Therapists in Illinois

Greetings! I am Irene Ona, a first generation Fil-Am Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). My work has been primarily in geriatrics. My niche is older adults at all stages of aging from independence to dependence, family caregiver and risk of burn out, and navigating the healthcare system. My experience comes from volunteering at senior centers, internships as a in-home counselor for my bachelor of social work (BSW) and an outpatient behavioral health clinic counselor for my masters of social work (MSW) specializing in mental health. I used my degrees to serve people in skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and hospice. Aside from my experience in healthcare, my passion is connect to clients who want to live more genuinely and be authentic in their everyday exchanges.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinicial Social Worker (LCSW) based out of North Carolina but licensed in several states (NC, VA, IL). I received my Masters in Social Work from Fayetteville State University in 2014 and have been practicing for 9 years. I work with all age groups to include children age 5 and up, teens, adolescents, adults and geriatrics.

Hi, I’m Marianne Ogbonnaya. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. I have been practicing for over 4 years. I specialize in self-esteem issues and will work with you to increase your confidence and sense of well-being. I work with a variety of individuals and provide culturally affirming counselling to BIPOC, with a focus on first-generation and immigrants

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 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.

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 there! My name is Dr. Tammy Steiner, and I’m a licensed professional counselor passionate about helping children, teens, and young adults navigate life’s challenges. Whether it’s working through anxiety, depression, trauma, or other concerns, I believe every young person deserves a safe and supportive space to grow and heal. I hold an MS in Psychology, an MS in Clinical Counseling, a certificate in Play Therapy, and a PhD in Educational Psychology. During my training and internship, I focused on supporting children and adolescents through difficult experiences, and I continue to use that foundation in my work today. My goal is to meet each client where they are, build a caring relationship, and walk alongside them as they discover their strengths and find healthier ways to cope.

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.