About Us
The goal of Braden Counseling Center (BCC) is to teach you the skills to manage your life so you can learn to do it on your own. BCC has an experienced staff that is licensed by the State of Illinois to provide mental health services. We also offers a variety of evaluations, including same-day DUI evaluations, and legal work for attorneys.
Braden Counseling Center uniquely offers you:
- Flexible scheduling that includes weekends (Please call for an appointment).
- Counseling and medication services
- A free initial consultation
- Verifying your insurance benefits (we are a BCBS PPO Provider, among others)
- Cash and credit card payment options
- Same-day DUI evaluations
Schedule an appointment today, and look forward to a better tomorrow!
Our Staff
Dr. Jayne Braden
Jayne A. Braden, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, has been working in the court system since 1993. She earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 1999 and was licensed as a psychologist in 2000. Regular training with the American Academy of Forensic Psychology helps keep her skills up to date. Evaluations she completes for the court include Child Custody and Psychological, Specific Forensic Psychological, Fitness to Stand Trial, and Criminal Responsibility. FOID reinstatement evaluations as well as those for DCFS are also completed by her. She completes evaluations in several county courts including Boone, DeKalb, Kane, Kendall, Lee, Ogle, Whiteside, and Winnebago. Pre-employment, fitness for duty, and promotional examinations are also completed for local police and fire departments. Fitness for duty evaluations are also completed for local companies.
The Braden Counseling Center opened in 2002 and has been providing services to individuals with different challenges with evidence based treatments since that time.
Dr. Latif, Professional Psychological Services
Dr. Latif has been with Braden Counseling Center since December 2015. He is a general psychiatrist. He earned his degree at ALLAMA IQBAL MEDICAL College and trained at Combine Internal Medicine-Psychiatry residency program from SIU School of Medicine. Dr. Latif is certified with Diplomat American Board of Internal Medicine. He also works at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Dr. Latif sees clients ages 18 and up. Dr. Latif will be working from Rockford during the sessions, via the internet or Tele-Psychiatry. Client will be talking to Dr. Latif in the comfort of our office, in a private room via a computer.
Lorre Hunter, LSW, CADC
Lorre is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with certifications in addictions and trauma. She graduated from Aurora University with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Her work experience includes substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, personality disorders, and more. Lorre’s experience and education allow her to use integrative and flexible treatments, such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness. These techniques allow therapist and client to collaborate and facilitate change in the client’s life.
Jose Melendez AA, CADC
Jose has been with Braden Counseling Center since 2010. He has more than 15 years of experience in private, public and non-profit addiction. He is a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (AODA), Certified Domestic Violence Specialist (DV-PAIP), Certified Anger Management Specialist (CAMS-I). He has an A.S. in Liberal Arts from St. Augustine College in Chicago IL. He addresses issues impacting behavioral health by providing both English and Spanish services for individuals in the community by assisting them with connections to the most appropriate level of care.
Brenda Butz, Office Manager & SMART Facilitator
After graduating from Kishwaukee College with a degree in Office Systems, Brenda has spent the last three years at Braden Counseling Center. Brenda is now the Office Manager and deals with Patient Account Management at BCC.
As a SMART Facilitator, Brenda is dedicated to helping people gain independence from harmful addictive behaviors through our safe, friendly, mutual support meetings, our science-based and secular SMART Recovery 4-Point Program® and our principles and tools, all of which are proven to help people overcome their addictive behavior.
Brenda is your contact for any of your SMART Recovery, financial issues or general questions. As she greets everyone with a smile you can rest assured you will be her most important client. Brenda is a valuable part of Braden Counseling Center.
Mallory Ludwig CADC
Mallory Ludwig is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and a Partner Abuse Intervention Provider (PAIP). She has been employed with Braden Counseling Center since August 2007.
She specializes in: DUI Evaluations, Alcohol and Drug Evaluations, Secretary of State Hearing documents, Substance Abuse Treatment, Partner Abuse Intervention (Domestic Violence Offenders)
April Letherman
April has been with Braden Counseling Center since Fall 2011. She has worked in the medical field for over twenty years. She has an AAS and continues on with her education. April works at the front desk giving care to clients. April pays special attention to details, so if you ever have any specific questions, feel free to ask.
Richard McCoy LPC
Richard is a Licensed Professional Counselor, and an approved SOMB (Sex Offender Management Board) provider for the state of IL. He graduated from Argosy University in Denver with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
His clinical experience includes psychological assessment, evaluations of court mandated at-risk populations as well as treatment for individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, and everyday life stressors. Richard’s experience in providing an eclectic, client-specific method to treatment allows the client to work through life’s most difficult moments in manner familiar and authentic to them.
Jennifer Rogers
Jennifer Rogers is a Drug and Alcohol and Domestic Violence Counselor here at BCC. She is known for bringing real life solutions to problems and a non judgmental approach to people. She is a firm believer in making a Choice to take a Chance so your life will Change.
Nikki Myers, Administrative Assistant & SMART Facilitator
Nikki is an office assistant and has been with us since September 2015. Nikki received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology in December 2015. She is now in the Counseling Graduate program at Northern Illinois University with aspirations to be a Mental Health Counselor who specializes in trauma and substance abuse. As a SMART Facilitator Nikki has the necessary knowledge of SMART Recovery and the SMART Recovery 4-Point Program®, to facilitate meetings in our Sycamore office. She is friendly, has a very positive outlook on life, and enjoys working with diverse groups of people. She will always greet you with a smile and is more than happy to help you anyway she can.
Carla Peltier LCSW
Carla has a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work degree from Northeastern Illinois University and a Master of Social Work degree from Aurora University. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. She is a caring and dedicated professional who provides therapeutic mental and behavioral health services based on your individual needs. Because she understands everyone’s situation is unique, and you are the expert about your life, it is critical for her to work together with you as a team to help you achieve healthy goals and optimal functioning. Carla practices from a strengths perspective using an array of treatment methods according to your situation. Her experience treating Depression and Mood Difficulties, Anxiety, Stress and Adjustment Issues, Behavioral Issues, Parenting, and Family and Relationship Problems, in addition to other challenges, has helped her build a solid base of knowledge and skills. Carla has extensive training and experience in Trauma focused issues related to Domestic Violence and Abuse as well. Her clients include youth and adults.
Cindy Diaz
Cindy is a bilingual office assistant. She has been with us since September 2015, she also co-leads our Spanish PAIP programs. She works the front office with staff greeting clients and answering phones with a smile. She can also assist you with your insurancce needs.
Michelle Rogers MSW
Michelle received a Master’s in Social Work from Aurora University with a certification in addictions. Michelle has experience working with adults and adolescents addressing a variety of difficulties, including, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and relational issues. Michelle’s approach to counseling is tailored to each client’s individual needs. She works to build positive strengths based relationships with each client. Michelle utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, and Solution Focus Therapy, while embracing a holistic approach to assisting clients in finding the best path to reach their individual and personal goals.
