According to The NADD , approximately 35% of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) are also diagnosed with a mental health condition. Our psychotherapists are experienced in their profession and in working with people with an IDD diagnosis. It is our belief that this allows the client and therapist to work more closely together to create individualized goals and develop a roadmap for balanced, happy, and healthy life.
Mental Health Therapy Services
At the RVFRC, our individual mental health therapy services are designed to address a variety of common mental health concerns, including:
- Feelings of constant worry
- Feelings of being overwhelmed
- Symptoms of anxiety
- Chronic sadness
- Desire for isolation/withdrawal from friends
- Symptoms of depression
- Feelings of being a burden on caregivers
We also provide support for people experiencing significant life changes such as:
- Moving away from family or transitioning into a shared living environment
- Coping with the death of a family member
- Navigating the challenges of starting a new job
- Managing the transition from school programs
Our dedicated team of Mental Health Clinicians, led by our Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Manager, Emma Burton-Loder, offers weekly one-on-one sessions. These sessions provide a safe and confidential space for reflection, coping skill development, psychoeducation, and the establishment of healthy boundaries.
Crisis lines:
RVFRC is a non-crisis, outpatient community mental health and therapeutic services provider. If you or your family member are having a mental health emergency (have or having thoughts about suicide or of injuring yourself/themselves in some way), please reach out to one of the following crisis programs or go to your local emergency room: 988,
- Lake County Mobile Crisis 847-377-8088
- Trevor Project 866-488-7386 (services specific to LGBTQ+ youth in crisis).
Helpful Acronyms
County Resources
- What is an ISC? – Independent Service Coordination (ISC) Agency
- Community Alternatives Unlimited (CAU) – Covers Lake County and parts of Cook County
- Community Service Options (CSO) – Covers parts of Cook County
- Service Inc. of Illinois – Covers McHenry County
PUNS List Information:
Emma graduated with her bachelor’s in social work (BSW) and certificate in gerontology in 2005 from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). She then returned to CSULB for her master’s degree in social work and graduated with her MSW in 2008. Emma tested for and received her clinical license (LCSW) in 2019, embarking on her journey toward full-time therapy work. She is well-versed in three trauma-focused modalities: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Brain spotting.
In her general practice, Emma employs a variety of therapeutic theories/modalities, but she typically draws from Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused approaches. Her professional background includes extensive experience in assisting survivors of domestic violence and intimate partner violence, addressing issues related to child abuse and neglect, and working with individuals diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. Emma’s clientele encompasses children, youth, teens, young adults, adults, and older adults. She maintains a person-centered, holistic approach to establishing goals and implementing therapeutic interventions. Emma will be starting her doctoral program in social work in June 2024.
The RVFRC Resource Center services are focused on connecting individuals and families to available community resources through the creation of personalized plans to address their unique needs. Topics covered include, but are not limited to:
- Long-term care planning (Trusts, Guardianship/Power of Attorney, housing options)
- Transition services/planning for post-school program phases
- Future Housing Plans
- Respite needs
Robert Vihon, affectionately known as “Vee” among his friends, will be honored and remembered through the naming of the Robert Vihon Family Services, as a tribute to his legacy as one of CEL’s cherished co-founders and dear friends. Rob devoted his life to assisting those in need, and his warm-hearted demeanor endeared him to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His exceptional qualities as a remarkable leader and a wonderful friend set him apart, leaving an indelible mark.
In partnership with his wife Mary, Rob dedicated almost four decades of his life to our members, playing a pivotal role in shaping CEL into a cornerstone of the Chicagoland area. In 1984, Rob was instrumental in the formation of CEL as an independent organization, alongside a small group of visionaries. He also played a crucial role in securing the Riverwoods property where CEL is now situated. As an active board member from its inception, Rob remained a steadfast champion and guiding force for CEL each year until his passing in the spring of 2020.
To learn more about Robert’s Legacy click here.
The Robert Vihon Family Resource Center is located at 280 Saunders Rd, Riverwoods, IL 60015.
For a complete list of our services and their associated costs, please email Scheduling@centerforenrichedliving.org for more information.
Please reach out to the RVFRC staff for an updated list of accepted insurances, as this information may be subject to change.
RVFRC offers essential mental health support, wellness services, and valuable resources specifically tailored to people with IDD, their families, and caregivers. If your loved one falls into this category and requires these services, RVFRC could be an excellent choice to support their needs and enhance their overall well-being.
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our sessions. Information shared in these sessions remains confidential unless the person poses a danger to themselves, others, or is involved in situations of suspected child/dependent adult/elder abuse. We utilize a HIPAA-compliant Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system named Tebra for all documentation and billing.
RVFRC is a non-crisis, outpatient community mental health and therapeutic services provider. If you or your family member are having a mental health emergency (have or having thoughts about suicide or of injuring yourself/themselves in some way), please reach out to one of the following crisis programs or go to your local emergency room: 988, Lake County Mobile Crisis 847-377-8088, Trevor Project 866-488-7386 (services specific to LGBTQ+ youth in crisis).
