Therapists in Illinois

Hello. Thanks for stopping by and taking a moment to read my profile amongst the many that are out there. With over 20 years of experience as a professional counselor, I've had the privilege of guiding individuals, children to older adult population, through diverse life challenges. My journey as a therapist has taught me that growth and healing are possible at any age. I'm dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space where you can explore your concerns and develop the tools you need to thrive. I’m not a ‘sit and nod’ therapist, I enjoy a dynamic approach with my clients. I believe in a holistic, client-centered approach that blends traditional therapy with innovative strategies. My passion lies in empowering individuals to discover their strengths and create meaningful change. I understand that each person is unique, and I tailor my approach to meet your specific needs. My practice is grounded in the belief that true healing comes from discovering your authentic self. I believe that an over reliance on labels can be a source of stress and limit personal growth. I focus on helping you unhook from those external definitions and embrace the present, allowing you to live more freely and authentically.

Lisa Amodeo 30 years of experience and is dual Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois. She holds her Master’s Certified Addictions Professional (MCAP) through Florida Certification Board and is Certified Reciprocal Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CRADC) from Illinois Certification Board, Inc. She is trained in EMDR through Emdria. Lisa received her Master’s degree in Educational Psychology in Mental Health Counseling from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1992. She grew up and was raised in South Florida. She has worked in a variety of therapeutic settings, such as detox, residential, PHP, IOP, and aftercare levels of care in substance abuse treatment; as well as community mental health, NorthWestern Medicine medical Floors, Veteran Health Administration with children, young adults, adults, and families.

My name is Vince. I’m a licensed clinical social worker. I’ve worked in inpatient rehab as well as outpatient mental health facilities. I help people manage their anxiety and depression by learning coping skills. I help people process their past experiences and help people identify problem areas to improve. I help people develop their identity and their self-esteem to help become the person they need to be for themselves in their family.

After starting my career in advertising, I realized through self-discovery and soul-searching that my real passion in life is helping others. In 2010, I decided to go back to school to be clinically trained in social work at Loyola University Chicago, where I spent extensive time working with both adolescents and adults. I have been practicing since 2012 and have been helping clients globally with a variety of issues in my core areas of expertise, including addiction, mood disorders, and identity issues. I am also certified in Financial Social Work, bridging my passions for personal finance and emotional well-being. I live in Chicago and enjoy sports, travel, reading, and quiet Sundays at home.

Hello and Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), with experience in counseling as Certified Advance Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) with over 20 years of professional experience in the therapeutic community. I provide a safe, warm and supportive environment where you can express your symptoms, experiences, feelings and emotions. When you're ready to leave the stress and discomfort you are having behind, I'm prepared to help you. Schedule our first session and get you on the road to feeling better today.

My name is Brittany Wright and I am a licensed LCPC, LMHCA, and CADC. I have worked with individuals with mental health and substance use disorders since 2018. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology at Georgia State University, and my Master's degree in Forensic Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I service the adult population (18+) with several concerns including, but not limited to, substance use, parent education, domestic violence victims, domestic violence offenders, anxiety, and depression.

Hi I'm Gaby. If you have been feeling sick and stuck in a negative thought process and wondering if there is anyone who can understand or help you, let's talk. I am here to help you experience change and escape from the pattern of life that has left you feeling different, unwell, and stuck. I am first and foremost a Trauma Informed Recovery Therapist. This means that I believe in you and I believe in your goals and I know we can find a way to get there while acknowledging all that you have been through. I realized I wanted to become a therapist during a serendipitous summer camp experience—40 feet in the air on the high ropes course, I learned that I loved helping people process challenging experiences in creative ways. I love using a lot of different approaches depending on what we are working on. Some of my favorite methods are cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology, strength based therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. I have been doing individual therapy with teens and adults of all ages since 2020. Previously, I worked as a clinical consultant, clinical director, and clinical supervisor in specialized mental health rehabilitation settings. I have been supporting people in creating and meeting their goals since 2012. I have used all of my past work experiences to learn how to work with clients to explore dreams, and strengths, and learn how to make these things their reality. I use eclectic strategies to support people as they sort through their lives and figure out ways to move forward in a new light. I believe that therapy is a special space that allows a person to sit, process, and problem-solve in a way that can’t always be done in day-to-day.

Hi - I'm Seth, and many of my clients come to me because they struggle with unhealthy relationship dynamics, whether it be in long-term or brand new romantic partnerships, family relationships, or general functioning in interpersonal interaction. I specialize in relationships, addiction, depression, anxiety, and trauma, and have over 20 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families with diverse life experiences and a broad spectrum of personal struggles. I approach each person with unconditional positive regard and encourage authenticity, both in relationships with others and the relationship with oneself. I welcome opportunities to cultivate safe spaces for sharing, thinking, and healing. I bring a gentle, respectful, and accepting demeanor to the therapeutic relationship, supporting emotional awareness, self-appreciation, humor, and celebration as cornerstones of a healthy and resilient foundation for personal growth. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and completed my Master's degree in Social Work at University of Michigan. When I'm not working with clients, I can be found playing the cello, guitar, or piano; hiking with my family; or perfecting my deviled egg recipe.

I am a licensed clinical social worker who’s worked with diverse populations seeking to feel empowered through education and learning self-advocacy. I have a diverse background with the time in clinical experience and instilled education from different institutions. I prefer to work with patients who want to gain self-awareness and change to live a healthier life. I have worked with those who have a history of domestic violence, trauma, past persecution and trying to establish a safe home. Patients that need counseling in this country to stay legally. Patient’s who have children with mental health disorders and need to be here to care for them. Patients that have a need for support/resources; along with instilling coping skills to manage assimilation stressors, mental health needs and education on other related areas. I want to work with people that want to be their “best self”.

I’m Timberly. Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from who you want to be? I specialize in helping individuals navigate trauma, anxiety, self-esteem challenges, and major life transitions with compassion, clarity, and intention. As a trauma-informed, integrative therapist, I guide you in understanding your story, reconnecting with your inner strengths, and creating meaningful change at a pace that honors your readiness. I draw from narrative therapy, mindfulness, psychoeducation, and solution-focused techniques to help you make sense of your experiences and move forward with confidence. Whether you're struggling with self-doubt, emotional regulation, or feeling like you’re simply surviving rather than thriving, I’m here to support you with grounded insight, gentle challenge, and practical tools. Think of me as a collaborator, someone who walks beside you as you rewrite your internal narrative, heal old wounds, and step into a more empowered, intentional version of yourself. Together, we’ll work to move you from uncertainty to self-trust and from emotional exhaustion to a life that feels aligned, whole, and purposeful.

Hello there, I’m Elizabeth Jensema. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been practicing social work for 20 years. I enjoy helping adults struggling with their mental health and also those struggling with addiction. My goal is to meet you where you are at and to help you achieve goals that are meaningful to you. I like to have fun with humor, stay positive, and focus on moving forward one day at a time. I feel it's important to provide support and the reassurance that you are not alone, we are all struggling. I hope I can help you to feel comfortable and supported.

Hello there, I'm Kristin. I am so happy you have come across my profile, and hope to work with you in the future. Have you been feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks, and feel your relationships, performance and health have been lacking? I help people in this exact situation work through their struggles to find what is holding them back and build themselves into a strong person with a positive outlook and increased self-acceptance. There are times in everyone's life when support is needed. Recognizing you could use support and taking steps to get that support can be scary and difficult. You are already one step closer to a better self! Let's work together!

Hello. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counsellor (LCPC) in Illinois. I received my Doctorate degree in Clinical Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I received my Master's of Science degree in Community Counseling from National Louis University. I have over 2o years of experience in the field and enjoy providing client centered care to individuals of all ages.

Welcome. I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counsellor (LCPC) in Illinois with a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology, post graduate certifications in : marriage and family therapy, IFS, addictions/ codepencedncy, family therapy, breathwork, DBT, group, and and trauma therapy, practicing for 40 years. I assist clients in their healing, recovery, and increased agency. I will work with individuals and the systems within which they operate.

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who attained a Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2020. My passions include social justice, prison reform, substance use, and domestic violence. I have extensive knowledge working with individuals who struggle with addiction, anxiety, stress, depression, adjustment issues, relationship issues, and coping with chronic health conditions.

Hi, I’m Amber Gregory, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and owner of Pathway to Wellness, PLLC. I’m passionate about helping adolescents and adults who are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck as they navigate life’s challenges — including addiction, trauma, and major life transitions. In our work together, I take a compassionate, collaborative approach, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and EMDR to support healing, self-discovery, and lasting growth. My goal is to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you feel truly understood and supported, while empowering you on your journey toward balance, resilience, and wellness.

As a therapist, I will continue to assist client with my full ability and understanding how to decrease the negative and increase the positive internal and external related emotional vulnerabilities. I will concentrate on reaching that approach by assisting you as a client’s with developing your insight of overcoming emotional vulnerabilities and work toward those significant behavioral factors more realistically of gaining a better understanding of learning how to agree and not disagree with living life on life terms appropriately. As your therapist, I will continue to coordinate visits with you to assist you with exploring new methods of learning how to cope with alleged emotional problems reaching a point where you have a feeling of optimism and ready to take the steps towards wellness in your life.

I have found that many people enter therapy not because of a complex mental health issue but because of a general feeling of life not being what they would like it to be. I've been there. Many years ago I embarked on my own personal growth journey and I believe that has made me a more compassionate, empathic therapist. I am very active in the therapeutic process and give direct feedback and suggestions for implementing lifestyle changes. I have been a therapist for over 30 years, specializing primarily in depression/anxiety, relationship issues, and addiction/alcoholism. I believe that pain shared is pain lessened and that people can and do recover from issues that have been troubling them for years. I work with individuals and couples. I utilize a cognitive behavioral approach. Think you're ready to start making the changes that you've been thinking about for quite some time? Call me. Let's talk about it. Evening and weekend appointments are available.

For the past decade, I have been diligently offering counseling services to individuals seeking transformative life changes or simply seeking solace in processing their emotions and thoughts. My focus has been on guiding clients toward personal growth and emotional well-being through compassionate and insightful support. I was drawn to a career as a therapist by a deep-rooted desire to make a positive impact on people's lives. Witnessing the immense potential for personal growth and healing that can be achieved through therapy, I felt a strong calling to be a facilitator of that transformative process. The opportunity to provide support, guidance, and empowerment to individuals facing challenges and seeking to improve their well-being is what truly drives me. Seeing clients overcome obstacles, gain insight, and experience positive change reinforces my passion and commitment to this meaningful work.

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.

Mary is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with over forty years of experience working with adults with substance abuse, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship problems. Mary is also a Certified, Level Three, TEAM, Cognitive and Behavioral Therapist, through the Feeling Good Institute. Mary begins therapy by developing a warm and friendly connection with clients, so they feel comfortable and at ease. When the client is ready to get started, she helps them develop a treatment plan using simple and effective CBT techniques. Mary practices meditation daily and brings a broad range of mindfulness techniques into her practice.

Engaging in therapy can be a difficult decision for many people. Whether you are going through a life change, or you feel the need to put the past behind, or maybe simply wish to know yourself better, relate to your loved ones better, improve your academic or professional performance, face your fears, overcome a loss, or just wish to learn more efficient ways to deal with life stressors... these are all great reasons to engage in therapy. For me, genuineness, openness, and a non-judgmental approach are essential ingredients to connect with you, support you, and guide you in your journey. I have 28 years of experience. I am bilingual (Spanish) and I have professional work experience from three different countries (Spain, UK, USA). I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Certified substance abuse counselor (CADC), Certified EMDR clinician, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and I am also trained in Brain spotting. Life can be very challenging; I strive to understand and empathize with your individual circumstances and work hand in hand with you to restore your inner balance. We can never completely control what life throws at us, but we can control and modify how we respond to life events internally and externally.

My name is Liliana Gómez, and I am a bilingual (Spanish & English) and bicultural clinical social worker. At the heart of my profession lies a commitment to holistic health, where integrating mind, body, and spirit is paramount. If you are struggling to manage mental illness and/or physical chronic illnesses, I can help you navigate the feelings that arise and teach you practical skills. I believe healing is relational and that the relationship to ourselves is the most important relationship there is so if you are interested in enhancing your relationships feel free to reach out. My hope is that together we can develop a plan to make life a little less overwhelming and more enjoyable. I provide individual therapy emphasizing strengths-based, client-centered, and trauma informed approaches for diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. I generally practice from a relational lens and integrate evidenced based practices such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), solution-focused brief therapy, and internal family systems (IFS). I also like to incorporate community resources and collaborate with natural supports.

Valuing client uniqueness means utilizing advanced, empathic interventions for self-acceptance in working through anxiety, panic, depression, trauma and attaining emotional regulation. Rebalancing distorted beliefs assists clients in the relief of anger, guilt, shame, self-sabotage. Differentiation & specifically designed working-through processes reflect maximizing unique client traits! Each client is identified as unique in their needs with subjective emotional experiences and cognitive structures requiring specific, individualized treatment plans and strategic interventions. These are tailored to facilitate optimum therapeutic progress. Licensed Ph.D. clinical psychologist IL, certified alcohol & drug counselor, over 40 yrs clinical practice focused on accessing empowering, unique client potentials that assist in the resolution/transformation of presenting issues through Self-Mastery. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is solution-focused on facilitating meaningful change for problem resolution Certified Neuro-Linguistic programmer-NLP, author 5 books (Motifs of Life Altering Experiences): emphasis on your unique life-transforming events/experiences which serve as a basis to help you attend to the quality of how you are dealing with stress, relationships, and conflicted emotions to develop your Self Functioning in more effective, satisfying ways.

Hello, My name is Tom, and I have practiced clinical Social Work for over a decade. I specialize in PTSD/trauma-related disorders. I have a family and enjoy gardening year-round. As a clinical social worker, I work from a strengths-based approach; meaning, I work with individuals' strengths to build a foundation of safe and healthy coping and problem solving skills, as well as assist in allowing for ongoing introspection.

Dr. Jim Geidner has over 30 years of clinical experience working in a wide variety of settings, including psychiatric rehabilitation, child treatment centers and universities. He is currently a Professor of Health and Counseling as well as maintaining a busy research clinic. With vast experience as a Clinical Supervisor at a wide variety of institutions, including Rush Memorial Hospital, University of Chicago, University of Wisconsin, among others, Dr. Geidner is well versed in numerous modes of therapy. His approach to therapy emphasizes finding the right treatment modality to meet each client's unique needs.

Hi, I'm Alexis. You might be feeling overwhelmed with life and need someone to talk to. Therapy is an essential practice that will help you understand your challenges and bring you the happiness you deserve. I will be there to support and guide you as you grow into the person you want to be. My goal as a therapist is to help you overcome obstacles and develop the skills needed to improve your overall well-being. I provide a warm and non-judgmental space for you to be truly heard so that you can communicate your authentic thoughts and feelings in a safe place. I can help you address your problems, make positive changes, and use the skills that we develop together to solve future problems. I am certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and often incorporate aspects of talk therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, motivational interviewing, problem solving, and skill building techniques into my work with clients. Each technique is tailored specifically to each individual's needs. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) helping serve individuals in Chicago and all over Illinois. I have extensive experience working with teens and adults diagnosed with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, thought disorders, substance use disorders, and trauma histories. No matter what you are going through I will be there to aid you as you take on this journey, we call life.

I bring extensive experience from various settings, including treatment centers, community programs, group therapy, and correctional facilities, where I've had the privilege of working with adolescents, young adults, and adults. My approach is rooted in evidence-based therapies, tailored to support meaningful behavioral changes. I deeply understand the mental health challenges that can emerge from incarceration and the unique stressors that accompany the journey of rebuilding life afterward. I’m also dedicated to supporting the family members and loved ones of those struggling with addiction or incarceration, helping them navigate their own emotional journeys with compassion and care. Additionally, I work closely with parents and families of children with complex behavioral issues, providing guidance and support to help them create a nurturing environment for their child’s growth and well-being. In addition to this, I have experience helping clients through significant life transitions, such as starting a family, navigating college, or going through a divorce. I understand how overwhelming these changes can be and am here to provide empathetic support and practical tools to help my clients find stability and confidence during these times. I’m committed to walking alongside my clients and their families as they navigate these difficult transitions, offering understanding and support every step of the way.

I am a Doctor of Psychology, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Illinois. I am the author of the best-selling self-help book How to Be a Mental Health Savage. I am an avid mental health advocate who aims to reduce mental health stigma globally. I focus on a holistic approach to mental health improvement through intellectual stimulation, relationship restructuring, diet restructuring, and exercise. My extensive experience includes working with acute trauma care and counseling co-occurring disorders (mental health and substance abuse). I also provide custody evaluations, FOID appeal evaluations, and juvenile forensic evaluations.

Hello, I'm Amanda, Have you been struggling with the challenges of life lately? Do you feel like you are in a constant state of survival? Do you want to start living? Are you looking to approach life with a new lens? I help individuals take control of their lives whether they are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, difficult emotions or life events. I provide a safe and judgement free space to make you as comfortable as possible. We will work together to explore what is helpful and what is not. I understand that everyone is different and believe that is most important when providing therapy. Whether you have been to therapy several times before or this is your first time, I look forward to experiencing your growth with you.

I am an Army Veteran and LCPC with a certification as a national certified counselor through the NBCC and have accumulated over 6 years of direct individual/group practice as a licensed counselor. Overall, my experience spans over 10 years working as a crisis, substance use, and mental health counselor in the field. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, and substance use. I also have assisted many clients who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is very welcoming and inviting. I believe in honoring the values of respect, sensitivity, compassion, empathy and embracing a holistic point of view to promote mental wellness. It takes courage to make the steps towards a more fulfilling and happier life and embrace change. If you are ready to take that leap into a healthier mind, body, and spirit, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you in your new journey!

Hello- I’m Alice I enjoy helping others change, grow and solve lifelong challenges. I have my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Counseling including specialization in substance abuse and Adlerian theory from Adler University in Chicago. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor. I have a history of working in different types of settings from community mental health providing services to children, families and adults, emergency room settings determining if hospitalization is necessary, department of corrections with maximum security inmates, online therapy organization providing video, text and phone services and a private practice. Given my variety of experiences with clients and setting, I feel my greatest strength is the ability to listen and understand what the client is hoping to achieve in therapy. I want to help you be successful in your life, your relationships and career. I want to provide a safe, non judgmental environment for you to share your feelings, thoughts and issues.

I hold licenses as a clinical social worker and a clinical addiction counselor. My educational background includes a BA in Psychology from Purdue University and a Master's in Social Work from Indiana University (2006). My experience includes 8 years in private practice, 12 years addressing the needs of DCS/probation/court-ordered clients, 7 years in a jail setting (including 6 years as a clinical supervisor), and a role as a clinical director at an addiction recovery center. My experience spans working with first responders, groups, couples, and individuals struggling with addiction, anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, suicidal thoughts, crisis situations, gender issues, adjustment disorder, parenting challenges, stress, self-esteem, codependency, relationship difficulties, and more.

Hello, I am Trina Hill LCSW, Certified Addictions Counselor (CADC). I am dedicated and compassionate. I am committed to empowering clients to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. My therapeutic style is client-centered, meaning I prioritize the client's autonomy, preferences, and goals throughout the therapeutic process. My therapeutic style is client-centered, meaning I prioritize the client's autonomy, preferences, and goals throughout the therapeutic process.

Are you struggling with impulse control, intimacy, or addiction? Do you feel stuck in destructive patterns, overwhelmed by anger, or disconnected from your sense of self-worth? You’re not alone—and there is a path forward. I specialize in helping individuals break free from cycles of dysregulation, shame, and confusion to build healthier, more empowered lives. With over 17 years of experience in behavioral health, I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC), and Licensed Sex Offender Evaluator. My work is grounded in compassion, trauma-informed

I am a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 30 years' experience in helping individuals and couples overcome their issues and obtain their goals. I have a master's degree in counseling, and I am also a Forensic Expert Witness for the Federal Government. I am a Christian Counselor who will assist you through client centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. I also work as a sports motivator and can help athletes develop their ability to focus.

Sherry Miller, M.S., LPC (OK, TX,WI), LCPC, (IL), LMHC (FL, MA), CSADC (IL), CSAC (WI), LADC (OK), M-CAP (FL), ICS (WI), BC-TMH. Hi there. My name is Sherry Miller. I have a Master of Science in Human Service Community Counseling from National Louis University at Chicago, IL. I pride myself in strict confidentiality; with a unique insight into my consumers. Because I have been in a program of Recovery from Alcohol, Drugs, and Codependency for the past 28 plus years I knows firsthand what it takes to find the truth of oneself and want assist you with your own unique and personal journey of self-awareness. I am dually licensed to treat mental health and substance abuse concerns. I am also licensed as an Independent Clinical Supervisor in the field of Addictions. My clinical interests include family dysfunction, addiction treatment, co-dependency, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and family, individual, or group counseling. I have over 28 years’ experience in the treatment of anger, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, behavioral issues, parent education, fearfulness, addiction issues, and co-occurring disorders. I am board certified to do telehealth (counseling over the internet) for clients that cannot make it to the office for their counseling appointment or prefer the comfort of having their counseling session in the privacy of their own home. I am experienced working with all ages, genders, and the LGBTQ community. In addition, I have experience working on a college campus with college age persons. In my free time you will find me spending time with my cats, and dogs, riding my horses, riding my bike or working out at the gym.

My name is Jonathan Closner and I have been providing therapeutic and clinical counseling services to clients for over 15 years. I am a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) and also a nationally certified counselor (NCC). I hold dual a dual masters in mental health counseling and marriage and family therapy. As a therapist I utilize clinical interventions and techniques that are individualized to unique issues of the client. I have extensive training and experience in evidence based treatments such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). In addition, I am also trained in sex therapy and incorporate sex positive approaches with clients. In my experience I find that an integration of clinical modalities is often most effective and appreciated by clients. Overall I approach my work with clients from a strength-based perspective. I believe that clients possess the strengths and resources within their lives to be successful in overcoming the challenges and problems that they face. These challenges come in the form of mental health problems, relationship issues, or other stressors that arise out of life circumstance. My commitment is to use the most appropriate techniques and interventions that allow clients to resolve problems, reduce symptoms, and increase personal strengths and skills for dealing with these issues in the future. Clinical areas of experience and expertise include the treatment of depression, anxiety, personality disorders, sexual problems, sexual orientation, LGBTQ issues, relationships and sex, alternative lifestyles, and substance use disorders. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you. You may schedule online or if you have further questions about scheduling please reach out!

Hi – I’m Vicki – do you ever find yourself feeling lost as you wander on a path that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere? Or maybe you’re standing at a fork in the road and you aren’t sure which way to go. No matter what you're going through right now, you can get through it and I can help. I am committed to walking beside you and helping you find your unique path to create a life full of wellness, personal growth, joy and meaning. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Certified Alcohol/Other Drug Counselor (CADC) with over 17 years of counseling experience. I specialize in working with individuals 18 years and older who live in Illinois. MY AREAS OF EXPERTISE INCLUDE: SUBSTANCE USE, GRIEF AND LOSS, ANXIETY, AND DEPRESSION. If you are interested in working with a therapist who is committed to creating an authentic, positive collaborative relationship with you, feel free to schedule an appointment with me through GROW.

Are you feeling stuck because of your anxiety and depression? Do you feel overwhelmed and unable to manage your emotions? Are you going through something that feels all consuming? Do you seem to be repeating the same undesired patterns? Is your difficulty coping with stress impacting your daily life and ability to connect with those you love? I am here to help! I have a well-rounded background of over 20 years in clinical treatment working with clients individually and in a group setting. I am proficient in serving people suffering from depression, anxiety, OCD, mood disorder, grief, PTSD and trauma, and much more. I have worked with clients in a variety of inpatient and outpatient mental health settings including hospitals, universities, corrections, and VA centers. I obtained my master's degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2005 with a specialization in Community Mental Health. I am currently licensed to practice independently in the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Minnesota. My holistic, client-centered, strengths-based approach utilizes several treatment methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Written Exposure Therapy (WET), Positive Psychology, Motivational Interviewing, and Family Systems. These highly successful, research-based approaches have been proven to be the gold standard in care for the most commonly treated mental health disorders. Counseling is my passion. I believe the patient is the expert in their life, and that they possess an inner strength and resiliency that lay the groundwork for therapy. My welcoming and relaxed counseling style creates an environment where patients feel understood and valued, and where they can be their authentic selves without fear of judgment. I will strive to provide you with the most effective treatment where you can find a sense of purpose and personal fulfillment.

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 years of experience working in the heart of Chicago, 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.

Hello, my name Patrick and I served in three combat tours: serving our country for nine years as a United States Marine. I decided to serve those that are mentally ill in 2013 after my tour of service. After 5 years of study and schooling I got my start in 2017 in a dual-disorder treatment center conducting Intensive inpatient/outpatient groups and utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy as an approach to treating mental health disorders. Today, I specialize in taking an eclectic approach to using interventions looking at the holistic approaches to the human dynamic. This means looking at a person’s relationships and/or lack, cognitive schemas, their behaviors and habits, their priorities, and then determining how interventions and treatment plans will be formulated. I look at a person’s self-concept and determine holistically how their behaviors, thoughts, and patterns are contributing to their problems and functioning. The skills and tools of a therapist are the personal characteristics they bring into therapy: empathy, active listening these aren’t just attributes that look good on paper but are verbal and non-verbal forms of communication; and its these skills I believe what enables successful outcomes in therapy.

John Swails is an ordained minister, a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and Marine Corp Veteran, with military mental-health practice experience addressing traumatic stress, separation, family grief, and relationship issues, and civilian experience addressing physical and sexual abuse, single-mothers with dual diagnosed children, and group therapy for middle-school and teens to develop resiliency. As a therapist, John utilizes proven DBT, Strategic, CBT-Family, Solution-Focused, and other systemic techniques to address individual, couple, and family issues. As a minister John is sensitive to the beliefs of the client and is ready to explore spiritual solutions to any issue.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP) based in Illinois. I received my doctorate from the Adler University of Illinois and have been practicing for 27 years. I help clients struggling with anxiety, depression, anger or substance use/abuse issues. I provide insight into their problems and strategic techniques to overcome them and move forward to a more useful and fulfilling life

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. I have post-secondary knowledge and can help clients navigate through this experience. I have been a mental health counselor for over 5 years and have worked with clients in many areas of need. I provide services for adults with mild/ moderate depression, anxiety, relationship support, life coaching, self-esteem, substance abuse, 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.