About Us
Our Mission
At The Refuge, our mission is to empower individuals and families in Will and southern Cook Counties by providing high-quality mental and behavioral health services. We are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment where clients can achieve their full potential and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.Â
Meet the Team
Karyn Horan, MA, LCPC, NCC
Practice Owner, Practitioner​
Allison Welliver
Practice Manager
I would like to introduce myself and my practice, The Refuge: Mental Health Counseling. As the owner and founder, I am an Illinois-licensed, board-certified, and Nationally Certified Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) committed to providing patient-affirming mental health care.
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I earned my Master’s degree from Olivet Nazarene University and bring over 13 years of clinical experience in inpatient, emergency, intensive outpatient, and residential settings. My passion is private practice, where I provide personalized care for individuals, couples, and families.
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Using a client-centered approach that incorporates CBT, REBT, and person-centered interventions, I support clients experiencing conditions such as Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and chemical dependency, with a strong commitment to inclusive, gender-affirming care.
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My goal is to help clients recognize their strengths, build supportive relationships, and develop healthy habits that create a foundation for lasting success.
About Karyn
About Allison
Allison’s journey into mental health began as a patient, giving her firsthand insight into both effective therapy and where care could improve. This experience inspired her to help address the growing mental health needs in her community.
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She studied Pastoral Studies and Social Work at North Central University in Minneapolis before beginning her clinical career with Silver Cross Hospital in 2015, working in both the ER and inpatient care. She later transitioned to private practice, where she has spent nearly a decade supporting providers and helping launch, open, and manage four successful practices across Illinois.
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Her most recent endeavor, The Refuge: Mental Health Counseling, is especially close to her heart. Allison is passionate about making the mental health journey feel welcoming, supportive, and stress-free. She is always here to help you take those first steps toward better mental health.
