Licensed to practice in 2 states and accepts 38 insurances. Specializes in ADHD, Anxiety, Couples Counseling and 7 more.
(she/her)
Clients say this provider is
Navigating through the paths of life can be challenging. You don't have to journey them alone. My name is Leslie Scott aka the Esteem Counselor. I am here to support you along your journey with a clinical road map and conversation to make your journey easier to endure. I am a licensed clinical social worker with 25 plus years of experience specializing in Culturally Based Therapy, Christian Counseling, Anxiety, Loss, Life Transitions, Relationships, Family, Couples, Diversity, Inclusion, and Narcissistic Abuse. I work with a diversity of clients and would welcome the opportunity to support you as you navigate through this phase of your life's journey.
During the intake appointment, I will briefly introduce my clinical experience and discuss the reasons that prompted you to begin therapy at this time. I'll ask you to describe your desired outcomes so that I can guide you effectively. We'll identify who is part of your support system and any potential challenges, past traumas, or behavioral patterns from your formative years that might impact our work together. If you're new to therapy, I'll explain how diagnoses are made, the purpose of the psychosocial questions I'll be asking, and the various assessments I'll administer to evaluate your current and future needs. This will also help in collaborating with other providers and making necessary referrals.
The name of my private practice is Esteem Counseling LLC. I am passionate about working with those that have a sense that they are flawed individuals. Those that struggle to connect with others and believe as if they have no worth or little worth in comparison to others. I enjoy helping clients see their intrinsic value. I enjoy engaging them in the detective work of exploring the ways their core values were formed and the cognitive biases and distortions that may have formed as a result. I enjoy seeing the light in individuals’ eyes when they realize how these thoughts have shaped their emotions and behavior throughout the years and the relief to know they aren't innately flawed and empowered to change how they show up in life by changing their beliefs.
Working with clients navigating interpersonal conflicts, self-esteem challenges, and dating or relationship hurdles is a deeply rewarding part of my practice. I am passionate about helping individuals unpack complex relational dynamics, build robust self-worth, and foster healthier connections. Together, we identify destructive patterns, establish firm boundaries, and cultivate the practical communication tools needed to build fulfilling, lasting relationships with both themselves and others.
ADHD
Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Coping Skills
Family Conflict
Life Transitions
Peer Relationships
School Issues
Self Esteem
Women's Issues
Black / African American
Christian
Woman
Adults (18 to 64)
Illinois
Missouri
Aetna
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - Lucent Health
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Anthem
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Administrators
Arlo
AvMed
Cash - $125 per session
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
Evernorth
GTEB
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
UMR - Advocate Aurora Health
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
I was taught Solution Focused Brief Therapy by the late Insoo Kim Berg, a pioneering psychotherapist whose husband, Steve De Shazer, developed the field. Utilizing it in my work, I help individuals deal with stress, anxiety, mild depression, relationship problems, and occasional family disputes.
Along with a cohort of trained peers, I received monthly critiques of my calls and training in Motivational Interviewing (MI) from William Miller, the co-founder of MI. I use MI when a client is ambivalent and thinking about making a change in their lifestyle.
30 ratings with written reviews
September 7, 2026
I feel Leslie is intelligent and warm, with a direct approach, which is what I need at this time. Her authenticity allows me to focus on my needs and to concentrate on being authentic when explaining my challenges and goals.
August 20, 2026
Leslie does a great job of navigating you to self discovery. She gives option activities to do between session to really help make the most of your time together. She is humorous and genuine in how she speak. Her warm and authentic demeanor has been quite refreshing and even after 3 sessions I have felt significant change
July 28, 2026
For a first meeting it couldn’t have gone better. I so appreciate her warmth, openness, and direct communication. Leslie is a Great listener to be able to hold everything I toss in a moment and reflect it back in a way that makes me feel heard and understood.