Optum Therapists in Illinois

I’m a therapist passionate about helping others embrace their authentic selves and navigate life’s challenges with confidence. As a gamer, geek, and LGBTQIA+ individual, I understand the feelings of judgment, misunderstanding, and isolation that can come with these identities. My goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether you're exploring your identity, processing past experiences, or seeking a sense of belonging, I’m here to walk alongside you on your journey.

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.

Currently I am only accepting new clients who are trans. I am a trans and queer Licensed Clinical Social Worker and artist with 13 years of experience in community mental health. My approach is that all people deserve to have the opportunity to experience a safe, kind, and welcoming space to explore their mental health, and that as a therapist, it is my job to nurture that. I am driven to create therapeutic opportunities for people who want and need them within the LGBTQ2IA+ community. I am open to working with clients that find themselves in need of an understanding, compassionate, and community-oriented therapist who will help to guide them through healing work. My areas of focus are: LGBTQ2IA+ and TGNC youth and emerging adults, major life transitions, trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, ADHD, gender dysphoria, and sexual identity exploration. I completed my Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Arts in Gender Studies (MA) degrees concurrently at Loyola University Chicago. Before entering graduate school, I worked in multiple positions focused on reproductive justice, body autonomy, and community care. My life and professional experiences have led me to provide therapy with a focus on community care through an anti oppressive lense. I understand that helping one person can have a positive impact on the greater community surrounding them. I believe that treatment approaches should fit the individual's needs and thus I utilize many modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, somatics, and narrative therapy. My approaches of curiosity and kindness create a welcoming space to engage in therapy. Choosing to work with a therapist is a powerful way to help yourself and we all deserve a chance to have focused time to explore, learn, and grow through challenges.

Hi There! My name is Te'Ericka (She/Her). I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois. I earned my Master’s degree from Chicago State University and I have been practicing for 4 years. I specialize in working with women and children who have experienced trauma, providing them with the support, guidance, and tools they need to heal, build resilience, and thrive.

Hi, my name is, Tzia Hibler and I am glad you have taken the first step to seeking support in your life. Challenges, barriers, and setbacks happen in life for many reasons. Every battle does not have to be faced alone. I am here to support you in what you want to face. I take a client-centered, strength-based approach to work through goals and processing feelings. I will support you in seeing where you have control to take action, find acceptance, and challenge thoughts. I am an LCSW ( Licensed Clinical Social Worker) licensed in Illinois. I have my Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in schools, from the University of Illinois - Urbana, Champaign. I have experience in public schools, and community-based practices as a therapist and social worker working with a vast array of demographics. I have worked with ages 0 - 65. I have worked with my community to provide clinical services to community violence victims, teen parents, youth and families, LGBTQA+, and individuals with learning disabilities. No matter your walk of life or journey, I will treat you and your story as a unique situation to you.

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.

Hello! I gained an interest in Psychology while working in a nursing home for 10 years with those with dementia or end of life care and met so many wonderful people and knew I wanted to learn and meet more people to try and help guide people as much as I could. I majored in Psychology and minored in Women Studies & Multi-cultural studies at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN attaining my BA. I later worked for a while and while working full-time, I went to grad school to attain my Graduate Degree Summa Cumme Laude in December of 2010 at Illinois Instute of Technology in Chicago majoring in Rehabilitation Counseling which had a primary major emphasis in Psychology and there was also an emphasis in physical disabilities and vocational counseling respectively. I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) or a Licensed Therapist in other words in the state of Illinois and have been since January of 2012. I have experience as a Qualified Mental Health Professional since 2003 working with adults, adolescents, & children as that is when I started my professional career in Outreach Community Mental Health and have have been at the Director level supervising other Clinicians getting their licenses and those already with their licenses providing counseling and case management services throughout the Chicagoland area.

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 13 years in the mental health field, and 8 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.

Congratulations for taking the first step towards a better you! Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Missouri, with a second License in Illinois. I received my Masters from the University of St Louis and have been practicing for over 30 years. I have helped people of all ages struggling with emotional regulation, the management of symptoms of depression or anxiety, 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.

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 4 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. I identify as non-binary and I have been helping members of the LGBTQ community since I began my career as a therapist. Not only do I help members of my community, such as aiding transgender individuals in getting gender affirming care, but I extend my services to everyone. I have aided a wide variety of individuals with various identities, my various use of treatment modalities can help anyone who wants to take me on as their therapist.

Hello! I'm Kelly. I was born and raised in Southern Illinois. I grew up in a military family and so have a sense of understanding of how community can help. I received my MSW in Social Work from SIU Edwardsville in 2013 and got my LCSW in 2017. I have worked with children in all different settings since 2014. The LGBTQ community has been a part of my practice, especially when working in the most rural of areas. I have helped children and adults with different diagnoses over the course of my career and continue growing in my knowledge of how to serve each individual.

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.

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.

My name is Liliana Gómez, and I am a bilingual (Spanish & English) clinical social worker. If you are struggling to manage mental illness or physical health symptoms, I can help you navigate the feelings that arise and teach you practical skills. My hope is that together we can develop a plan to make life a little less overwhelming and more enjoyable.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing therapy for 5+ 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.

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.

At Emerald Reflections Counseling, I specialize in helping individuals, particularly teens and adults, navigate life's most challenging moments. With over 14 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I work with those struggling with anxiety, grief, trauma, and life transitions. I understand the emotional weight that these issues bring, and I am passionate about guiding you through them with empathy and personalized care. Whether you're dealing with the overwhelming pressure of anxiety, coping with the loss of a loved one, or facing a major life change like a career shift, relationship changes, or personal growth, I offer a safe and supportive environment where you can heal. My approach is person-centered, which means that I focus on you as an individual, helping you build the tools you need to regain control, reduce stress, and find peace in the midst of chaos. In our work together, I’ll empower you to strengthen your coping strategies, tap into your creativity, and rediscover your passions, so you can move forward with confidence and clarity. I draw on my extensive experience working in both nonprofit and medical settings, which allows me to provide a well-rounded approach to mental health. At Emerald Reflections Counseling, we take the first step toward healing together. If you're ready to take control of your emotional health and embark on a journey of healing, I’m here to help you every step of the way.

Hi there, my name’s Stacee and I’m a transgender therapist who specializes in work with adult LGBTQ+ clients. There are so many parts to our shared experience: Trauma that’s related to our families-of-origin. For many of us, our families were our first bullies. Grief from our losses of intimate partners, lovers, friends, family, and pets. Anxiety and perfectionism that comes with trying to prove our worth in the world. Spiritual trauma from histories with shame-based religious systems. History with abusive or exploitative relationships, whether bullying bosses, predatory ex-partners or family members. Sometimes, we allowed ourselves to be exploited if it meant we could matter to someone. Weird shaming dynamics that exist within our queer subcultures around body image, shape, and size; our gender behaviors; and even social factors like a decision to live sober. Legitimate fear for our own lives and the safety of our families that’s in response to government actions. Our histories can show up in complicated ways: intrusive thoughts and nightmares, panic and anxiety, compulsive behaviors that once soothed us but now are destructive, cycles of depression. Then we experience guilt and shame that comes with the belief that we should ‘just get over it,’ just as we’ve had to forgive and get over so many things. Yet, there are some things we can't just get over on our own. This is the subject of my self-help book, The Healing Otherness Handbook. I look forward to meeting you and learning how I can help you get your fabulous back, or maybe discover it for the first time.

Hello there, My name is Dr. Tanye' Tyler (she/her), DSW, MBA, LCSW, but feel free to call me "Dr. T." As a licensed clinical social worker, I have expertise in trauma-informed counseling. I understand that sometimes, we face situations that can be challenging to handle, even with our best efforts. I have a broad understanding of trauma, which allows me to offer empathy and support to my clients without judgment. During our conversations, I will be a compassionate listener, and you can trust that nothing you say will ever surprise me. I specialize in evidence-based practices and frameworks, particularly those related to issues that affect Blacks, Indigenous people, and other persons of color and the LGBTQIA+ community. Thank you for choosing me as your therapist. I look forward to working with you. I look forward to our chat! Dr. T

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.

My name is Christine Miller, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in perinatal mental health and holistic healing. I am also attuned to perform Reiki, which allows me to blend therapeutic techniques with energy work to support healing on every level—mind, body, and spirit. I am passionate about helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges by turning pain into power and wounds into wisdom. Whether you’re adjusting to new parenthood, navigating the complexities of co-parenting, or seeking balance during a life transition, I would be honored to support you on your healing journey. I understand the unique challenges of motherhood, partnership, and balancing it all because I live it, too. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where you can express yourself freely, heal from life’s hard moments, and reconnect with your inner strength. Through a combination of therapeutic techniques, coaching skills, and Reiki, I help clients explore the root of their struggles and create meaningful, lasting changes. I believe that true healing happens when we take a holistic approach. This means looking at all aspects of your life—mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual—and working together to restore balance. By embracing this process, you can achieve sustainable growth and rediscover joy and fulfillment in your life. Healing can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. I would be honored to partner with you as we work to create the peace, balance, and healing you deserve. Let’s take the first step together.

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.

My name is Daniel, and I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois, where I have been providing mental health services for over 24 years. Regardless of your background, financial status, or the countless other aspects of yourself that make you unique, there is one universal fact that impacts us all: life is inherently unpredictable. We all face unexpected changes and events that range from extremely positive to brutally challenging, increasing our risk of feeling unprepared, isolated, and possibly overwhelmed, with no idea of what to do next. My training, skills, and years of experience enable me to help people deal with and move beyond the emotional fallout that often occurs during and after significant changes and events. These can commonly include anxiety, sadness, depression, grief, or negative self-image, and may result in the development of problematic coping strategies and issues related to self-confidence, motivation, communication, healthy relationships, or substance use. Everything we experience is based within the current context of our lives, including our age, gender, location, sexual identity, relationship status, financial position, job status, life stage transition, and physical health. It’s crucial to take all these aspects into careful consideration to make true and lasting progress. I work collaboratively with clients and am dedicated to creating an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes tremendous courage to seek happiness and even more to take the necessary steps. I’m here to guide and support you in your efforts.

Mary is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with over thirty years of experience working with adults with substance abuse, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship problems. Mary is also a Certified, Level Three, TEAM, Cognitive and Behavioral Therapist, through the Feeling Good Institute. Mary begins therapy by developing a warm and friendly connection with clients, so they feel comfortable and at ease. When the client is ready to get started, she helps them develop a treatment plan using simple and effective CBT techniques. Mary practices meditation daily and brings a broad range of mindfulness techniques into her practice.

After starting my career in advertising, I realized through self-discovery and soul-searching that my real passion in life is helping others. In 2010, I decided to go back to school to be clinically trained in social work at Loyola University Chicago, where I spent extensive time working with both adolescents and adults. I have been practicing since 2012 and have been helping clients globally with a variety of issues in my core areas of expertise, including addiction, mood disorders, and identity issues. I am also certified in Financial Social Work, bridging my passions for personal finance and emotional well-being. I live in Chicago and enjoy sports, travel, reading, and quiet Sundays at home.