Therapists in Illinois

Hey, I’m Amber. I’m so glad you’re here! I know sometimes it can be pretty scary searching for a therapist who helps you feel known and understood. That is the kind of therapist I strive to be. Let me share a little about myself. I’ve been working in the mental health field for over 11 years now. I worked in community mental health for 10 1/2 of those years before deciding to branch into my own private practice. I am now licensed in Illinois and Missouri. I grew up in a very conservative and religious family, even attending seminary, so I do know those beliefs well. It took me until I was 25 to be brave enough to live my authentic self as a gay individual, knowing it would cost me most of my family and friends. It hasn't been easy, but it has been worth it. It is now my desire to be the support for you that I never had as you live your own truth and tell your own story.

Tricia (she/her) earned her undergraduate degree from Marquette University in Social Welfare & Justice, with minors in Psychology and Peace Studies. Driven by a passion for community and healing, she went on to obtain her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Loyola University Chicago. During her graduate studies, Tricia immersed herself in school settings, gaining advanced, comprehensive training in the unique mental health needs of children and families. Today, Tricia brings her expertise to both educational environments and private practice. In her school-based work, she provides critical crisis and ongoing support, conducts safety assessments, connects families with vital community resources, and helps students navigate school-related challenges such as general trauma and school refusal. In her private practice, Tricia specializes in supporting individuals navigating life transitions, depression, anxiety, and the daily pursuit of life balance. She also has dedicated experience working within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly supporting individuals pursuing gender-affirming care. Her Philosophy: Tricia firmly believes that therapy is never "one-size-fits-all." She collaborates closely with her clients to design highly individualized treatment plans tailored to their unique goals. By blending Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches, Tricia creates a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients feel truly heard. Depending on your needs, sessions may include a blend of structured exercises, practical skills-building, and open-ended discussion. Tricia is passionate about cultivating long-term therapeutic relationships that foster self-awareness, growth, and lasting healing. Her clients frequently describe her as direct, empathetic, and insightful.

Currently I am only accepting new clients who are trans. I am a trans and queer Licensed Clinical Social Worker and artist with 15 years of experience in community mental health. My approach is that all people deserve to have the opportunity to experience a safe, kind, and welcoming space to explore their mental health, and that as a therapist, it is my job to nurture that. I am driven to create therapeutic opportunities for people who want and need them within the LGBTQ2IA+ community. I am open to working with clients that find themselves in need of an understanding, compassionate, and community-oriented therapist who will help to guide them through healing work. My areas of focus are: LGBTQ2IA+ and TGNC emerging adults and adults, major life transitions, trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, ADHD, gender dysphoria, and sexual identity exploration. I completed my Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Arts in Gender Studies (MA) degrees concurrently at Loyola University Chicago. Before entering graduate school, I worked in multiple positions focused on reproductive justice, body autonomy, and community care. My life and professional experiences have led me to provide therapy with a focus on community care through an anti oppressive lense. I understand that helping one person can have a positive impact on the greater community surrounding them. I believe that treatment approaches should fit the individual's needs and thus I utilize many modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, somatics, and narrative therapy. My approaches of curiosity and kindness create a welcoming space to engage in therapy. Choosing to work with a therapist is a powerful way to help yourself and we all deserve a chance to have focused time to explore, learn, and grow through challenges.

Hello, I am a licensed clinical social worker located in Chicago, Illinois. I work with people who desire a better understanding of who they are, who their authentic self is and integrating that self with their identity structure. I also work with people making life transition(s) and require a caring and listening ear to help guide them through the process. I provide individual, couples and family counseling.

I have not taken the traditional route in my life to get to this career, but I am so thrilled to be here. I have a background in journalism and secondary education. I believe my background and experience offers a unique perspective when working with clients. I have been licensed for over five years now and consider myself a lifelong learner. Pets are my favorite part of telehealth counseling! Since I work from home, there may be occasional disruptions from my pets. Your animals are always welcome to join a session! (I am currently looking for office space in the Peoria, IL area)

My practice is heavily rooted in mindfulness-based interventions, proven effective for depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, focus and attention, emotion management and cultivating self compassion. In our work together, you’ll develop practical coping strategies, build the psychological resilience to live more freely and create a relationship to your emotions that allows you to remain grounded in the face of stress and overwhelm.