Optum Therapists in Illinois

Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor based in Chicago. I have a Masters in Counseling Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I've been practicing for 5 years helping people improve their lives through mindful change and a supportive voice. I'm here to be your loudest cheerleader as you make necessary changes and work toward your life goals.

My name is Daniel, and I’m a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois. I’ve been providing mental health care for more than 25 years. No matter your background, income, or the unique combination of factors that shape your identity, one thing is certain: life doesn’t follow a script. It can turn on a dime, bringing moments that are joyful, devastating, or somewhere in between. In those moments, it's not uncommon to feel unprepared, alone, or overwhelmed, unsure of what to do next. My role is to help you navigate those turning points. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, sadness, depression, grief, or self-doubt, I help clients address the emotional impact of change and build healthier ways to cope. Sometimes those struggles show up as trouble with motivation, communication, relationships, or substance use. But they don’t happen in a vacuum. Everything we go through is shaped by our current context—age, gender, sexual identity, relationship status, job stress, physical health, or financial strain. For real change to take hold, we need to understand how these pieces connect. I work collaboratively with clients and take care to create a space where you can speak freely and feel safe doing so. It takes courage to reach for something better, and even more to act on it. I'm here to walk with you as you begin that process.

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.

I am a sex-positive, LGBTQIA-affirmative, polyamory-friendly, and kink-aware therapist. I work with individuals across a broad spectrum, providing a safe and supportive space to explore life challenges and changes. I offer compassionate, collaborative, and non-judgmental therapy, where we will explore both your struggles and successes, learning together how you want to move through life with greater confidence, clarity, and self-acceptance. .

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.

Finding the right therapist can be a daunting and vulnerable task, whether you're new to the process or a seasoned pro. As you're scrolling through endless profiles and bios, you may ask yourself "Do I belong here?". I became a therapist to give people the safe space, supportive relationship, and perspective that they may not get in other aspects of their lives. I also hope to challenge the stigma that may have discouraged them from engaging in the therapy process. I am a non-binary person of color who has worked in the behavioral health field for over 10 years in inpatient, outpatient, and school settings as a consultant, therapist, and counselor. Throughout my career, I've had the pleasure of working with clients of various ages, genders, ethnicities, and identities. My specialties include LGBTQ+ issues, ADHD, Parenting, School/Work issues, and Emotional-Behavioral Disorders.

You may find yourself experiencing toxic relationships/codependency, eating disorders, drugs & alcohol, anxiety, and perfectionism – the list of the ways we distract and soothe ourselves from discomfort goes on and on. You may find the need to learn more about yourself and your relationships, process life events, share things that are difficult to share with other people, or to explore how past experiences have shaped you. I am passionate about helping clients foster self-awareness by using motivational interviewing, to meet you right where you are. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois, with a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University. I am a National Board Certified Counselor. I have spent over 14 years in the mental health field, and 10 years as a mental health professional. You don’t need to be in a crisis to benefit from therapy. Ongoing wellness is crucial to a balanced life.

Hi! I'm Dena (she/her). I have 15 years experience and truly love my vocation! I enjoy empowering individuals to achieve their goals and live their best lives. I believe everyone has the ability to heal, sometimes we all need a little help. I am passionate about the power of therapy to aid people in living their best, most authentic lives. I live on the tristate border and provide remote therapy for persons in Illinois and Iowa. An Iowa native, I spent about a decade living and working in SoCal and Phoenix before returning to the Midwest to be with my (now) husband and step kids. Yes, I left sunny San Diego, in December, for the snowy Midwest! The things we’ll do for love! I have personally benefitted greatly from therapy. I am Bi/queer, have ADHD, and several physical disabilities, all of which were diagnosed after college. Therapy helped me develop much needed coping skills so I could be successful in grad school and beyond. Therapy also helped me with the intense stressors related to being a young professional during the Great Recession. I continue to utilize therapy as part of my self care routine. If you are coping with symptoms of anxiety, depression, low self worth, or concerns related to ADHD or chronic health conditions, I would love the opportunity to work with you. I would love to help you to achieve a present no longer overshadowed by past traumas, negative self talk, or uncontrolled anxiety.

Hi I'm Shan :) ! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who's been working as a therapist since 2018. I'm big hearted, non judgmental and believe in the healing power of authenticity. I've worked with individuals of all ages on a wide scope of issues and strongly believe that I learn and grow alongside each and every person I work with.

Hi, I am Kyle, the therapist behind Emerald Reflections Counseling. For over 14 years, I’ve helped teens and adults work through some of life’s toughest moments—whether it’s anxiety, grief, trauma, or major life changes. I know how heavy things can feel, and my goal is to walk alongside you with empathy and care. My approach is person-centered, which means I focus on you—your strengths, your story, and your goals. Together, we’ll build tools to help you manage stress, feel more grounded, and move forward with clarity. With experience in both nonprofit and medical settings, I bring a well-rounded perspective to our work. You don’t have to face this alone—healing starts here, and I’m here for you every step of the way.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been formally practicing therapy for 5+ years; though I've been an informal therapist for family and friends since my adolescent years. I work mostly with teens and families with symptoms related to anxiety, depression, ADHD, by teaching DBT, CBT, ACT, and Executive Functioning skills. I have worked in an inpatient hospital and how work in a Partial Hospitalization Program while also doing private practice on the side. I am also a wife (since 2007) and mother (since 2011) so relationships, family dynamics, children with mental health concerns are also part of my daily life.

Hello! I am a South Asian, first-generation licensed clinical social worker( LCSW) based in Illinois. I have been in the field for over 20 years. I help marginalized communities navigate the world and put their mind, body, and soul back together. I utilize holistic and integrative methods to assist individuals in their mental health journey in a safe and comfortable space.

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 then integrating the authentic self with their identity structure. I also work with those 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 to adults and adolescents.

Hello and Welcome, I am Maria Daly, a skilled therapist licensed to serve clients who are residents of Illinois. My experience over the past nine years has been counseling adults coping with grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, aging, and LGBTQ+ issues, as well as other areas. My approach to therapy is integrative, collaborative, and patient. I provide a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their experiences and discuss issues that they face and are seeking assistance with. I meet my clients where they are in life and will interactively discuss and set therapy goals. My goal is to work together toward healing/acceptance or whatever the goal may be that promotes a happier and healthier functioning client. I realize that, at times it takes courage to reach out for help and I admire you for taking a step toward a more fulfilled and happier life. I am here to support and empower you on that journey.

Hello, I’m Tim. Do you ever feel that tasks of modern life leave you with limited space and energy to focus on your emotional and mental well-being? When people are maxed out emotionally, they sometimes notice a change in their behaviors and relationships. Life demands can lead to imbalances that might manifest as discord with your significant other or family members, feeling the general sensation of stress or fatigue, or not feeling motivated to engage in mood-regenerating practices. If these experiences resonate with you, I would welcome the opportunity to collaboratively explore the underlying causes, and work toward rebuilding emotional equilibrium. Sometimes people will view therapy and self-care as too much of a time commitment during their already busy schedules; however, I take the stance that it is an essential part of any self-maintenance plan. A practice of working toward better self-understanding and self-compassion is always a return on the investment of time.

Fear is Expensive. Love is Real. Choose Wisely. Would you like to learn how to tap into your own Wise Sage Brain? Hi, I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Missouri, with a second License in Illinois. I have a BS in Psychology and received my MSW from the University of St Louis I have been practicing with an LCSW since 1993. I have helped people of all ages struggling with emotional regulation, problem solving, stress, life transitions, anger management, parenting, and burnout to become the best versions of themselves. Together, we would focus on what is helpful and let go of judging what is right or wrong.

Hello, I'm Yukako (she/her/hers), a fierce mental health advocate for migrants, refugees, and immigrants regardless of your immigration status. I am a psychotherapist with a passion for creating safe mental and emotional space for all including immigrants and refugees. As an immigrant myself, I understand the unique challenges you may face. I offer a safe space for you to share your story, and together, we'll create a personalized treatment plan to help you thrive and live your life with a sense of ownership and autonomy. I am japanese and spent more than half of my life in other regions of the world. I truly believe that healing can start where empathy meets human connections. We cannot change the systems and policies so quickly, but we can change ourselves. I want to help people take back the ownership of life from the systems that failed us. We can be creative and we can reimagine the communities where wellbeing (mental/emotional/social/physical/spiritual) of people are centered around. If we want to see/be the change, we have to be brave and imaginative and believe that we can, and take action in solidarity. You are not alone. You dont need to face your trauma and walk alone a tunnel you might be stuck in. We can heal together.

My main focus in therapy is to support clients not just manage but understand their symptoms and their root causes, and improve their relationship with themselves and the community around them. I focus on providing a non-judgmental environment where clients can freely share their story with mental health issues, understand patterns, notice ways they have been coping that have been positive and change unhealthy coping mechanisms. I also work on supporting clients recognize how they relate to themselves and others, increase their sense of control in relationships, and slowly develop ability to have more empathy and compassion for themselves and others.

Hello! I am Jennifer Curtin and I am thrilled you have made the decision to focus on what matters most in this life -- you! I am a queer therapist who has had about 14 years as a private practice and outpatient therapist. I received my Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University and have invested the majority of my clinical training in working with LGBTQ+ folks, trauma and relationship systems. I use a warm, humorous and light style that incorporates science, humanness and understanding into every session. I am deeply committed to gender affirming, minority stress informed , trauma informed care. I am truly excited to work with you.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, born and raised in rural Illinois. I have been working in the mental health field for over 5 years. I have a passion for working with the LGBTQIA+ community. I use an eclectic approach to provide trauma-information intervention that fits client's unique needs. I provide a warm, empathetic, yet real strengths based perspective approach to client's via tele-health from a secure location.

Sometimes life becomes unmanageable on our own and we have to reach out for help. I am here to help normalize therapy and the discomfort that comes along with it. I am trained in EMDR, a modality used to help process traumatic memories and the cognitions associated with them. I specialize in working with individuals suffering from chronic anxiety, depression, complex trauma, emotional dysregulation, identity issues, addiction, LGBTQ+ issues, and everyday life stressors that can be difficult to manage. I provide a holistic approach in my practice utilizing methods from multiple modalities that include helping regulate emotions, manage anxiety and panic, and learning to heal from past trauma. I believe that it is crucial to look at things from a trauma-informed and cultural perspective in all aspects while working with individuals.

Hello, my name is Chelsea, and I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois. I graduated in 2019 from Clarke University with my Master's of Social Work. I spent my undergraduate years shadowing and volunteering at a sexual assault and domestic violence advocacy center. I completed research in the areas of trauma, decision making, and intimate relationships. I completed a job shadow with a Victim Witness Coordinator, where I also conducted a year long research project on domestic violence in rural communities. During that time I completed an internship at a combined homeless shelter and food pantry. I then completed a secondary internship at a local community mental health center. I spent four years working at that same local community mental health center where I provided crisis services, individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. I was able to earn my license during that time. I transitioned into school based social work and provided case management and therapy services in the local school setting. I now have opened a private practice called Resiliency Counseling, which is an individualized practice focused on providing individual, couples, and family therapy services to help people who are wanting to improve their mental health in a safe, accepting, and trusting environment. I always strive to meet my patients where they are at in their mental health journey and tailor my approach to what they need. I approach therapy as a mix of processing, guidance, and challenging, in order to help a client identify, process, and reach their mental health goals.

Hello and welcome! My name is Carlton Hemphill, a 33-year-old Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois who is also board certified (NCC). I received my Masters from Roosevelt University in Clinical Psychology-Counseling Practice with a concentration on child and families. I have been working in the field since 2015, and practicing as an independent clinician in my own private practice since June 2023