The Refuge Center for Counseling opened in December 2005 as the vision of its founders Amy Alexander, LMFT and Jennifer Gillett, LMFT. These women had a strong desire to serve their county of residence, Williamson County, TN, by providing counseling sessions on a sliding scale based on income. Williamson County is often recognized for its wealth, most recently named seventh wealthiest county in the country. This can overshadow those who are in need in our county. To live among great prosperity and to be in need is often to feel invisible.

Jennifer and Amy discovered that there are few opportunities for affordable counseling in the area, as many local therapists charge $100-$175+ per session. The Refuge Center offers therapy to those who cannot afford these fees by creating a fee schedule that is a sliding-scale based on income resulting in fees that range from $25 to $110 per session. The Refuge Center is committed to being a place that the whole family can be served in one location. The pairing of excellence and affordability is a key distinctive for our agency.