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities is an international, non-profit organization founded in 1966 with the assistance of Mary E. Switzer, then U.S. Social and Rehabilitation Services commissioner. For some institutions, it represents an alternative to Joint Commission certification. This accreditation is required for our Substance Use Disorder Program.
Lastly, PCS is accredited by the Louisville Better Business Bureau (BBB). This program provides the public with information on specific charities and how they are maintaining high ethical standards of operation.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide mental health services to everyone desiring wellness of body, mind, spirit, and community. Our vision is to be integrative Center of choice, providing and promoting excellence in body, mind, spirit, and community that is accessible and affordable for all.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Personal Counseling Services’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion TEAM is devoted to creating a work environment that is equitable and inclusive, which will be fostered through training initiatives, policy development, hiring initiatives, employee recognition, and team activities. We are committed to an equitable and inclusive relationship with the community, staff, board, volunteers, and those we serve. We strive to understand diverse cultures and reach out to marginalized communities to ensure equitable resources for all people regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disabilities, religion, Veteran status or identity.
Professional Affiliations
- Accredited by Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
- Accredited by The Solihten Institute, Denver, Colorado
- Guidestar
- Better Business Bureau Charity Review
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
- American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)
- The American Psychological Association (APA)
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
- International Association for Play Therapy (IAPT)
- Indiana Counselor’s Association on Alcohol & Drug Abuse (ICAADA)
- National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)
- Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT)
- American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) internship site
