Optum Therapists in Illinois

Are you feeling overwhelmed by day-to-day life? Are there things from your past that are unresolved? Do you desire self-improvement but don’t know where to start? Starting where you are is the first step in every new journey. I want to help guide you on your journey by helping you to unlock your own inner power to make transformative changes in your life. This can sound overwhelming, but you don’t have to do this work alone. I take a client-centered approach by meeting you wherever you may be in your journey of healing and self-discovery. Whether it be depression, anxiety, trauma, work or family stress or issues surrounding self-esteem and identity, you’ll receive the support that you need. I get it. Therapy can be intimidating. That is why I aim to provide a safe and affirming space for my clients to open up, grow and heal. In my 7 years as a social worker, compassion and understanding have always been at the cornerstone of the work that I do with my clients. Our sessions will not be the exception to this. This along with evidence-based techniques will be the key to helping you identify and overcome the current barriers in your life. Ready to work together? Let’s do it!

My name is Rene Stockton (pronounced Reni). I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the state of Illinois. I serve my community as a counselor, therapist and change agent. I have had the privilege to work with individuals and families from primarily underserved populations and communities over the course of a 30 year social work practice in two great American cities. I have encountered child, adolescent and adult challenges ranging from trauma to writer’s block and wellness. I will partner with you to create the soft and more concrete changes you are looking to achieve in your life. My style is open, supportive and person centered, we will choose the approach for your situation using a variety of theories and concepts including art, movement, and EMDR.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have 11+ years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in different therapeutic settings who have various diagnoses and come from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. I provide individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. I am also a certified life coach and I find great joy in working collaboratively with my clients and their families.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Hi! I am Danielle Kimble, LCPC. I earned my B.A in Psychology from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and her M.A in Community Counseling from Argosy University. I employ different integrative approaches when working with clients including cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, and emotion-focused therapy. I believe in building a trusting relationship between the client and counselor to build the foundation of a successful counseling relationship.

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.

Hey, I'm Jocelyn. Are you struggling with accomplishing your life goals or feeling stuck? I offer confidential individual psychotherapy sessions to adult, young adults, and teens 13 or older who are struggling with anxiety, depression, psychotic mental health diagnoses, grief and many other life issues. I have been in the mental health field for over 10 years. Private practice for 3 years. I've worked with clients in residential, corrections, rehabilitation, and community mental health. I have helped clients reconnect with themselves and improve their coping skills. I also enjoy helping clients access needed resources. Therapy has helped me during a difficult time in my life as well. Being a mental health therapist is more than a profession to me, it's a passion. I offer evening and some weekend appointments because I understand life can be busy. Let's make some changes together!!

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.

As a child, I always wanted to pursue a career where I could assist with an individual’s growth, creativity and happiness. I learned at a young age the struggles that life can bring, not only through the inevitable, but also through situational traumas that we at times have to face and endure. Being an active member in the clinical field of helping professionals, I have certainly learned the importance of patience, empathy and peace. Identifying and securing ones’ purpose in life, creates the true masterpiece of one’s story. My goal is to assist you in your journey to self-actualization. ​

I love the ability to learn, and grow as well as help others see what is it them. Life can have it's challenges but we can navigate through it better when we have support and others who not only see us but hear us. I have worked with youth and adults for the past 15 years supporting them in various ways through coaching, conflict resolution, and using their strengths.

Shelena is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. She has worked in the field of mental health for 10 years and in private practice for the past 4 years. She has experience working with individuals, couples, and families. She received her BA in Psychology with a minor in Chemistry and her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She loves working with individuals to help them reframe negative thinking and behaviors. She utilizes treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, and Reality Therapy. She believes that given the right tools we all can become the best version of ourselves.

I have worked with children and adults, facilitating individual and group therapeutic sessions. Building from over 15 years of experience working as a social worker in various settings, including but not limited to, domestic violence shelters, social service agencies and departments of children and family services. I have worked with court ordered clients. Clients that seek services voluntary are also welcome.

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 a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Illinois. I received my Master's degree from the University of Phoenix and have been practicing for 4 years. I help people of all ages struggling with depression, anxiety, and trauma become the best versions of themselves. I utilize the CBT theoretical approach (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), so I assist client to connect their negative thoughts and feelings to their past and present behaviors.

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 there! Welcome! My professional path is driven by a profound dedication to inclusivity and social equity. I center my efforts on fostering mental well-being, providing essential coping skills, breaking down mental health stigma, and emphasizing the transformative and empowering nature of the healing process. In my practice, I adopt a compassionate and empathetic approach to create a secure and affirming space for clients. I guide them through their mental health challenges, helping them discover resilience on their unique journey towards healing. I firmly believe everyone should have a supportive environment to explore their challenges and embark on a personalized path to healing. I started my career as a clinician in community mental health, where I provided crucial support to individuals and families grappling with issues such as anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders. I have had the privilege of working with diverse clients, tailoring evidence-based modalities such as CBT, TF-CBT, and solution-focused therapy to meet their unique needs. In addition to individual therapy, I have facilitated groups for adolescents and adults centered on stress management, emotional regulation, and grief. I am committed to continuous learning and growth. I am excited to bring my passion and dedication to my practice, offering a compassionate and effective therapeutic experience to individuals seeking support and transformation.

I am a dedicated and compassionate therapist specializing in working with children and adolescents. With a deep understanding of the challenges that young people face, I provide a safe and supportive environment where they can explore their emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies. My approach is child-centered, emphasizing empathy, patience, and trust as we work together to navigate life’s challenges.

Practiced behaviors often evolve into generational patterns. Unfortunately, cycles of trauma that are normalized within families can begin to feel inescapable. Like an invisible illness, we sense something is wrong—we feel it in our bodies, see it in our behaviors—yet we struggle to name it, trace its origins, or know how to heal. In these patterns, we may even learn to equate abuse with love, clinging to those who hurt us because it's what we've known. Growing up in unhealthy environments alters how we see the world. Over time, we adopt coping strategies, protective habits, and emotional defenses to shield ourselves from re-experiencing deep mental and emotional pain. But these very mechanisms, while once useful, eventually shape how we relate to others—repeating the very harm we hoped to escape. I’m Loryn Chás (Chase), a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor dedicated to helping individuals break through the barriers of generational trauma and self-doubt. I specialize in supporting clients as they dismantle unhealthy cycles and reclaim their lives through a holistic, empowering approach. My work centers on helping people recognize their innate strength and actualize their greatness—regardless of the setbacks they’ve faced. Through our counseling work together, clients often experience a profound sense of liberation from mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual pain. They leave with renewed energy, deeper self-awareness, and a fresh perspective on their relationships, purpose, and potential.

Hello! My name is Teretha Lewis and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist in the Chicagoland area. I completed my Master of Social Work Degree with a specialization in Mental Health from Loyola University Chicago. For most of my career I have worked in various settings with the therapeutic community with individuals who have experienced trauma and are struggling to manage their daily lives. I specialize in treatment of children/adolescents, adults, and families struggling with Anxiety, Trauma, Depression, Behavioral Issues, Sexualized Behavior Problems and PTSD. In my work my goal is to assist my clients to develop greater insight and effective strategies to manage stressful and distressing situations in their lives. Because no single treatment is suited for all, I tailor sessions with each client's unique style and needs. I believe therapy can be one of the most healing technique for someone to overcome challenges in their lives.

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.

Hi, I’m Aneka Spencer, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) serving clients in Illinois, Iowa, Florida, and Kansas. I earned my Master’s degree from Chicago State University in 2011 and have been a social worker for over 10 years, with more than 4 years of experience as a practicing therapist. If you’re looking for a compassionate therapist who truly listens, offers honest insight, and partners with you to create meaningful, lasting change—you’re in the right place. I work with adults who are ready to better understand themselves, manage emotional challenges, and strengthen their inner resilience. Many of my clients are navigating life transitions, dealing with anxiety or depression, experiencing high stress, or simply seeking a safe, supportive space to reflect and grow. I offer free initial meetings because I believe that the therapist-client connection is essential to meaningful work. We can schedule a brief 15–20 minute video call via Google Meet so you can get a sense of who I am and how I work. Let’s talk—your healing journey deserves the right support. https://calendly.com/aneka-f-spencer/20min

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.