Mission, Vision & History

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The Refuge Center for Counseling opened in December 2005 as the vision of its founders Amy Alexander and Jennifer Gillett. Amy and Jennifer had a strong desire to serve their area of residence—Williamson County—which is recognized for its wealth, oftentimes overshadowing those who are in need. To live among great prosperity and to be in need is often to feel invisible.

The Refuge Center’s mission was clear from the beginning—to offer affordable, professional counseling services in order to empower, educate and support individuals, couples and families in need. In 2022, The Refuge Center updated the mission to further encompass the growth experienced since it’s founding. Aligning with the founding mission: The Refuge Center exists to offer excellent, accessible and affordable mental and emotional healthcare services in support of a transformational impact on communities. Amy and Jennifer had discovered that there were few opportunities for affordable counseling in the area, as many local therapists charge $90 – $175+ per session. They wanted to offer therapy to those who could not afford those fees, so they created a sliding-scale fee structure that ranges from $25 – $125 per session and is based on each individual’s income level.

The name for the center was inspired by a passage in Isaiah which says, “It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and a hiding place from the storm and the rain.” (Isaiah 4:6) Beyond being a place to receive affordable and professional counseling services, The Refuge Center has also become a place where people are able to find hope and healing from the storms of their daily lives.

The Refuge Center currently has more than 70 counselors and Master’s level interns on the team. Each counselor has a different area of focus, including anxiety, depression, domestic and sexual violence, addictions, marital therapy, grief and loss counseling, family counseling, divorce adjustment, parenting challenges, and therapy for children and teens. To learn more about our services, click here.

The Refuge Center for Counseling values systemic health, affordability, excellence, Christ-centered faith, education and hope.

  • When I first came to The Refuge Center, I had an eating disorder. Now I am not worried about food or my weight. I am happy and have more joy. I am not worried or anxious.

    Female, Age 17

  • The Refuge Center has taught me so much about myself. I’ve discovered who I am in a bright, new way. I’ve learned how to work through pain of loss, relationship problems, and I’ve learned how to set healthy boundaries. After all, it’s up to me to protect myself. I’ve also learned that I’m not damaged, or maybe I am, but we all are and we all can heal. The Refuge Center has taught me how to take steps towards healing. It’s a journey, but a beautiful one. I’m learning to find joy in the “here and now”.

    Female, Age 27

  • My family and I came to The Refuge Center after experiencing several traumatic deaths in our immediate family.  We were eagerly met with patience, love, concern, and understanding of our situation.  They have offered tremendous guidance and excellent suggestions to help us cope.  We feel blessed that God guided us to such an amazing center!

    Family testimonial

  • I can’t begin to tell you how thankful I am to have received help from the Refuge Center.  My therapist has been amazing!  When I came to the center, I felt devastated, guilty, unloved and overwhelmed.  My therapist helped me see things in such a different light.  She gave me tools to use and listened to me cry.  She gave me courage and hope.  She truly has been an angel sent to me from God.  As I sit here today, I feel confident and stronger than I ever have!  I am forever thankful for all your help.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

    Female, Age 40

  • Talking to my counselor has been life changing.  She helped me understand things fully, like with friendships, family problems, and my own feelings and emotions.  I’m really thankful for her help.  Even though I’ve never been to another counselor, I’m pretty sure she’s the best ever!  It’s great to have someone to talk to other than friends and family. Thank you.

    Female, Age 14