Licensed to practice in Illinois and accepts 45 insurances. Specializes in Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Trauma and PTSD and 3 more.
Dawnielle Smith
(she/her)
I am passionate about continuous learning and growth, and I strive to help others recognize the strengths and potential within themselves. Life presents many challenges, but having genuine support from someone who truly sees and hears you can make the journey more manageable and meaningful. In our work together, I take a holistic and individualized approach, tailoring each therapeutic relationship to meet your unique needs. Over the past 15 years, I have supported both youth and adults through coaching, conflict resolution, and strength-based practices. My goal is to walk alongside you, providing guidance, insight, and compassion as you navigate your path toward healing and personal growth.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we’ll begin with brief introductions so I can get to know you and understand what drives you in your day-to-day life. From there, we’ll explore the specific challenges you’re facing and collaborate to create meaningful goals that will guide our work in future sessions. My aim is to ensure you feel comfortable, supported, and empowered from the very start.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strengths include creating a safe, welcoming space where you can show up as your authentic self. I excel at breaking down complex experiences and helping connect the dots in ways that may be difficult to see on your own. Many of my clients have shared that my insight and perspective have helped them see things in a new light, providing the clarity and support they needed to make difficult decisions. When appropriate, I enjoy incorporating visuals, analogies, activities, and humor to make the therapeutic process engaging, approachable, and meaningful.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work with clients ages 12 to 21 who are navigating major life transitions, as well as college students and adults of all ages. I support individuals experiencing self-esteem challenges, anxiety, and childhood or adult trauma. I also work with parents seeking guidance in parenting or special education support. In addition, I offer Christian counseling for those who desire a faith-based approach, and I welcome adults 65 and older who are seeking compassionate support through life’s later-stage transitions.
Specialties
Top specialties
Coping Skills
Self Esteem
Trauma and PTSD
Other specialties
ADHD
Anxiety
Peer Relationships
I identify as
Black / African American
White
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Children (6 to 12)
Elders (65 and above)
Teenagers (13 to 17)
Licensed in
Illinois
Accepts
Aetna
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Anthem
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Administrators
Cash - $105 per session
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
GTEB
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
UMR - Advocate Aurora Health
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
UnitedHealthcare Complete Care (C-SNP)
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I've used CBT with various clients who have experienced trauma at varied levels ( car accident to extreme loss) and ages 7+
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I have used this treatment method with clients to help them with staying present and to help with managing anxiety.
Faith based therapy
I have had over 15 years of experience of helping clients utilize their faith to support their growth, and mental health to reach their goals/ live to enjoy life.
8 ratings with written reviews
July 6, 2026
Dawn meets me where I am and guides me to see things differently. The challenges she brings are presented in a way that is empowering and encourages inner growth. I leave each session with a new or different perspective. Not from her vantage point but she provides tools and insight for me to decipher and seek for myself. I feel empowered and encouraged to stand in and strengthen my authentic self without shame or dialing back.
Verified client, age 55-64
June 15, 2026
I've only have been in two sessions with Dawnielle and I've been seeing progress and improvement in my self-esteem within considering therapy for a couple months now. I haven't been back on therapy because of the price and my last therapist wasn't giving me solutions or advice to work on or the sessions are not leading to success. As this is my first time trying Grow Therapy and meeting Dawnielle for the first time, I can see only improvements in the future for myself!
Verified client, age 18-24
June 4, 2026
Great first session with Dawnielle really great at pointing and calling things out when they need to be addressed! excited for more future sessions.