Optum Therapists in Illinois

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 can 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

I earned my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology/Argosy University in Chicago. I believe the most essential element of therapy is developing a trusting, therapeutic alliance in order to facilitate change. I specialize in integrated treatments for addressing co-occurring disorders, offering genuine compassion, honesty, and humor, along with a trauma informed care approach to treatment. I work independently running a private practice and my experiences include working as an outpatient mental health therapist at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, serving those struggling with mental health issues as well as psychiatric disorders in the community. I have also provided psychotherapy at Family Guidance Centers, assisting those with substance use and psychiatric disorders after completing my internship with Rosecrance Treatment Center working as a substance abuse counselor.

I'm a licensed Social Worker in Illinois with 20+ years of professional work experience. My extensive career background has allowed me to work with people from all different situations, where I've advocated for them to have the best quality of life, always. I have lots of experience working with diverse populations and have the ability to meet people where they're at. I thrive on positivity and mental wellness, with a clear understanding and vision of one's light. I'm a natural promoter of empowerment and hold a great deal of empathy. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, unique issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, relationship issues, family conflicts and much more. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward change. I'm here to support and empower you in that journey.

Hello, my name is Matt Marder. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and how I might support you on your personal journey. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I offer behavioral therapy to improve and maintain your emotional well-being. I focus on building a trusting relationship with my clients, allowing you to be heard and understood. Initially, we begin where you are and build a treatment plan specifically to meet your needs. My approaches allow you to recognize yourself, think about others, and identify strategies for navigating the daily roller-coaster of life. You may have gone through a loss or be experiencing trouble managing whatever life has thrown your way. I am available to listen and help you succeed in improving yourself, your relationships, or your family life. No matter who you are, or what circumstances you’ve endured, your emotional health and well-being are most important. Feel free to reach out to me for assistance.

My name is Stacey Dinkelman, and I'm a licensed clinical professional counselor with more than fifteen years of expertise. I am attentive to each client's specific needs. I believe that every person has the potential to overcome their challenges in life, and with the right support and tools, we can make that happen. Whether you’re having a hard time adjusting to changes in life or you need help learning that your challenges don’t have to be roadblocks, I am here to help.

Hello everyone, Let me take a few moments to introduce myself. My name is Nupur Sharma. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Illinois. My background includes completing my Bachelor of Science (B.S) Degree from Loyola University Chicago in 2008, and I finished my Masters of Arts (M.A) Degree in Clinical Psychology (Counseling Specialization) in 2011 from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I bring over 15 years of experience working as a mental health professional in different settings and with different populations. I have worked with adolescents, adults, and geriatric population over the years across a variety of treatment settings including inpatient mental health unit, addiction center, nursing facilities, memory care, inpatient behavioral hospital, community mental health center, managed care organization and working with insurance.

Everyone wants healthy relationships right? Does it seem like you keep making the same mistakes that wind up ruining relationships? Do you know what relationship attachment style you have and how that affects your relationships? Let's find out! I specialize in treating unresolved trauma, anxiety, depression and PTSD that affects relationships. Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can also play a role in unstable relationships. Do you want some coping skills for your ADHD to help you live a happier more fulfilled life? I will meet you where you are and help you grow from there! Not only will we focus on your mental health but we will also address self-care. I look forward to starting this journey with you!

If you've never been in therapy before, I know it can be a scary step. Be proud of your bravery. If you have been in therapy before, I'm glad you chose to return. Either way, my job is to help you find your strengths to learn to manage any issues you are dealing with so you can find your peace again. It is a journey and it won't always be easy but it will be worth it. I have been a therapist and a psychology professor for 30 years. I have worked with children, teens, and adults, although I have spent the majority of my career working with teens. I enjoy teens because I have a lot of patience for them. I believe in psychoeducation in therapy. I think that it's not only important to understand what you are doing but why you are doing it. Only by understanding both can you make the changes necessary for long-term happiness. I also believe in working on both the present and the past. I want to help you figure out how to make the present better immediately, while also working to understand anything from your past that may have helped lead to any current issues. Working on both in combination will give the most thorough explanation and avenue for effective treatment. Most importantly, I believe in working together. I may be the "expert" but only you know what is working and what isn't. I will ask you for feedback and I will listen to what you have to say. I am more than willing to do phone appointments if you find them more comfortable than video appointments. Just let me know.

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.

I am a 47-year-old white Christian male that has been married for 29 years. I have three kids 26,19 and 16. I also have a spunky granddaughter who is five years old. I have a Master in Psych, as well as a MSW in Social Work. I also carry a CADC for work in Substance Abuse. I received my MSW from SIUC in Carbondale Illinois. I have been working in Mental health for the last 19 years in one way or another. I currently work at my day job with children 5-12, to assist with ADD, Anger, Sexual Abuse, grief etc. I have also worked with adults in the past. I am looking to be that calm helping hand in the storm that you are experiencing.

Hi, I'm Dr. Taliah, Life sometimes leaves us unable to direct our attention. We're often being pulled towards many directions. If you have work, school, family or a recent life event you would like to process, I am here for you. If a recent life event has brought you distraction, grief or trauma and has you off of your game, let's get you back on track. I would be happy to support you in returning to your best self. Faith-based holistic approach, upon request.

Hi! I'm a licensed clinical social worker based in Illinois. I received my Masters from the University of Illinois and have been practicing for 4 years. I have a deep passion for working with children, teens and adults. I have experience as a school social worker in the school setting and private practice setting. I am certified in CBITS (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Specialized in Trauma). I have treated a range of issues spanning the life-span including depression, anxiety, family-of-origin issues, and life transitions. I am also passionate about working with individuals who have struggled with relationships, low self-esteem/body image issues, and bullying.

Hi there, my names is Meghan Skidmore and I am a licensed clinical social worker in Northern Illinois. I have 16 years of experience as a clinical social worker. I have previously worked with children in mental health crisis as well as with children and families involved with the child welfare system. I also have worked the past 15 years as a school social worker, working with children and families to help them be successful in and out of the school setting.

"Hello! I'm a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, an expert on trauma resolution, attachment, parts work, and nervous system regulation. I believe in a holistic approach to therapy so I integrate traditional talk therapy with experiential therapies that aid in better nervous system regulation, healing, and overall relief of symptoms. Experiential, brain-based healing & somatic therapies can help accelerate change and often reduce time in counseling. I specialize in biologically based healing, which assists in resolving trauma symptoms that are frozen or stuck in the body. I have training in EMDR (eye movement desensitization & reprocessing) and am a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP). I interweave these therapies and attachment-based support and repair into all my work with clients, which allows for a rich, gentle, connection-based healing approach. I have been in private practice for over 20 years, and prior to that time I worked in a variety of mental health settings. I see clients via telehealth. Education & Certifications: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) Master of Psychology, The Adler School of Professional Psychology Bachelor of Psychology, Illinois State University Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) Transforming the Experience-Based Brain (TEB) Touch Practitioner SSP (Safe & Sound Protocol) provider

Welcome! I’m so glad you have found your way here. Often we get swept up in the competing demands around us and forgo what we need. We can lose ourselves without even realizing it or maybe we never had the chance in the first place. Before we know it, we are stuck thinking, "Why can’t I seem to do what’s most important to me? What is most important to me anyway?" My hope is that together we can find healing and create a life you want to live. I think of my role as a guide offering a new perspective. A light in the dark. A little background of me, my name is Kel and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Illinois. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression I am also passionate about navigating relationships, spirituality, and late diagnosed Autism. With my client centered approach we will tailor interventions to meet your specific needs. I am a Certified Autism Specialist and level one Internal Family Systems (IFS) training enjoy incorporating art of all kinds. In addition, I am a Reiki Master and Certified Pranic Healer. My previous experience includes 11 years of working in a variety of behavioral health settings, including outpatient therapy, intensive outpatient, inpatient, and residential programs. In 2017 I received my Masters Degree in Social Work from Aurora University. I would love to meet with you, get to know you, and develop a plan together to get you where you want to go.

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.

Hello and Welcome! My name is Shelby Harvey and I am an LCPC in Illinois. I was born and raised in Central Illinois where I still reside with my family. I received my Bachelor's Degree from Eastern Illinois University and my Masters Degree in Counseling from Lincoln Christian University. I have worked in a variety of settings including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, substance use treatment facilities, school-based settings and private practice. I enjoy working with young adults and couples. My style for therapy is warm and person centered. I believe you are the expert on your life and my role is to support you as you find your answers and challenge you to try new things as needed. I want to be a part of your journey towards becoming the successful individual you want to become.

Are you finding your anxiety or anger more difficult to manage? Is life becoming increasingly overwhelming? Knowing where to begin can feel like a challenge—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’m here to help. I’m a seasoned therapist with extensive experience supporting adults through anxiety, anger, trauma, and substance use challenges. My background includes working across a variety of settings, including higher levels of care, private practice, schools, and court-ordered treatment. This breadth of experience has deepened my ability to meet clients wherever they are in their journey. My clinical approach is strength-based and eclectic, drawing from Integrative Family Systems, DBT, solution-focused therapy, and trauma-informed care. I have a particular interest in working with individuals struggling with ADHD, substance use, self-perception, body image issues and desires to increase self-efficacy. My style is direct, humorous, and grounded in empathy. I aim to create a space where clients feel safe, seen, and empowered to reconnect with their own inner wisdom.

After graduating with my MSW in 2019 from the University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign, I have been pursuing my passion of providing high quality therapeutic care to those who have experienced chronic, complex trauma and are now wanting to break the cycle and heal. I am a firm believer that trauma impacts our whole beings. And left untreated, trauma takes an emotional and physical toll that wreaks havoc on our mind, bodies, and spirits. My goal is to be a part of that journey towards healing.

Hello! My name is Elisa Holtman. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois. I received my Masters from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I have been primarily providing therapy in schools for the past 14 years and have been a Social Worker for 22 years. I have worked with children as young as 3 and adults in their nineties. The majority of my practice has been with 11-14 year old children/teens. Due to my experience in the school system, I have a unique perspective on what children/teens experience today in the school setting and can help guide a student and/or parents in navigating this world.

I understand life can be stressful. We all struggle at times and need someone to help us through. In my work with clients and families, I firmly believe in building on the strengths and resilience you already possess to help you get through more difficult moments. My attitude and approach to treatment is that while we all have our struggles, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow as a person.

Hello, I am Jonathan. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience. I am committed to creating therapeutic spaces for others to be able to trust and receive a positive experience out of therapy. I am from Chicago and love all sports teams. I love giving back to my community and also spending time doing things in life that matter the most. I am a three time graduate of the University of Illinois (Go Illini). I am a believer that WE will get through any challenges that you have by supporting you through during your journey and counseling for you to live life to the fullest capacity beyond your counseling journey.

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.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor based in Illinois. My mission is to help individuals in their life journey through a mental health lens addressing social-emotional learning, skill building, and communication. I have many years of experience working with individuals who have neurodevelopmental disorders as well as individuals who have struggles with daily challenges. I have experience working in a variety of roles and settings with individuals and families.

As a Latina and Jewish therapist, I see the need for therapists who can identify with intersectional identities. I work with people who are dealing with issues around their race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity. I support our clients in processing how being you in our society affects how you feel about yourself and ultimately your mental health. I want our clients to learn to appreciate the unique gifts that they bring as they process past experiences.