Local neuro‑affirming counseling program asks McHenry County board for continued grant support after ARPA startup and Medicaid delays

Courtney Barrons, program manager for Neuroinclusive Counseling (NIC) at Options and Advocacy, used the Mental Health Board’s public comment period on April 22 to describe NIC’s launch and funding needs and to invite board members to tour the program.

Barrons said NIC began with ARPA startup funds in July 2023, started serving clients in fall 2023 and expanded from two offices to eight locations (including a sensory room) as demand grew. She said many potential clients had been unable to access traditional therapy and that NIC hires interns from local universities who often become therapists in the program.

Barrons told the board that Medicaid is a critical revenue source for the program—she estimated 75–80% of NIC’s clients use Medicaid—but that Medicaid enrollment and reimbursement delays have strained cash flow. “We are committed as a nonprofit to support our community and offer sliding scale to those that cannot access services elsewhere. This leaves us with the ongoing need for grant funding to assist those in our community,” she said.

A follow-up commenter identified only as Winter said NIC applied for and won additional funding including a $97,000 ARPA award and support from Northwestern, the Foglia Foundation and the Community Foundation for McHenry County. Winter said those funds, along with other grants still pending, give NIC runway through late 2026; the program intends to apply to the Mental Health Board during the next regular allocation cycle.

Alex Matheson, program director of Live for Life Rally, also spoke during public comment and reported recent outreach numbers (650 people engaged last month, including 576 youth and 208 attendees at one meeting), thanking the board for ongoing support.

Board staff acknowledged the role of the county grant writer in helping agencies secure funding. No formal board action was taken on NIC’s request; staff said the program should apply during the standard grant cycle and the Board encouraged coordination with the county’s grant resources.