Mihaela Vladu
Welcome to Integrated Family Behavioral Health & Counseling PLLC! I'm Mihaela Vladu, PMHNP-BC, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 16 years of experience dedicated to supporting individuals on their mental health journey.
With over 16 years of experience, I help clients develop practical coping strategies, increase self-awareness, and build resilience.
My journey in this profession has been driven by a deep commitment to helping clients achieve mental wellness and reclaim their lives. I provide compassionate, personalized care to adults, children, and adolescents, with a focus on trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to move forward in your healing journey.
First session
During our first session, we’ll focus on getting to know each other and creating a comfortable, supportive space where you feel heard and understood. I will ask questions about your current concerns, mental health history, and what brings you to seek support at this time. This initial visit is also an opportunity for you to share your goals, ask questions, and discuss your preferences for care. Together, we’ll begin developing a personalized treatment plan that may include therapy, medication management, or a combination of both. My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling supported, informed, and confident about the next steps in your journey toward improved mental health.
Strengths
My greatest strengths are my ability to provide compassionate, individualized care while integrating clinical expertise with a holistic, client-centered approach. I create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel truly heard, respected, and understood, allowing for meaningful therapeutic progress. I combine supportive, compassion-focused, and evidence-based practices to tailor treatment plans that meet each client’s unique needs. Whether through therapy, medication management, or an integrated approach, I focus on addressing both immediate concerns and long-term well-being. With over 16 years of experience, I help clients develop practical coping strategies, increase self-awareness, and build resilience. My approach is results-oriented yet empathetic—supporting clients not only in reducing symptoms but also in gaining confidence, improving daily functioning, and achieving lasting emotional balance 😊.
Ideal clients
At Integrated Family Behavioral Health & Counseling PLLC, I am best positioned to support individuals who are ready to take an active role in improving their mental health, whether they feel motivated, uncertain, or overwhelmed at the start of their journey. As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 16 years of experience, I work with a diverse range of clients, including adults 18 and up, children, and adolescents, as well as women navigating trauma and abuse, and veterans or active-duty service members experiencing PTSD and related challenges. I also support individuals facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, and stress-related conditions. My ideal clients are those seeking a compassionate, collaborative approach to care. They value having a safe, nonjudgmental space where they can openly explore their concerns, gain insight into their experiences, and develop practical strategies for growth and healing. Some clients may be interested in medication management, while others may wish to explore therapeutic techniques—or a combination of both. I am particularly well-suited to work with individuals who want to set realistic goals, build resilience, and develop healthier coping mechanisms while addressing both immediate concerns and long-term well-being. My goal is to create a supportive and nurturing environment where clients feel heard, empowered, and confident as they work toward achieving greater balance, stability, and overall mental wellness.
Treatment methods
Supportive
At Integrated Family Behavioral Health & Counseling PLLC, I use a supportive therapy approach to help clients feel heard, understood, and empowered throughout their mental health journey. As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 16 years of experience in Inpatient/Outpatient Mental Health, I provide compassionate guidance tailored to each individual’s unique needs and circumstances. My supportive approach focuses on building a strong therapeutic relationship where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts, emotions, and challenges without judgment. I work collaboratively with individuals to identify concerns, strengthen coping skills, and develop realistic short- and long-term goals. I have experience supporting a diverse population, including adults, children, women affected by trauma and abuse, veterans, and active-duty service members facing PTSD and related conditions. Whether through counseling, medication management, or a combination of both, I help clients navigate life stressors and build resilience. My goal is to create a nurturing, respectful environment where you feel supported in your growth, empowered in your decisions, and confident in your path toward improved mental wellness.
Compassion-Focused
In my practice, I incorporate principles of Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) to help clients develop a kinder, more understanding relationship with themselves. This approach is especially beneficial for individuals experiencing shame, self-criticism, trauma, anxiety, and depression. As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 16 years of experience, I guide clients in recognizing how their thoughts and emotions are influenced by past experiences, while fostering self-compassion as a pathway to healing. Many individuals struggle with harsh self-judgment, and through CFT, I help clients learn to respond to themselves with greater empathy, patience, and emotional balance. My approach involves building awareness of emotional patterns, teaching practical skills to regulate distress, and encouraging the development of a compassionate inner voice. I work collaboratively with clients to create a safe and supportive space where they can explore difficult feelings without fear of judgment. I have applied this approach successfully with diverse populations, including individuals coping with trauma, veterans and active-duty personnel with PTSD, and those navigating life transitions or chronic stress. Whether integrated with medication management or other therapeutic strategies, compassion-focused techniques support resilience, emotional healing, and long-term well-being. My goal is to help you move from self-criticism toward self-acceptance, empowering you to approach life’s challenges with greater confidence and compassion.
Transpersonal
In my practice, I incorporate transpersonal approaches to support clients in exploring the deeper meaning and purpose behind their thoughts, emotions, and life experiences. Transpersonal therapy focuses on the connection between mind, body, and spirit, helping individuals move beyond symptom relief toward personal growth, self-awareness, and a greater sense of fulfillment. As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 16 years of experience, I integrate transpersonal principles in a grounded, client-centered way. This may include helping clients explore their values, beliefs, inner strengths, and sense of identity, particularly during times of transition, trauma recovery, or emotional distress. My approach is respectful of each individual’s background and personal belief system. I encourage reflection, mindfulness, and meaning-making as tools for healing, while also addressing clinical needs such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. This integrative perspective can be especially helpful for individuals seeking not only symptom management but also deeper personal insight and connection. I have found this approach valuable when working with diverse populations, including individuals coping with trauma, veterans and active-duty service members, and those navigating significant life changes. Transpersonal techniques are often used alongside supportive care and, when appropriate, medication management to promote overall well-being. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where you can explore both your challenges and your strengths, helping you develop a greater sense of balance, purpose, and inner resilience.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions3575 Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL 60031, Suite D