Optum Therapists in Illinois

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.

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.

Hi and welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. I have worked in the mental health field since 2013, starting out in community mental health and crisis services. I work primarily with teens and adults, specializing in challenges facing early adulthood (18-25). I have extensive experience in crisis services and outpatient treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, and life transitions. We will work collaboratively to foster a positive relationship and help you develop the language and skills to manage all of life's challenges. I am passionate about everyone finding their place in this world and creating meaningful connections. Life is not easy but we can get through this together.

I am a Licensed Clinical Therapist with over 10 years of experience dedicated to helping clients improve and address their mental health. I offer a wide variety of services, including support for anxiety, depression, and communication issues. My approach is client-centered, providing warmth and compassion to meet you wherever you are on your journey. My practice is built on providing a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel comfortable exploring your thoughts and feelings. I am committed to meeting you with empathy and understanding, offering a compassionate environment that encourages growth and healing.

Hello! I am a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) working remotely. I got my MA in Counseling with a focus on forensic psychology from Adler University in downtown Chicago. I have been practicing since graduation in 2020 and have served in various areas including community mental health and private practice. I am also a veteran and love to serve the military and their families. As an eclectic therapist, I tailor my therapeutic approach to meet the unique needs of each client. This flexibility allows me to draw from various modalities and techniques to best support my clients in their journey towards healthier lives.

My goal is to empower my clients, supporting them to gain confidence, power, trust in themselves and make it through obstacles and struggles they may encounter. In addition, I will provide them with the tools needed to have the strength to move ahead, succeed and cope with the many challenges in their lives. I have 20 years of experience working with children and families in Early Intervention, and challenges using a Trauma-informed, Strength-based and Client-centered approach. Through this approach, I encourage my clients to become, empowered, and develop coping and problem-solving skills. This will give them the ability to build trust and advocate for themselves. Being an advocate I am very active in the community and very involved in community outreach. My passion is to give back to the community and make a difference. My specialties are Relationship Issues, Coping Skills, Depression, Life Transitions, Stress, Women's issues and Domestic Violence.

"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

Hi! I'm Shannon Aldridge, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 18 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families both online as well as in my private practice. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Augustana College in 1998. Shortly thereafter I worked for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services helping families to address and ameliorate issues impacting the safety and well being of children. I achieved my Master's Degree in Social Work from Aurora University in 2005 while continuing to work with DCFS. My work in child welfare provided vast opportunities to work with populations struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD and Addictions. It was through this experience that I found passion in strengthening families and advocating for education, treatment and community supports. I ultimately shifted my career to private practice where I have enjoyed the ability to connect and effect change with individuals and families through a therapeutic alliance.

Are you avoiding some of life’s most significant moments? Are you overwhelmed or stuck? Is life passing you by with nothing left? Give yourself a little space by taking some time to begin a journey that will help you. In my formal education, I have acquired various certifications and licenses that allow me to provide high-quality clinical services to adults including: 1. Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC): This license enables me to practice as a professional counselor in the state of Illinois. It demonstrates my competency and adherence to ethical standards. 2. Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Addictions Counselor (CAADC): This certification signifies my specialization in helping individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction. It demonstrates my expertise in treating addiction-related issues. 3. Certified Co-Occurring Disorder Professional (CODP I): This certification further emphasizes my proficiency in working with clients who have co-occurring mental health disorders and substance abuse issues. It allows me to provide comprehensive care and support to individuals with dual diagnoses. 4. Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP-Level 1): This certification validates my knowledge and skills in providing trauma-informed care to clients who have experienced significant psychological distress or trauma. 5. Certified Clinical Complex Trauma Professional (CCTP): This certification recognizes my specialized training and expertise in working with individuals who have endured multiple or ongoing traumas that have deeply impacted their psychological well-being. 6. Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS): This designation indicates that I have met rigorous standards of expertise and experience in providing clinical supervision to aspiring or practicing counselors. It demonstrates my ability to guide and mentor other professionals in the field. These qualifications enable me to provide effective evidence-based therapy while also equipping me with the skills and knowledge to train and support future counselors.

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!

I love working with my clients in a collaborative therapeutic relationship built upon trauma-informed care. I believe that safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness, and empowerment are the bedrock to build a strong therapeutic rapport. I do my best to show up for my clients in a non-judgmental and compassionate way to help them identify, explore, and take valued action toward their own healing and well-being. I love what I do!

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I received my Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Rehabilitation Counseling Psychology. I began my career working with severe trauma and persistent mental illness. This gave her a unique perspective on life and how quickly one can loose the life as we know it...and how wellness can suddenly elude us. To grieve loss and restore wellness, I believes a strong therapeutic relationship. I use a client centered approach in establishing rapport. Having worked in the most challenging neighborhoods of the inner city, I have seen the best and worst of human nature. What impressed me the most, is the inner strength I saw in people, under the most difficult of circumstances. It is this impression, this knowledge, that guides me to focus on an individuals’ capacity to overcome hardship, pain and despair. I use a holistic approach to therapy as I do not believe any one approach works for all, as each and every person is unique and different. I believe with compassion, care and empathy, one can be empowered to make the necessary changes to become more happy, fulfilled and to grow.

Hi, I’m Britni! I am a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) and board certified art therapist in the state of Illinois. My passion is working with individuals and families who have experienced complex and developmental trauma. Survivors of childhood trauma need somebody who understands their unique and complex needs, including difficulties building trust with therapists when they learned from an early age that others were not to be trusted.

Hello! So glad you are here! Do you get into relationships hoping that this time things will be different? Do you feel overwhelmed and have a hard time exploring and working towards your goals or just life fulfillment? Would you like a more kind and loving relationship with yourself? I love helping people who are ready to identify patterns that hold them back from happiness and fulfillment in both relationship and other areas of life. My name is Lisa and I provide therapy for both addictions and mental health issues. While I have treated those with active addiction for many years, I also treat the patterns stemming from addictions and family dysfunction. This can impact relationships as well as how we see ourselves throughout life. I have a Masters of Education degree in Counselor Education from Southern Illinois University specializing in Substance Abuse. From substance abuse counseling, I have expanded my areas of specialties to include family and relationship dynamics and how to heal survival skills" that have evolved into self defeating life patterns.

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.

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.

With over 20 years of experience in mental health, I've had the privilege of empowering individuals and families through various roles, including therapist, coach, social worker, school supervisor, and district director. My passion for fostering resilience has driven me to implement trauma-informed care practices that have significantly transformed the lives of those with traumatic pasts. I'm deeply committed to helping others overcome their challenges, and I firmly believe in the inherent strength and potential within each person I work with. My mission is to guide them toward healing, growth, and a brighter future.

My background is in psychotherapy, health coaching, and wellness instruction! Helping others set health goals, inspire change, and conquer their emotional challenges is a vital part of my focus. I have a graduate degree in both counseling and health and have been providing therapy to both men and women of a variety of ages for many years. I have practiced within an agency and with online platforms. Observing clients build the courage to make changes, walk away from unhelpful patterns and take a new path has been a rewarding part of my career!

Hi, I'm Amanda. I have over 15 years' experience as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. I earned my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Lewis University. I provide telehealth services to individuals over the age of 18 who are experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, grief, stress, and work/life concerns. I love helping and empowering individuals develop the skills that increase life satisfaction and wellbeing.

Hi there! My name is Tamica, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of Southern California. My concentration is Mental Health with a sub-concentration in Military Families. I am a psychotherapist with a breath of wealth and experience in mental health, military families, social services, the criminal justice system, and case management services. I also have extensive experience working with the elderly population, and in psychiatric units, public school systems, mental health clinics, and State, Local and Federal Governmental agencies. My purpose is to help individuals learn evidence-based strategies, techniques and skills to manage their stress, anxiety, depression and other behaviors to reclaim their lives.

Hello! My name is Nicolette Surico. I have a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology and am a Licensed Therapist. I have been working with adults, young adults, adolescents, families, and couples for over 20+ years and in the areas of Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health as well as Mentally Ill Substance Users. Most of what I hear from those seeking Therapy has to do with struggling with, as well as, navigating through life challenges, especially during these complicated times. What you may have seemed to manage before might be creating a sense of uncertainty. That is a perfect place to begin Therapy! I think it's important to consider the whole person in Therapy. Creative approaches/techniques that can assist you with recognizing things that can assist you moving forward. Looking forward to working with you!

You are a whole and complete being - body, mind, and spirit. Anxiety, stress, depression, and overwhelm can cause you to feel isolated and disconnected from yourself and what's important to you in your life. In therapy, we'll draw on your strengths, goals and desires to support you in integrating all parts of yourself so you can feel like the complete being you are. Engaging in therapy is courageous and I commend you for taking this step. I believe that this is a partnership and I'm here to support you in your goals and offer tools that you can practice and draw from to manage and reduce your stress, anxiety, overwhelm and depression. I'm looking forward to partnering with you on your wellness journey.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois. I received my Masters from Aurora University and have been practicing for 12 years. I have over 30 years of experience in the therapeutic, medical, and social service settings; including outpatient mental health treatment, health coaching, and case management. I specialize in individual therapy with adults dealing with mood disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, family issues, work-life issues, communication problems, anger and stress management.

Hi there! My name is Tiniya, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois. I received my Masters from Aurora University and have been providing therapy for 5 years. I work with people who struggle with issues ranging from anxiety and depression to those struggling with relationships, self esteem or overall daily stress become the best versions of themselves.

Matthew English LCSW, RYT (Registered yoga teacher) is dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey towards emotional well-being and personal growth. Matthew brings an expertise to his practice, with a strong background in cognitive behavioral therapy, emotion focused therapy, and mindfulness practices. He specializes in areas such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, school challenges, and trauma. Primarily working with people of color, the lgbtqia+ community, and men.