OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions Therapists in Illinois

Are you experiencing stress, sadness, anxiety, or overwhelming feelings? I know how to help you. I help support individuals and families find clarity, direction, and reach solutions while decreasing stress. Entering the process of therapy can be daunting and intimidating, but my goal is to make it comfortable for everyone. Creating a strong rapport/ therapeutic alliance is a priority of mine. I engage each client with a warm, empathic, and accepting demeanor, while building rapport and holistically addressing and integrating each aspect of their biological, psychological, and social experiences. I believe in creating a safe space and environment for each client, allowing them the freedom to introspect and work toward achieving goals.

I am originally from Florida and the Valedictorian of my high school who graduated and played football for Stanford University and The University of Michigan. After creating a nonprofit called Empire For The Youth, I have developed a curriculum for building wholistic life success and have worked in over 20 different schools throughout the united states. I work with all youth from ages 8-80 in helping them identify their life purpose and motivation for why they wake up and live every day. I help to mold daily habits to keep my clients living life full of HOPE...Having Only Positive Energy!

I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the past 20 years and have a wide variety of experiences working with clients. I am certified in DBT and have training in ACT, motivational interviewing and trauma treatment. I find great fulfillment in partnering with clients in order to help them find the life they wish to live. I focus on what the client seeks and work to develop practical skills to help improve emotional balance, better relationships and more awareness of the present moment.

With over 30 years of experience, I have a broad and deep experience helping my clients explore their lives to make powerful and meaningful changes that determine how mental health challenges affect their lives. I bring a unique level of warmth, compassion, energy, and enthusiasm into my clinical work. I am a firm believer in “it takes a village” mindset, where together we build a stronger existence. Life can be overwhelming, reaching out for help, guidance and direction is one of our greatest strengths.

My name is Shelly Mark Lewin, and I am deeply honored to be joining the team of therapists at Grow Therapy. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 30 years of experience working with individuals, groups, and families in a variety of settings including private practice, outpatient mental health clinics, hospitals, healthcare systems, hospice care, and private organizations. My work is informed by my own personal life experience with mental health challenges and my goal is always to provide you with support and guidance during difficult times and on your healing journey. My professional career includes clinical positions in renown healthcare organizations including Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Joint Commission in Chicago, Kaiser Permanente in California and Mount Sinai Health System In New York City. I have extensive experience working with multi-cultural and diverse populations providing individual and group therapy, case management and crisis intervention.

As a veteran and therapist, I bring a grounded, compassionate approach to helping others heal. I specialize in treating anxiety disorders and supporting women who are navigating the lasting effects of trauma. I work with individuals dealing with chronic worry, panic attacks, social anxiety, and specific phobias. I believe that healing is most powerful when it includes the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. I often integrate nature-based practices, movement like running or walking therapy, and conversations around nutrition and wellness into my work. I’ve seen how connecting with animals and spending time outdoors can offer grounding, clarity, and emotional balance, especially when processing deep pain or stress. My approach is rooted in evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques. These tools help clients better understand the roots of their anxiety and trauma responses while building practical strategies for long-term healing and relief. I offer a calm, supportive space where women feel seen, heard, and empowered. My focus is on helping you regain confidence, restore a sense of control, and move forward with greater strength and resilience. Together, we’ll work toward meaningful progress—and real, lasting change.

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!

My name is Jennifer Duque and I have over 30 years of experience in the mental health field. I love helping clients who are struggling with issues related to anxiety, depression, and stress management, as well as couples and individuals struggling with relationship issues. I meet each client where they are at; providing a laid back, comfortable environment for clients. I believe this approach gives them the opportunity to share and grow. I feel like therapy is a collaborative effort between client and therapist. Let's work together to get you to where YOU want to be.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois. I have had experience in the mental health field for over 3 years. My previous experience was working with kids and teens on the spectrum. Currently, I work with those over the age of 13. I like to use a variety of therapy techniques depending on the client's needs and expectations.

Hello!. My name is John Benton, LCSW from Illinois. I have been a licensed therapist since 2007 working 19 years in a community mental health center. Prior to that i was counseling in group homes for adolescent boys and girls who had serious behavior and thinking problems. I have treated many mental health issues arise in various ethnicities and age groups. I have also supervised staff in properly applying counseling techniques and behavior modifications to help youth successfully reintegrate to their homes of origin, foster homes, and in society in general.

In my clinical work, I gain perspective and understanding of real-life challenges of clients that have experienced personal struggles. My clients are eager to improve, but don't yet have the tools needed to make this goal a reality. They often feel stuck, overwhelmed and anxious about their life issues. The goal is to best support the client to recognize what they need out of therapy.

I am Danielle Oehme, founder and licensed clinical professional counselor for Hope and Healing Counseling. I have over 10 years experience working in the mental health field with children, adolescents, adults, and families. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and supportive. I will work to help you create a life that you look forward to living. I strive to assist you in learning effective tools to achieve your goals, as well as find meaningful change, self-understanding, and acceptance. I will work with you to help promote self-awareness, identify patterns, and initiate the process of change.

I have over 3 decades of experience working in the fields of mental health and social work. I work with youth, adults, families, and couples who are struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, relationship issues, and school refusal. Prior to private practice, I worked in academia as an administrator of social work programs and as a medical social worker.

Hello! I use a collaborative and strengths-based approach with each of my clients. I have years of experience working with Client's and Families/Couple's from working in both mental health treatment facilities and outpatient private practice. I integrate a variety of evidenced-based treatment interventions to address behavioral health issues, including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Twelve-Step Facilitation Therapy, Psychodynamics and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy.

My Name is Latrice Willis, I have been in the Social Work field for 13 years. I have a history of working with children and adults. My background is in school settings, in-patient mental health settings, and private practice counseling. I feel that healing begins with a strong foundation, so I am very relationship-oriented. I like to meet clients where they are and work towards a common goal. My style is eclectic, and I strive to individualize treatment for each client. I utilize techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Practices. I am committed to creating a warm, nurturing, and safe environment for all. I look forward to working with you!

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.

I have been providing English and Spanish speaking families in the Chicago area with a wide range of psychological and counseling services since 1985. In our sessions we will explore your feelings, beliefs, or behaviors which are of concern to you and/or your family and identify aspects of yourself or your life that you would like to change. Issues we can discuss can include coping with life challenges, relationship issues, parenting stress, dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma or issues regarding work related stress. I have a Bachelors of Arts in Social Work and Psychology from Michigan State University, Masters of Arts in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University and a Masters in Public Health from the University of Illinois-Chicago. I am an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Social Worker. I am a certified Divorce Mediator.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Chicago, IL. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa in Psychology, and then I went on to receive my Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Valparaiso University. I'm a clinician who is dedicated to creating a warm, safe, and enriching environment for my clients. I understand everyone’s therapy journey is unique and I strive to ensure all of my clients feel seen, heard, and understood. Therapy is a space for you to explore your talents and strengths, identify barriers, and learn new approaches to cope with stressors.

Hello. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Illinois. I received my Masters from the University of Illinois at Chicago and my Juris Doctorate from Loyola University School of Law. I have 20 years of combined experience in private practice, public schools, and a children's hospital. My style is warm, collaborative, and clear. I specialize in supporting clients who are ready to explore the deeper “why” behind their struggles while also building practical tools for change. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, conflict in close relationships, self-doubt, or life transitions, I offer a space where you can slow down, feel supported, and begin to move forward. My work is guided by deep respect for each client’s unique story, pace, and goals.

I am licensed in Illinois with 11 years of professional therapy work experience. I also am a sociologist of 30 years, studying and teaching on behavior within society. I have experience helping clients with anxiety, stress, grief, trauma and abuse, relationship difficulties, and family conflicts. I treat everyone with compassion, sensitivity, and respect. I work with my clients to meet their specific needs. It takes courage to take that first step to a more fulfilling, productive, and happier life. I am here to provide a safe space and support you through that process.

Hi, I’m Brian If you feel stuck, and unable to change things, I can help you to start moving again. We can join together and create a strategy for working through the event or dilemma that is stressing you out. Together we will work to restore or surpass your previous level of productivity and satisfaction. I want to hear your story. I will listen. I will not judge. For the last 18 years, I have helped individuals, families and couples resolve problematic situations. Their experiences often instilled insight, confidence, serenity and hope. My holistic mission is to: • listen empathetically, without judgement • Ease suffering and improve functionality • Teach you to persist when fear and doubt are present • Be equal partners working together to create and implement strategies to resolve, accept and overcome the obstacles that impede your progress I want to • Help you find insight, meaning and purpose • Provide support as you proceed in the direction of your choosing • Teach you how to live more effectively • Create the opportunity for you to smile when it is most needed and least expected I take the time to educate you about the conditions that you experience and the treatment you receive. I believe that self-empowerment begins with self-understanding. I will help you understand why you do what you do and feel what you feel. I have extensive experience treating addicted people in residential in patient treatment, outpatient and aftercare facilities. I advise and treat families struggling to with parents, children and siblings that are addicted

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois. I received my Masters from Aurora University and I have been practicing for 5 years. I am a warm, empathetic therapist who helps adults become the best versions of themselves. I work to help people understand who they are and manage their various stressors, anxieties, and emotions. Combining my lived and professional experience, I specialize in working with LGBTQ adults to address needs specific to our community, especially those of transgender experience. Further, I myself am an individual who has detransitioned and I extend services to those who have as well. I understand what it's like to go through transition and go back, and I want to ensure my clients get thorough care, transitioning or detransitioning. Of course, I work with people who are inside and outside the LGBTQ community, I'm an advocate for you. I also work with personality disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, and so much more. Regardless of what brings you to therapy, I have a wide range of resources available to all my clients for extra support. My biggest priority in therapy is honesty, as well as giving you a space you feel comfortable in so you can open up at your pace. I want to build a strong, lasting alliance between us so we can help you become the best version of yourself. I know that together, we are going to do great things. A little about me, I have a sphynx cat named Cupid and a black cat named Tofu. Behind me sits my spider, Marrow, who burrows and builds tunnels more than she spins webs. I also enjoy playing DND, I've been drawing since I was in kindergarten, and I play lots of video games, particularly fantasy RPGs.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri and Illinois. I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults from diverse backgrounds and in a variety of settings. Life comes with many challenges and we often find ourselves overwhelmed by what has come our way. Together we can identify concerns and find ways to move through life challenges. Through exploring and learning ways to manage emotions, I feel there are opportunities for growth. I believe it is important to identify individual strengths and will guide you towards positive self worth. Whether you are looking for short-term or long-term counseling, I will work with you to achieve a greater self-fulfillment.

Finding a therapist can be an overwhelming task. Life can be full of complexities that can be difficult to navigate. Considering that you may be feeling sad or overwhelmed, I commend you for taking the brave first steps toward taking care of yourself. I believe in the value and worth of the person and that we all possess strengths to help us in the journey of life. If you have been feeling stuck, we can work together to uncover what is holding you back and help you to develop the tools that will move you forward. A key component to beginning this process is to find someone who can put you at ease. I have been told I am easy to talk to and make providing a safe, comfortable, non-judgmental, and empathetic environment a top priority. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Certified Reciprocal Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CRADC) in the state of Illinois. I have been in the field for close to 20 years and have been in private practice for 10. I specialize in helping people recover from anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. I utilize a collaborative, whole-person approach that values the relationship between therapist and client and sees the client as the expert. This is your story! I’m just walking through it with you, and I’m honored you chose me!

Right now you are probably scared. You know something needs to change, but you don’t know where to start. You don't know if this works and you're at the point where you are afraid that nothing will work. We have all been there, me included. I understand and I do not judge. I have been a clinical therapist for the past 20 years. In my time I have worked with adolescents, adults, couples, geriatric patients, and LGBTIQQ individuals. What I have discovered in all my years of practice is that people all want the same things. We want to know that we are loved, valued and respected. I can promise you that when you speak to me you will be the only person that matters. You will not find judgement and you will not find blame. We will work together, at your own pace. I will help you find hope, unwavering support and the motivation to change the things in your life that you feel need to be changed. Together, we can improve your life. I'm here whenever you're ready.