Animal Assisted Therapy in North West Indiana
Mental Health Counseling with the support of a therapy animal
Discover Animal Assisted Counseling
At Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana, we provide compassionate, personalized mental health services for adults, teens, children, and families—because everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported. We understand that reaching out for help can be hard, especially when you’re carrying the weight of anxiety, depression, trauma, or life’s daily stressors. That’s why we offer a unique, heart-centered approach to healing, through the gentle, grounding presence of a therapy dog. Our canine partners help create a calm, nonjudgmental space where clients can open up more easily, feel emotionally safe, and begin to build trust, often when words alone aren’t enough. Whether it’s a child learning to manage big feelings, a teen navigating self-worth, or an adult working through long-held pain, animal-assisted therapy offers comfort, connection, and a path toward emotional balance. When you’re ready, we’re here to walk alongside you— change is possible with compassion, care, and a therapy dog by your side.
- Dr.Juliann Steinbeigle
Our Services
Adult Therapy
Teen Therapy
Family Therapy
How is it Different From Traditional Therapy?
Meet our dynamic duo: Therapist & Canine Partner
Dr. Julie & Sadie
Mental health therapist in North West Indiana treats patients with anxiety and depression in partnership with a canine co- therapist. Dr. Julie is an experienced licensed mental health clinical therapist. She has helped thousands of patients overcome depression and anxiety by exploring root causes. Dr. Julie’s goal is to help others find strength and well-being with the assistance of her canine therapy partner, Sadie.
Meet Sadie Quinn, a St. Bernard born in Cabool, MO on Aug 19, 2017. She works as a canine therapy partner and passed her first obedience training in May 2018. Sadie loves greeting clients and may lean into you or lay her head on your lap to provide support and comfort. Research has shown that her presence in therapy sessions can help people overcome depression and anxiety.
We specialize in helping teenagers struggling with anxiety and depression.
At Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana, we primarily support, adults, adolescents and their families through compassionate, trauma-informed adult and teen counseling (ages 12-19) designed to meet each individual where they are emotionally.
Our animal-assisted counseling sessions are conducted by licensed therapists trained in Client Centered Animal-Assisted Therapy (CCAAC). Therapy includes a canine co-therapist, supporting emotional regulation, safety, and engagement, especially for teens who struggle to open up in traditional talk therapy.
Dr. Julie Steinbeigle, a licensed therapist with over 20 years of experience, specializes in treating teen anxiety and teen depression. She has helped thousands of individuals and families uncover the root causes of emotional distress and build lasting coping skills. Her mission is to help teens and parents find strength and emotional stability, alongside her therapy dog, Sadie.
Meet Sadie Our Canine Co-Therapist
Meet Margo, Our Practice Manager
Margo is the practice manager for AACI, responsible for appointment scheduling, billing, and counseling process inquiries. She works remotely and has experience in guiding clients through treatment services and offers caring support. Margo is available for any questions or concerns through text, email or phone. She is also a proud pet owner of two bulldogs named Seymour and Audrey.
