Rochester Area Counseling Services is proud to celebrate 15 years of providing compassionate, high-quality mental health care to individuals, couples, and families throughout the Rochester area.

Founded in June 2011 under the name Rochester Hills Counseling, the practice began with a team of three counselors in a small office at the corner of Rochester and Avon Road. What started as a vision to help individuals and families improve their mental health has grown into a thriving group practice now located in its own suite at the corner of Barclay and Hampton Circle in Rochester Hills, with a team of five licensed counselors.

“While much has changed over the years, our mission has remained the same,” said Dr. Tobi Russell, Director of Rochester Area Counseling Services. “We are committed to creating a calming, safe, and nonjudgmental space where people feel heard, understood, and supported.”

Rochester Area Counseling Services offers a wide range of services, including:

• Individual, couples, and family counseling
• Substance abuse and driver’s license evaluations
• Specialized care for children (ages 7+), adolescents, and adults
• In-person and virtual counseling options
• Bilingual services for Spanish-speaking clients

The practice’s team consists of highly qualified professionals, including four master’s-level counselors and one doctoral-level counselor, all licensed through the State of Michigan. Their clinicians bring expertise in areas such as trauma, eating disorders, EMDR, and addiction treatment, allowing them to meet the diverse needs of the community.

In addition to clinical services, Rochester Area Counseling Services is deeply engaged in the local community. The practice serves as the treatment representative for sobriety court teams at the 52-3 District Court in Rochester Hills and the 52-4 District Court in Troy. The organization is also an active member of both the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Troy Chamber of Commerce, with Dr. Russell serving as a Chamber Ambassador.

Dr. Russell’s commitment to community well-being extends beyond the practice. She has served on the boards of several local organizations, including the Rochester Auburn Hills Community Coalition, North Oakland Community Coalition, Rochester Area Youth Assistance, and Ascension Hospital’s Advisory Board. She also helped establish the Mental Health Peer Solution Group through the Chamber and co-created a Parenting Program for Royal Oak Middle School.

Her dedication to the profession and community was recently recognized by the American Counseling Association, which honored her with the prestigious Samuel T. Gladding Unsung Heroes Award—an award given to counselors who have demonstrated outstanding service to clients and students throughout their careers.

Rochester Area Counseling Services has also played a role in community programming, including co-sponsoring Teen Night at the Village of Rochester Hills, further reinforcing its commitment to supporting the well-being of local families.

As the practice celebrates this 15-year milestone, its team remains focused on expanding access to care and continuing to serve as a trusted mental health resource for the community.

For more information on Rochester Area Counseling Services visit their website here.