28 Person of Color (POC) therapists in Illinois

Hi, I am a Bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I have experience working with children, adolescents and Adults who are struggling with uncomfortable emotions, difficult relationships and personal discovery. My background includes working with survivors of Domestic Violence, Crisis intervention that includes suicidal ideations, self-harm behavior and anger management. I also have experience in the group setting, working in the Intensive Outpatient Program.

Hi I’m Gina! Do you know that everyone feels overwhelmed from time to time? Balancing the demands of life, family, and work can be challenging. I have PhD and MSW from the University of Illinois at Chicago. I am a highly trained therapist with experience helping people recover and achieve their personal and professional goals. My approach is filtered through a diverse lens that views all clients as having the ability to work through challenges. Sometimes all you need is a little help to move forward. Building upon your strengths and past coping mechanisms will help you develop better ways of managing stress and conflict. There are many interventions such as meditation, cognitive behavioral, family systems and solution focused therapy that can be used to tackle the issues affecting your emotional wellbeing. I know seeking therapy can feel scary, but you are making the right decision. Contact me today so we can discuss how therapy can help you.

Hello, I am licensed in Illinois and Missouri with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping teens, adults, couples, families, veterans and military personnel with stress and anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Professional experience and additional areas of focus: Adoption and Foster Care, Cancer, Caregiver Issues and Stress, Communication Problems, Control Issues, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Family Problems, Forgiveness, Hospice and End of Life Counseling, Impulsivity, Men's Issues, Military and Veterans Issues, Mood Disorders, Multicultural Concerns, Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks, Post-traumatic Stress, Self-Harm, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Sexuality, Young Adult Issues Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy

Welcome! My name is April Lacey and I am a licensed counselor in Illinois. Taking the first step to seek a happier and fulfilling life takes courage. I am here to support you through that process. My vision for therapy is to create a safe and encouraging space for clients to share their experiences while recognizing their strengths to cope with life's challenges. I have worked in a wide range of therapeutic settings such as psychiatric units, crisis lines, and community mental health with youth and families impacted by the juvenile justice system. My experience has consisted of helping clients cope with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, anger management, and self-esteem concerns. My approach focuses on fostering a strong collaborative relationship with clients to reach their goals. I value genuineness and believe in meeting clients where they are while treating everyone with respect and compassion.

Do you feel restless, sad, anxious? Do you find it difficult to let go of past hurts and regrets? Are you filled with worry and self-doubt? Do these struggles have you feeling overwhelmed, unfocused, and interfere with your current life circumstances and relationships? Are you ready and willing to take the steps toward healing and peace of mind? Hello. My name is Esther Kim. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in the helping field. I come from a trauma-informed background with training in Cognitive/Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Anxiety Therapy, Grief Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Parent Coaching, and Restorative Practices. I embrace a positive, strength-based, solution-focused, and collaborative approach when working with clients. I strive to help my clients realize they possess the ability to not just cope with painful circumstances or memories but also overcome them and create a new narrative for their lives. To schedule an intake appointment with me, click "Book Session" above or use this link: https://provider.growtherapy.com/book-appointment?id=3100&ref=prov *** Please note that if you are in need of additional administrative services such as disability certification, a letter for special accommodations, or approval for the use of an emotional support animal (ESA), you will need to contact another healthcare provider who can assess for and/or verify a diagnosis and provide you with the necessary documentation.

I utilize a holistic approach and adapt each counseling relationship to the individual’s personal needs, goals, and aspirations. This is done through a strengths-based, client-focused therapeutic approach to partner with you as you seek wholeness. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families as they seek to make necessary changes for cultivating a fulfilling and authentic life. It is my goal to identify your strengths, increase your self-awareness, and assist you in your journey. I specialize in anxiety, depression, faith based (Christian) counseling, pre-martial and martial counseling, life transitions, and identity issues.

My name is Tamara S. Lewis, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been working in the Behavioral Health Field for nearly 10 years and in Private Practice for the last 5yrs. I work with couples who struggle with communication, conflict management and intimacy issues. I work with individuals who struggle with anxiety and depression. I am a transformative therapist. I teach individuals and couples the tools necessary to transform their lives and relationships in a way that is meaningful for them. I teach skills that clients are able to utilize outside of the therapy space to mange day to day life events long after therapy has ended. I take great pride in the progress and success of my clients and look forward to helping you

Oftentimes reaching out for help is a big step towards wellness and healing. Congratulations on taking that step! My name is LaDonna Miller and I am a clinical social worker in Chicago, Illinois. I have over 8 years working in the mental health field and would love to work alongside you to accomplish your goals! I have experience working with adults with depression, ADHD, anxiety disorders, panic disorders, multicultural issues, and complex trauma. I would describe my style as warm and supportive, and I am ready to help you tackle your struggle head-on. Collaboration is important - together we can work on establishing concrete goals and steps for you to help some mental health challenges, too. I know firsthand that getting help can be a challenge. I look forward to speaking with you to see if we are a good fit to partner in your journey!

Hi, I'm Myrna. Do you sometimes feel that you don't fit in or that others are taking advantage of your kindness? Do you feel that others undervalue you and your contributions and that the goal post you have been assigned by others to reach keeps getting moved further away from you? I help abuse victims and survivors to appreciate themselves, their goals, their achievements, and their own individual beauty. Together we can work to help you to separate your individual goals and aspirations from those that you may have adapted in order to please others. Whether it is self-acknowledged engrained attitudes and beliefs acquired from parental, educational, religious, or social conditioning that has caused you to undervalue yourself and value other's opinions of you above your own self-assessment or whether the cause is unknown, I can help you. We will use a solutions-focused approach that utilizes practical and proven techniques that address both your emotional, mental, and physical needs. I incorporate bible verses, history, and personality assessments to assist you in seeing your place in the world and recognizing yourself as a valuable individual. In our sessions together, you will be met with respect and appreciation. I look forward to working with you.

Compassionate care paired with non- judgemental expertise is my specialty. I work with parents,children,couples,teens on a variety of issuesYou can expect honesty ,skill and authenticity in every session.Using EMDR ( eye- movement desensitization retraining) we can separate the emotion from the trauma.Using CBT ( cognitive behavioral therapy)we can tap into thinking that is limiting you and correct it. I often tell people that " long after you have forgotten my name you will have tools that,you,your family and friends can use".You can pass on a legacy of emotional health to your offspring.I look forward to working with you to make the world a better place!

In my 14 years providing clinical therapy I have worked with various individuals experiencing difference life challenges. My "ideal" client is one that is looking for guidance and support to resolve mental health issues, life stressors, transitional issues, and/or identity issues. The goal is to create a connection and from that connection build a bridge to healing and recovery. Social justice drives the work that I do personally and professionally. I specialize in the following: -Anxiety -Depression -Bipolar -Schizophrenia -Personality Disorders -Trauma -LGTBQ -Women’s Issues -Oppression based trauma -Life -Racial Identity Challenges. Therapy is not about weakness, it’s about strength. The courage to face the pain, accept it, and continue on despite it. We are on a journey together, one that includes tears and laughter. Authenticity in terms of my own experience and journey, along with the use of humor, allows me to create warm, safe space in order to develop a strong therapeutic bond.

Hello, Do you ever feel like someone else is narrating your story and you have little control of what your future holds? I am excited to walk with you on a journey toward a better version of yourself. I will work with you to create a blueprint for what you want your life to look like. Together we will find the things that add value to your life and let go of the barriers that are holding you back. I use a combination of talk therapy, breathwork, mindfulness, and creative modalities to deal with unresolved traumas, give you skills to understand what you can not control, and help you become the narrator of what your future looks like. I believe strongly in the power we all hold to imagine a better life and our ability to create it.

Hello My Name is Tekoa I am a Licenced Clinical Professional Counselor and I specialize in Addiction Therapy and all that comes along with it. Has drug or alcohol use taken a toll on your life? Impacting your livelihood, family, job? Can't find your way out? Is desperation the norm? Let me help. Allow me to share in your dreams of sobriety, recovery and wholeness. Let's walk step by step through this maze, as it will be safe with me, as you open up and begin your journey. Together we'll work to build from low self-worth, shame, guilt, unforgiveness, denial, lies, pain and loss. I am a straightforward type of therapist, with no tiptoeing around the issues, and no blaming others, solution-focused. Focusing on how you got here and the plan on getting out. Paired with the understanding that it is you who are responsible for your life choices and you are responsible for your life changes. You can do this, let's do it together.

Hi there! I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Illinois, with over 30 years of experience in the field. I obtained my Doctoral and Masters degrees in counseling education from Argosy University and Northeastern Illinois University, respectively. My practice focuses on supporting clients dealing with life stress, depression, and anxiety, while also assisting families in enhancing their communication skills. I'm passionate about helping individuals become the best versions of themselves and making a positive impact on their lives.

Hello! Congratulations on taking your first steps to bettering your mental health. My name is Cassandra (Cassie). I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (Michigan) and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (IL) who has worked with a wide range of clients from young children to adults and families. I believe that each individual is unique and special; therefore, I prefer an eclectic and collaborative approach to counseling; developing the treatment plan to reflect your unique needs. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Attachment Therapy and aspects of Theraplay. I often utilize strengths-based and person-centered methods.

Hello, I'm Akisha, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over nine years of experience in private practice, though I recently took a break for a little over a year. I specialize in working with adults, providing a non-judgmental environment to foster resilience and develop adaptive coping mechanisms. Additionally, I've served as an elementary school counselor for 17 years, where I'm passionate about guiding students towards a bright future by exposing them to various opportunities and possibilities.

As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Illinois. I earned a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree and a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology. I have an extensive research background and have published two books on identity and resilience. In therapy, my foremost priority is your well-being. I am committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential space where you can openly express your thoughts, emotions, and concerns. I believe in the power of empathy and active listening to truly understand your unique experiences and perspectives.

Hello there, My name is Dr. Tanye' Tyler (she/her), DSW, MBA, LCSW, but feel free to call me "Dr. T." As a licensed clinical social worker, I have expertise in trauma-informed counseling. I understand that sometimes, we face situations that can be challenging to handle, even with our best efforts. I have a broad understanding of trauma, which allows me to offer empathy and support to my clients without judgment. During our conversations, I will be a compassionate listener, and you can trust that nothing you say will ever surprise me. I specialize in evidence-based practices and frameworks, particularly those related to issues that affect Blacks, Indigenous people, and other persons of color and the LGBTQIA+ community. I check my emails and messages every 3-4 hours between 10:00 am and 7:00 pm (CDT), and I strive to respond to you as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours. Please understand that my off days vary and are reflected on the appointment scheduling page. If you need to cancel an appointment, please do so at least 24 hours in advance; otherwise, you will be billed at the no-show rate. Thank you for choosing me as your therapist. I look forward to working with you. I look forward to our chat! Dr. T

As a child, I always wanted to pursue a career where I could assist with an individual’s growth, creativity and happiness. I learned at a young age the struggles that life can bring, not only through the inevitable, but also through situational traumas that we at times have to face and endure. Being an active member in the clinical field of helping professionals, I have certainly learned the importance of patience, empathy and peace. Identifying and securing ones’ purpose in life, creates the true masterpiece of one’s story. My goal is to assist you in your journey to self-actualization. ​

Hello, I'm Daniel, and I am a behavioral therapist specializing in treating insomnia, anxiety, and depression. If you find yourself stuck in a pattern of poor sleep, in cycles of anxiety or depression, or simply feeling stuck in a rut in life, I'm here to help you overcome these challenges. With a deep grounding in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), my approach combines practical strategies found in CBT with a focus on fostering acceptance, mindfulness, and personal growth. By integrating cognitive behavioral techniques and ACT principles, we can work together to manage symptoms, build resilience, and empower you to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. I have served a diverse range of populations over 11 years as a licensed clinical social worker, in community mental health, hospital clinic, and private practice settings. I've been trained in multiple evidence-based modalities, some trauma-focused, many CBT-based, and I especially resonate with the principles found in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Additionally, I have extensive training and experience in behavioral sleep therapy--treating individuals with insomnia, circadian rhythm issues, nightmares, and other sleep disorders. If you're here because you're tired of the struggle you've been stuck in and could use some help -- welcome. I'm looking forward to hearing your story and working together with you on your goals in therapy.

Hello and welcome! My name is Carlton Hemphill, a 32-year-old Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois. I received my Masters from University in Clinical Psychology-Counseling Practice with a concentration on child and families. I have been working in the field since 2015, and practicing as an independent clinician in my own private practice since June 2023. My background is in behavioral and cognitive theories; my therapeutic approach is rooted in the notion that behaviors are learned through our environment, and that belief systems and interpretations of life events reinforce behavioral patterns.

Hi, my name is Neelma Zafar. The stigma in many cultures around mental health can be debilitating. I believe that no matter what background you are coming from, your mental and emotional health should be made as much of a priority as your physical health. Taking the first step and asking for help can be intimidating, but I meet my clients where they are and get to know them and their strengths. My approach is trauma-focused and evidence-based therapy and I believe in empowering my clients. I am trained in EMDR, DBT and CBT. Currently, I am working with sexually abused and sexually problematic children. I do family therapy sessions. I immigrated from Pakistan and I know personally what "trauma" is. I volunteered with refugees and worked with them on their mental health issues. I know Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi languages. I volunteer at the food pantry and daily bread soup kitchen and strongly believe in giving back to the community. I am hear to listen to my clients in a judgement-free zone in order to help them grow as a person and move past trauma.

After graduating with my MSW in 2019 from the University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign, I have been pursuing my passion of providing high quality therapeutic care to those who have experienced chronic, complex trauma and are now wanting to break the cycle and heal. I am a firm believer that trauma impacts our whole beings. And left untreated, trauma takes an emotional and physical toll that wreaks havoc on our mind, bodies, and spirits. My goal is to be a part of that journey towards healing.

As you embark on your journey, therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to explore, understand and challenge life experiences that shape our identities and perceptions of the world. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 6 years of experience providing therapy and other clinical services to individuals struggling with severe mental illness and addiction, I approach therapy from a holistic and multicultural perspective. As a Mexican and Filipino American woman, I draw on my personal experiences to better understand how cultural factors influence our perceptions of ourselves and the world around us. My goal is to build a respectful and collaborative partnership with my clients to support them on their journey towards healing and self-discovery. I firmly believe in addressing presenting issues by understanding the whole person, rather than just focusing on the problem. Using a strengths-based approach, along with evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, mindfulness, and psychodynamic approaches, I work with my clients to identify thought patterns, regulate emotions, and build self-awareness to foster healing and self-compassion. I earned my Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in Mental Health from the Jane Addams College of Social Work, and have worked in a variety of settings, including residential care for addiction, outpatient addiction treatment facilities, and community mental health care. My diverse experiences and training have enabled me to build a creative work space that centers the person as a whole, providing a healing space where individuals can feel heard, honored, and understood.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been in the Social Services field for over 14 years. I have had the pleasure of working with various populations and clients of various backgrounds. I truly enjoy the growth that takes place through the therapeutic process. It takes a lot of courage to take this step and I applaud you ahead of time.