Therapists in Illinois

Hello! I am a Clinical Psychologist and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience helping multicultural clients explore strategies to manage mental health, relationship issues, and other struggles. You don’t have to face these feelings alone. We can explore your thoughts and emotions in a safe space, helping you take the first step towards a better future.

Life can be messy, overwhelming, and downright hard sometimes—and that’s completely okay. For nearly a decade, I’ve supported adults navigating anxiety, trauma, and relationship struggles, helping them feel more grounded and confident in their lives. In our work together, we’ll take time to understand what you’re going through, explore what matters most to you, and discover practical, realistic ways to move forward. My goal isn’t to tell you what to do, but to work with you—listening, offering options, and supporting you as you work through challenges and build a life that feels more manageable, meaningful, and true to who you are. I bring warmth, compassion, and even a little humor into the process, because healing doesn’t have to feel heavy all the time.

Hi there! I’m Tracy Birkinbine, a Licensed Professional Counselor with two decades of experience helping people feel more grounded, more hopeful, and more like themselves again. I work with adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and all the curveballs that life tends to throw, whether it’s a major life transition or just that nagging feeling of being stuck. I also have a special place in my heart for those dealing with infertility, adoption, and the rollercoaster of parenting (I’ve been there, in more ways than one — through infertility, adoption, biology, and stepfamily life). Clients often tell me I’m easy to talk to, down-to-earth, and real. That’s exactly what I strive for: a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where you can show up just as you are. I take a collaborative, practical approach to therapy using tools from CBT, mindfulness, and solution-focused work, always tailored to what you need. I’m LGBTQIA+ affirming and deeply committed to inclusivity. My goal is for you to feel safe, heard, and empowered, whether we’re tackling a lifelong struggle or just trying to get through a tough season. If you’re feeling nervous about starting therapy, know that you’re not alone, and you’re in the right place!

Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR Certified. I understand that individuals are continually adapting to their surroundings and doing their best to manage amongst systemic, environmental, and interpersonal stressors. In my therapy sessions, I offer a space for individuals to both process their experiences and explore strategies for managing stressors in a healthy way. I have extensive experience over the past 15 years supporting individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma.

My counseling style is relaxed and conversational and one of meeting someone where they are on their path. I recognize it takes courage to seek therapy and implement changes and would love to assist you on your journey of discovery. I understand that it may be difficult to open up and talk to someone and I pride myself on being an active and nonjudgemental listener. I am genuinely interested in helping everyone I come in contact with thrive in all aspects of their personal and/or professional lives. I will constantly work to promote an empathetic experience where an individual’s needs, concerns, and personal values are met with compassion and respect. I am devoted to creating a safe place that both fosters and aids emotional growth and healing.

My name is Marisol Cruz, and I am bilingual in English and Spanish. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I have 24 years of experience working as a school counselor. My main objective working with students is to help guide and support them so that they can carry on with their daily routines in school and in any environment. I also provide services for adults with mild/ moderate depression, anxiety, relationship support, life coaching, Self-esteem, and more. Sessions will focus on the clients and their immediate needs. At the start of the sessions, we will discuss anything on their mind, then concentrate on the main goal of the therapy session and work together towards meeting expectations. The therapeutic process will be empathetic and compassionate. The client should feel safe to express themselves in a non-judgmental environment.

Hi, my name is Dr. Nikki Ruffin. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Illinois a licensed professional clinical counselor in the state of California and a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Indiana. I have my doctorate in Counseling and Education and I've been in practice for about 20 years. I work mostly with adults with anxiety, depression, grief, and loss and trauma, as well as life transitions and relationship issues.

Hi! I'm a licenced therapist (LCSW) I provide holistic, trauma informed therapy that focuses on the body, mind and spirit to bring lasting change. My approach is collaborative, warm and compassionate and utilizes a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Strength Based Therapy, (non toxic) Positive Psychology. I am licensed in California, Illinois, Indiana, Texas.

I am a independently licensed therapist, with professional experience since 2014. I've earned my Bachelors in Art from Albany State University in Albany Georgia; and my Master's in Art Therapy/Counseling from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. My professional experience extends to working in the Illinois Department of Corrections, various hospital settings, community outpatient services, and crisis intervention settings.

Hi I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois and am experienced providing individual, couples, family and group counseling interventions. I work with children through adults, from a variety of backgrounds and varied presenting concerns. I utilize CBT, brief solution focused models, TF-CBT, and person centered interventions. I am a member of the Illinois Counseling Association and Illinois Mental Health Counseling Association.

Thanks for stopping by I’m glad to see you are taking the steps to change your situation. I view myself as a change agent, I’m here to help you through the process. Almost all of us find areas in our lives in which we need guidance. I have been working to empower others for 18 years. In that time, I have worked in several settings including community mental health, inpatient psychiatric care, acute hospitals, and the public school system. My name is Melissa Hamilton, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have extensive experience working with adults, families, at-risk youth, and adolescents. I earned a Doctorate in Social Work and master’s degrees in both Social Work and Public Health. I hold clinical licensure in Missouri and Illinois. My approach to therapy is that it should be used as a tool to provide the knowledge, help, and support needed to understand problems and develop skills to cope with them. I use Cognitive Behavioral techniques to help clients develop insight and new skills. In addition, I am experienced with trauma-informed practice, including trauma-focused CBT, as well as using mindfulness techniques. I lean towards the use of evidence-based interventions from diverse models to fit the needs of the individual so treatment can be tailored to fit your individual needs. My counseling experience includes mental health and wellness, self-care practices, health and behavioral health advocacy, interpersonal/family conflict and wellness, healthy relationships, children and adolescents, depression, grief and loss, stress, anxiety, crisis management, and anger management. My specialties are working with people struggling with depression, anxiety, anger issues, personal crises, and family relationship issues. I actively work to help clients feel supported and empowered throughout the therapeutic process. I look forward to this journey with you!

*ONLY accepting female clients at this time * Hello! I'm Jessica Milgrome, a licensed mental health clinician with 10 years of experience, a certified Rehabilitation Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor. My approach centers on making therapy the least stressful part of your life. I create a supportive, relaxed environment with a modern, casual style, often incorporating humor. I can direct sessions or simply listen, based on your needs, and appreciate when clients express whether they seek guidance, feedback, or just want to vent. I work with clients facing various concerns, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and relationship issues like breakups, emotional abuse, narcissistic abuse/trauma and relationship conflicts. I also manage severe mental health conditions such as psychosis. Additionally, I focus on developing interpersonal relationships and provide practical support with job placement and interview skills, aiding career transitions and professional growth. I guide clients in cultivating self-love and forgiveness, believing these are crucial for emotional healing and personal growth. My holistic approach addresses both emotional and practical aspects of life to help achieve balance and fulfillment. To share a bit about myself—I’m a huge fan of stand-up comedy (laughing is life), look forward to Mondays for Spotify's new Discover Weekly playlists, and live by the mantra "When words fail, let the music speak." Plus, I have six dogs! As a therapist, my goal is to help clients become their best selves. Together, we’ll improve self-esteem, identify symptom triggers, develop coping skills, explore psychoeducational materials, enhance family relationships, discuss psychotropic medications, and build a strong sense of self. My counseling style is warm and interactive, treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I combine cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and rational-emotive counseling, tailoring our dialogue and treatment plan to your unique needs. I look forward to working with you!

I am a husband of 14 years, a father of a 11 y/o neurodivergent son and a 7 y/o precocious daughter, a veteran of the US Navy with 12 years served, including 1 deployment, and a geek. I am what the Japanese culture describes as an otaku, in that I work to support my passions. In my free time I enjoy video games (mostly on Nintendo Switch), movies (all kinds, although my favorite is the 2005 animated Transformers movie), books (current favorite author is Brandon Sanderson), and spending time with my family.

Who I Am Hi, I’m a psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience—and I still wake up every day passionate about helping people heal and grow. Therapy, to me, is about more than problem-solving; it’s about reconnecting with yourself, rediscovering your strengths, and creating lasting change. I bring empathy, authenticity, and a laid-back, nonjudgmental vibe to my work. My approach blends evidence-based practices like CBT, trauma-informed care, and mindfulness with a deep respect for each client’s unique journey. I also bring the perspective of someone who’s walked through the trenches of life—childhood abuse, trauma, tragedy, and the challenges that come with being human. Those experiences don’t define me, but they do shape the way I connect—with honesty, compassion, and a real understanding of what it means to struggle and to heal. At the heart of my practice is creating a space where you can show up exactly as you are—no pressure, no judgment. Together, we’ll explore what’s holding you back, tap into your resilience, and build tools to move forward with clarity, confidence, and hope. Helping people heal isn’t just my profession—it’s my calling, and it’s an honor to walk alongside others on their journey.

Hi there! My name is Tamica, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of Southern California. My concentration is Mental Health with a sub-concentration in Military Families. I am a psychotherapist with a breath of wealth and experience in mental health, military families, social services, the criminal justice system, and case management services. I also have extensive experience working with the elderly population, and in psychiatric units, public school systems, mental health clinics, and State, Local and Federal Governmental agencies. My purpose is to help individuals learn evidence-based strategies, techniques and skills to manage their stress, anxiety, depression and other behaviors to reclaim their lives.