About Us
Our Story
Many years ago, I served as a children’s pastor in Central Wisconsin. The Church was doing well and there were several new families starting to attend. As a young man with little experience, I found myself at a loss as to how to serve some people who were struggling with mental and emotional health or tension filled relationships. As a pastor, I encouraged them in their faith and prayed with them and for them. I am confident that God helped each of them with or without my involvement, but this was a moment where I felt the Church needed a greater focus on mental, emotional, and relational health.
That was a key moment in my life where the idea of Heritage Counseling Center began to form. A place to help all people, especially to partner with the Church to ‘strengthen and encourage you in the faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials, for you know quite well that we are destined for them’ (1 Thessalonians 3:2-3).
This is where we are at today. Heritage Counseling Center hopes to be that place for people as God allows. We begin with our faith in Jesus Christ as the One who has a redemption plan for anyone willing to follow Him. Heritage Counseling exists to assist everyone in their modern-day trials that might keep them from joy and health and overcoming for a higher purpose in their respective lives.
To be effective in our mission, the reason for our being, we are always intentional in growing in our counseling skills, our compassion and being oriented by the Person of Jesus Christ.
Our Core Beliefs
The therapists at Heritage Counseling Center believe (Written by the American Association of Christian Counselors):
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In one God, creator and sustainer of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally co-existing in three persons: Father; Son and Holy Spirit.
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The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are the inspired, inerrant, and trustworthy Word of God, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of human beings, and the final authority for all matters about which it speaks.
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That human nature derives from two historical persons, male and female, created in God's image. They were created perfect, but they sinned, plunging themselves and all human beings into sin, guilt, suffering and death.
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That the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ and provide the only ground for justification, forgiveness and salvation for all who believe, and only those who trust in Him alone are born of the Holy Spirit, are true members of the Church, and will spend eternity with Christ.
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That the Holy Spirit is the agent of regeneration and renewal for believers in Jesus Christ, that He makes the presence of Jesus Christ real in believers, and that He comforts, guides, convicts and enables believers to live in ways that honor Him.
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That ministry to persons acknowledges the complexity of humans as physical, psychological, social and spiritual beings. The ultimate goal of Christian counseling is to help others move to personal wholeness, interpersonal competence, mental stability and spiritual maturity.
Meet Our Team
Scott Hendrickson, LCPC
Counselor
I am a former children's pastor turned counselor to help 'strengthen and encourage' people in their own personal trials of life. My Christian faith inspires me to use my training and experience to help people in vocational ministry, marriages, those struggling with mental illness such as anxiety, depression, etc., trauma, or just trying to adjust to difficult life changes and surprises.
My style is quiet, kind and collaborative. I hope and work to help you understand yourself and how you might be maintaining your anxieties, moods, dysfunction, conflict, stress, and anger as well as develop healthier awareness and skills to overcome life's challenges. Healing from past losses and hurts either recently or going way back to childhood has long been an important work and growing skill for me. Treating the whole person—emotionally, physically, cognitively, behaviorally, relationally and spiritually, is always my focus.
I have been married for more than 35 years with my lovely wife, Denise. We have two adult boys (men), a wonderful daughter-in-law and now three grandchildren whom we adore. After serving in vocational ministry for ten years, I went back to school--Trinity Evangelical Divinity School for an MA in Counseling Psychology (1997).
In the year 2000, I founded Heritage Counseling Center, now located in Plainfield, Illinois. Heritage is a place with skilled, compassionate and Christ-oriented psychotherapists all working together on the same mission--'to strengthen and encourage you in your faith so no one would be unsettled by these trials, for you know quite well, we are destined for them' (inspired by 1 Thess. 3:2-3).
Ways to see Scott: Plainfield office & telehealth
Amanda Paben, LCPC
Counselor
Amanda is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who is passionate about providing counseling services to children and adolescents. She has experience working with children and adolescents who struggle with anxiety, behavior problems, bullying, depression, self-esteem, and adjustment to transitions such as divorce or separation. Believing that children best express themselves through play and creativity, Amanda's approach to counseling utilizes several expressive and play therapy techniques.
Amanda also provides individual counseling to adult women dealing with a variety of concerns. She has a particular interest in anxiety, depression, parenting problems, and women's self-esteem. Her goal in counseling is to provide a safe place for people to express their emotions and enhance their overall well-being. A lot of her work focuses on developing awareness of thoughts, feelings, and values.
Amanda received her Bachelor's degrees in psychology and theology from Trinity Christian College and her Master's degree in mental health counseling from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Outside of the counseling office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and boys or picking flowers from her garden.
Curtis Richardson, LPC
Counselor
Curtis specializes in working with children and adolescents who struggle with anxiety, ADHD, and depression. In 3 years of clinical practice, Curtis has found play therapy, bibliotherapy, and CBT effective in helping children and adolescents overcome anxiety and depression issues, while integrating key components of person-centered therapy: empathy, acceptance, and congruence. By doing so, a safe environment is created to build esteem and a healthy confidence to face internal and external challenges.
Curtis is also experienced in working with adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, PTSD, addictions, and marital/family issues. Using a holistic approach, he is able to help explore the cause of the problem, sometimes using the Adlerian or Narrative approach to discuss occurrences during childhood that may have resulted in unresolved issues. Curtis welcomes those who will like to discuss issues from a spiritual aspect as he realizes that all issues are not mentally based.
Curtis graduated from Moody Bible Institute with a B.A. in Pre-Counseling. He later graduated from Capella University with honors receiving a M.S. in Mental Health Counseling.
Ways to see Curtis: Plainfield office & telehealth
Alaina Puckett
Intake Coordinator
Alaina is passionate about connecting and meeting people as they begin their mental health journey. Her most important objective is making sure new or already active clients have the smoothest, shortest path to needed treatment. She does this by working closely with counselors to ensure the best possible fit. Alaina also oversees registration with the online client portal. Her goal is that every client feels reassured they are walking into a safe space of healing and peace.
Prior to Heritage, Alaina served in church ministry as well as camp ministry. Alaina received her Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Trinity Christian College (‘20).
Join Our Team
Full-Time Opportunities
Psychotherapist
Full-Time
In-Person
Christian Counseling Practice
Plainfield, IL
Are you looking for a counseling practice where your professional expertise, personal growth, and spiritual calling can thrive in one place?
Heritage Counseling Center is currently seeking one or two full-time licensed psychotherapists to join our warm, collaborative team. We welcome applicants who bring clinical depth, spiritual sensitivity, and a heart for integrative work. Whether you’re an experienced therapist or early in your counseling career, this could be the right place to continue growing with purpose.
Who We Are
For 25 years, Heritage Counseling Center has served the Chicagoland area with compassionate, Christ-centered, and clinically sound counseling. We help individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges with strength, hope, and truth.
Our Work is Rooted in our Faith
“…To strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we are destined for them.” – 1 Thess. 3:2-3
We believe therapy is most effective in the context of trust, humility, and spiritual grounding, and we value being part of a team that supports one another personally and professionally.
Who You Are
You’re someone who sees therapy as both a calling and a craft. You value the integration of Christian faith and clinical excellence and want to work in a setting that honors both. You enjoy working collaboratively, value integrity in your practice, and care deeply about the well-being of your clients—and your colleagues.
Requirements
Licensed as an LCPC or LPC in Illinois
Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or equivalent
Demonstrated experience integrating faith and clinical practice
Strong interpersonal, therapeutic, and communication skills
Willingness to practice exclusively at Heritage Counseling Center
Preferred
Full licensure (LCPC or equivalent)
At least 2 years of clinical experience (postgraduate or equivalent)
A desire to invest long-term in a community and practice
Experience with trauma, marriage counseling, women’s issues, or spiritual concerns
A team mindset and interest in contributing to the health of the whole practice
What We Offer
Commission-based model with base salary support during caseload development
Steady referral flow and strong community reputation
Clinical consultation and mentoring as needed
Administrative and scheduling support
Private, peaceful counseling spaces designed for meaningful work
A mission-driven environment focused on both professional and spiritual growth
Why Heritage?
At Heritage, we are committed to fostering a culture of integrity, collaboration, and encouragement. We believe therapists should be supported—not just in their casework, but in their ongoing development as people and professionals. This is a place to belong, to grow, and to make a lasting impact.
If that resonates with you, we invite you to take the next step.
Apply today by thoughtfully completing the following form. After submission, someone will reach out to you for your updated resume and schedule an interview. Thank you!
College & University Department Staff & Faculty
We here at Heritage Counseling Center, PC, would be grateful to partner with your university/college in providing a next step for your graduates to grow professionally, obtain their LCPC and establish themselves in a community to become skilled, compassionate, Christ-oriented mental health counseling professionals. If you are interested, please complete and submit this short form with your preferred way of connecting.