For nearly a decade, Gray Counseling Services has been a cornerstone in providing much-needed mental health services to residents of McLean County. Located at 180 Main St. in Calhoun, the practice, founded by Annie Gray-Dalton, has played an instrumental role in addressing the county’s mental health needs.
Gray-Dalton, a long-time McLean County resident, began her career as a social worker with the Department of Community Based Services (DCBS). During her tenure, she observed firsthand the difficulties McLean County residents faced in accessing mental health services.
“When clients needed mental health services as part of their court-ordered reunification process or other legal requirements, many found it difficult to travel to other counties for appointments,” Gray-Dalton said. “This made me realize how important it was to have a local provider for mental health services.”
This insight spurred Gray-Dalton to further her education, earning a master’s degree in social work. After graduation, she spent approximately seven years working for Lighthouse Counseling, an organization based in Daviess County, while providing services to McLean County clients through the IMPACT Plus program.
IMPACT Plus is a Kentucky case management service that provides resources to children ages 3 to 18 who have behavioral and emotional challenges. Gray-Dalton’s role involved traveling extensively within the county to meet with clients, particularly children.
“I loved the work I did with IMPACT Plus, and I loved being able to help McLean County,” she recalled. “But over time, it became clear that McLean County needed a dedicated office to provide ongoing therapy services.”
That realization led her to open Gray Counseling Services in 2015. The journey to finding a location was not easy, as Gray-Dalton searched extensively for office space within the county. However, just as she was considering settling elsewhere, a space on Main Street in Calhoun became available, allowing her to establish the practice locally.
“I feel so fortunate to be able to serve the community where I grew up,” she said. “In October, we’ll be celebrating our 10-year anniversary, and I couldn’t be more proud of how far we’ve come.”
Today, Gray Counseling Services, with Gray-Dalton and her colleague Mackenzie Williams, a licensed clinical social worker, continues to provide therapy services to both children and adults.
“We offer a variety of services, but our primary focus is on talk therapy, especially behavior modification for children,” Gray-Dalton explained. “We’ve seen an increase in anxiety, particularly among children, which we attribute to the pandemic. Many children who were isolated at home have found it difficult to reintegrate into social environments, leading to heightened anxiety.”
Gray-Dalton’s approach to therapy is centered on creating a welcoming and relaxed environment for her clients. “I’ve always been someone who enjoyed talking to others. Even as a student, teachers often moved me in class because I couldn’t stop talking,” she laughed. “Now, I get to do what I love every day—helping others, especially in my own community.”
The practice offers both in-person and Telehealth therapy services. While the pandemic forced a shift to virtual care, Gray-Dalton prefers the personal connection that in-person sessions allow.
“We did rely on Telehealth during the pandemic, but I believe that in-person sessions allow for a more authentic connection with clients,” she noted.
Gray Counseling Services accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurance plans, and the office is currently accepting new patients.
“I never want to turn anyone away,” Gray-Dalton emphasized. “Being part of a small community means you try to make yourself available to everyone who needs help. I’m always willing to go the extra mile to make that happen.”
For Gray-Dalton, the most rewarding aspect of her work is witnessing the progress of her clients, especially teenagers. “I love seeing how much my teenage clients grow. It’s incredibly fulfilling to watch them succeed, whether it’s in school or in life,” she said. “Making a difference in someone’s life is why I do this work every day.”
As Gray Counseling Services prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary, Gray-Dalton remains committed to the mental well-being of McLean County residents, continuing her mission to provide compassionate care and support for years to come.
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