Licensed to practice in Illinois and accepts 34 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Self Esteem and 10 more.
(she/they)
Welcome! I’m so glad you have found your way here. Often we get swept up in the competing demands around us and forgo what we need. We can lose ourselves without even realizing it or maybe we never had the chance in the first place. Before we know it, we are stuck thinking, "Why can’t I seem to do what’s most important to me? What is most important to me anyway?" My hope is that together we can find healing and create a life you want to live. I think of my role as a guide offering a new perspective. A light in the dark. A little background of me, my name is Kel and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Illinois. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression I am also passionate about navigating relationships, spirituality, and late diagnosed Autism. With my client centered approach we will tailor interventions to meet your specific needs. I am a Certified Autism Specialist and level one Internal Family Systems (IFS) training enjoy incorporating art of all kinds. In addition, I am a Reiki Master and Certified Pranic Healer. My previous experience includes 11 years of working in a variety of behavioral health settings, including outpatient therapy, intensive outpatient, inpatient, and residential programs. In 2017 I received my Masters Degree in Social Work from Aurora University. I would love to meet with you, get to know you, and develop a plan together to get you where you want to go.
When we first meet the goal is simply to get to know each other and get an idea of what you’d like to accomplish. For many people the idea of a first session is intimidating. I’d like to ease that as much as possible. I’ll introduce myself and answer your questions. I’ll ask what’s bringing you in, what has been going on, and how it has been effecting you. You can share as much or as little as you are comfortable with. I’ll ask some questions to get an idea of your history and background. Then we will form goals based on what is important to you. We will wrap up by scheduling a follow up session if it feels like a good fit. The second session is where we will start working towards the goals you select.
My greatest strength as a clinician is that I’ve been on the other side of the table long enough to heal. I’ve done my own trauma work, grieved deep losses, faced my fears, and made peace with who I am. This has given me a level of understanding and empathy that can only be reached by walking through the darkest places and coming out the other side. I can guide you through the darkness because I know the landscape well. Also, I’m a nerd who loves learning and enjoys staying up to date on research to best help you.
I love working with people who want to grow and heal. I want to work with people who want to get to the heart of the matter and resolve it instead of slapping on a Band-Aid. I love working with people of all backgrounds and identities. I specialize in working with people experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, and grief. I also have a passion for working with late diagnosed Autistic folx or people who suspect that they are Autistic.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cash - $175 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Anthem
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
Evernorth
Golden Rule
GTEB
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
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
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I have specialized DBT training. I lead a community mental health DBT program utilized DBT in hospital settings before integrating it into individual outpatient therapy. I utilize DBT to develop balance. It’s all about learning how to manage your emotions, survive intense emotions, work with what is happening in the present moment without getting stuck in the past or future, and how to make our relationships work.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
I have completed the official IFS training level 1 training. This method helps us work with the conflicting parts of ourselves. It is helpful for deep healing and trauma work. It also helps us address behaviors and emotions we are struggling to change.
Trauma Informed Care
I have completed trauma informed care training. This permeates every aspect of my work as it hinges on an underlying awareness, understanding, and sensitivity to the way we are impacted by trauma and how to navigate through that without re-traumatizing ourselves.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i)
Sometimes when we’ve been looking at things from one angle for so long we can’t see any other options. By shifting our thinking we can shift our perspective opening up so many more possibilities.
Gender-affirming therapy
I am here to support you however you identify. You know you best and you are worthy of respect.
5 ratings with written reviews
February 2, 2026
It has been such a pleasure working with Kelly so far. She is very warm and open minded. Her approach is very unique and she is really helping me to see things in different ways so I can address my concerns. I am looking forward to my continued work with her.
August 6, 2025
Kelly Burke cares about their patients beyond their job -- I have never encountered a more understanding & thoughtful therapist.
July 1, 2025
Kelly was very gentle and affirming. I felt safe and seen in our session.