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Meet Our
Compassionate Team

Our center merges professional expertise with the comforting presence of certified canine therapy partners to provide a nurturing environment for mental wellness. With our dedicated team by your side, you'll find unwavering support and guidance as you embark on your journey towards emotional well-being.

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Uniting Hearts with Canine Co-Therapists

At AACI, serving North West Indiana, we understand the transformative impact of animal companionship. With evidence-based animal-assisted therapy, our compassionate team is dedicated to guiding you toward a brighter, more fulfilling path. Tailored to your unique needs, our counseling sessions offer a nurturing environment where healing flourishes.

Dr. Julie & Sadie

Dr. Julie is a licensed mental health therapist in North West Indiana, dedicated to treating patients with anxiety and depression. With years of experience, she helps individuals overcome their challenges by exploring root causes and fostering strength and resilience. Dr. Julie’s trusted co-therapist, Sadie, a loving St. Bernard, brings comfort and companionship to every session, making the healing journey a little brighter.

Meet Kimberly, LMHC, LCAC & Darling

Kimberly is a seasoned mental health and addiction therapist with a passion for helping clients discover their strengths and resilience. With certifications and experience in various therapy settings, she offers personalized support and guidance on the path to mental well-being. Darling Louise, Kimberly’s canine companion, is a friendly mixed breed known for her affectionate nature and warm greetings. Together, they create a welcoming and supportive environment for clients seeking healing. Darling Louise is a 7-year-old mixed breed adopted from the Humane Society of Chicago. She loves people and is friendly and affectionate. She completed AKC, and CGC trainings and enjoys greeting people with a wagging tail and a smile. She may lay next to you, or ask you for head or belly scratches to welcome you.

Meet Our Practice Manager, Margo

Margo is our delightful practice manager, 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 through text, email or phone for any questions or concerns. She is also a proud pet owner of two bulldogs named Seymour and Audrey.

We specialize in Anxiety, Depression and Addiction

Our animal-assisted counseling sessions are conducted by licensed therapists trained in CCAAC. Therapists work with a canine co-therapist, carefully matched to patients’ preferences and needs.

Dr. Julie Steinbeigle, a licensed therapist with over 20 years of experience, treats anxiety and depression patients. She has helped thousands uncover the root causes of their issues. Her mission is to aid others in finding personal strength and well-being, in collaboration with her therapy dog, Sadie.

Kimberly, a licensed Clinical Mental Health and Addiction Counselor, has been in the field since 2019. She brings experience from various therapeutic settings to AACI. Her approach focuses on identifying client’s strengths and resilience in their mental health journey.

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