Surest Therapists in Illinois

I am originally from Florida and the Valedictorian of my high school who graduated and played football for Stanford University and The University of Michigan. After creating a nonprofit called Empire For The Youth, I have developed a curriculum for building wholistic life success and have worked in over 20 different schools throughout the united states. I work with all youth from ages 8-80 in helping them identify their life purpose and motivation for why they wake up and live every day. I help to mold daily habits to keep my clients living life full of HOPE...Having Only Positive Energy!

Welcome! (Bienvenido/a!). My name is Jess and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I believe that every person has the right to be heard, to heal, and to grow. I approach therapy from a place of kindness and compassion, openness and curiosity. My work with clients begins from a strengths based place, to ensure that you are seen and understood, taking into account your inherent strengths as well as your areas for growth. I also believe that people are deeply impacted by the world around them and therefore, I focus my work with clients to identify and unpack oppressive forces in their lives. I am fluent in English and Spanish, and have extensive experience providing therapy to children and adults in both languages. My goal is to create a safe space for you to explore any topic without feeling judged or censored. I understand that not everybody heals in the same way, which is why I use a variety of theoretical approaches in my work. Our conversations will be tailored to what works best for your healing and growth. I look forward to working alongside you! Please visit my website for more information and to book appointments with me: I find it easier to schedule clients via my website. Thank you!/Gracias https://www.compassionatehealingtherapycenter.com

I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the past 20 years and have a wide variety of experiences working with clients. I am certified in DBT and have training in ACT, motivational interviewing and trauma treatment. I find great fulfillment in partnering with clients in order to help them find the life they wish to live. I focus on what the client seeks and work to develop practical skills to help improve emotional balance, better relationships and more awareness of the present moment.

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!

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.

Hi, I’m Mel B! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree from Aurora University in Social Work. For the past 10 years, I’ve helped young adults in their 20s feel more confident, less stressed, and more in control of their lives—and I absolutely love it! My goal is to support you in becoming the best version of yourself. I believe therapy should feel comfortable, safe, and real. I’ll meet you where you are, without judgment, and we’ll find what works best for you. I like to keep things flexible, using a mix of humor, practical tools, and mindset shifts. So, what is my mission? I specialize in working with millennials and Gen Z adults who struggle with: Big Life Decisions – Career changes, moving, grad school, and other major transitions. Relationship Anxiety – Dating, breakups, commitment fears, and finding healthy connections. Confidence & Overthinking – Trusting yourself, making decisions, and quieting self-doubt. Self-Care & Self-Compassion – Taking care of YOU in ways that actually feel good. When I’m not helping clients, I’m a wife and a cat mom to three adorable fur babies. I’m a huge Swiftie, an iced coffee addict, and I love reading young-adult romance books with dashes of humor and magic. I enjoy going for walks, planning future trips, and spending time with family and friends. I’m also a big dreamer—I love setting goals and going after them! If you’re looking for a therapist who is warm, supportive, and will truly listen, I’d love to connect with you. Let’s work together to create a life that feels right for you!

As a veteran and therapist, I bring a grounded, compassionate approach to helping others heal. I specialize in treating anxiety disorders and supporting women who are navigating the lasting effects of trauma. I work with individuals dealing with chronic worry, panic attacks, social anxiety, and specific phobias. I believe that healing is most powerful when it includes the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. I often integrate nature-based practices, movement like running or walking therapy, and conversations around nutrition and wellness into my work. I’ve seen how connecting with animals and spending time outdoors can offer grounding, clarity, and emotional balance, especially when processing deep pain or stress. My approach is rooted in evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques. These tools help clients better understand the roots of their anxiety and trauma responses while building practical strategies for long-term healing and relief. I offer a calm, supportive space where women feel seen, heard, and empowered. My focus is on helping you regain confidence, restore a sense of control, and move forward with greater strength and resilience. Together, we’ll work toward meaningful progress—and real, lasting change.

Hi there, I’m Rupa. Are you living the authentic life you envision for yourself? Does your dream match your reality? I help individuals of all ages to discover who they truly are. Together, we will explore your strengths and passions. We will also identify any obstacles which may be holding you back from reaching your full potential. I incorporate a variety of interventions into sessions to help process deep feelings- with the goal of building strength and resilience as you begin writing your next chapter. Whether it's anxiety, trauma, or other issues that are keeping you from fully living your life, I am here to provide support. I bring more than 15 years of clinical experience in non-profit, private practice and hospital settings. A strong focus has been on work with marginalized communities, including LGBTQIA+, special needs, and BIPOC individuals.

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.

Hello!. My name is John Benton, LCSW from Illinois. I have been a licensed therapist since 2007 working 19 years in a community mental health center. Prior to that i was counseling in group homes for adolescent boys and girls who had serious behavior and thinking problems. I have treated many mental health issues arise in various ethnicities and age groups. I have also supervised staff in properly applying counseling techniques and behavior modifications to help youth successfully reintegrate to their homes of origin, foster homes, and in society in general.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has over 30 years in the mental health field working in psychiatric hospitals and private practice. I work with clients individually (ages 13-17; 18- 65+); Couples and Families who suffer from depression, anxiety, relationship issues, marriage/divorce issues, grief issues, suicidal thoughts, self-harming behaviors, domestic violence (victims) and substance use. I am passionate about what I do and truly care about each of my clients.

Hello! I'm Christine Manuel, LCSW, a Client centered and goal oriented Therapist. I earned my Masters Degree from the University of Chicago, and I have been in this field for over 16 years. I work with Adolescents and Adults who are struggling with stress and anxiety, the effects of trauma, attachment issues, and Parenting concerns. I have an Individualized approach that allows me to join with Clients on their journey toward growth and healing.

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.

Right now you are probably scared. You know something needs to change, but you don’t know where to start. You don't know if this works and you're at the point where you are afraid that nothing will work. We have all been there, me included. I understand and I do not judge. I have been a clinical therapist for the past 20 years. In my time I have worked with adolescents, adults, couples, geriatric patients, and LGBTIQQ individuals. What I have discovered in all my years of practice is that people all want the same things. We want to know that we are loved, valued and respected. I can promise you that when you speak to me you will be the only person that matters. You will not find judgement and you will not find blame. We will work together, at your own pace. I will help you find hope, unwavering support and the motivation to change the things in your life that you feel need to be changed. Together, we can improve your life. I'm here whenever you're ready.

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.

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.

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 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.

Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed? I’m here to help you navigate stress, conflict, anxiety, and depression. Whether you're an individual, couple, or family, I’ll provide the tools and strategies to improve your well-being, regain control, and move forward with confidence. Together, we'll develop a winning game plan to strengthen your sense of purpose—shifting from struggling day-to-day to truly thriving.

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 will work to 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

Hello! I am a Clinical Psychologist and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience helping multicultural clients explore strategies to manage mental health, relationship issues, and other struggles. You don’t have to face these feelings alone. We can explore your thoughts and emotions in a safe space, helping you take the first step towards a better future.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois. I have had experience in the mental health field for over 3 years. My previous experience was working with kids and teens on the spectrum. Currently, I work with those over the age of 13. I like to use a variety of therapy techniques depending on the client's needs and expectations.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Chicago, IL. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa in Psychology, and then I went on to receive my Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Valparaiso University. I'm a clinician who is dedicated to creating a warm, safe, and enriching environment for my clients. I understand everyone’s therapy journey is unique and I strive to ensure all of my clients feel seen, heard, and understood. Therapy is a space for you to explore your talents and strengths, identify barriers, and learn new approaches to cope with stressors.

Hi – I’m Vicki – do you ever find yourself feeling lost as you wander on a path that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere? Or maybe you’re standing at a fork in the road and you aren’t sure which way to go. No matter what you're going through right now, you can get through it and I can help. I am committed to walking beside you and helping you find your unique path to create a life full of wellness, personal growth, joy and meaning. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Certified Alcohol/Other Drug Counselor (CADC) with over 17 years of counseling experience. I specialize in working with individuals 18 years and older who live in Illinois. MY AREAS OF EXPERTISE INCLUDE: SUBSTANCE USE, GRIEF AND LOSS, ANXIETY, AND DEPRESSION. If you are interested in working with a therapist who is committed to creating an authentic, positive collaborative relationship with you, feel free to schedule an appointment with me through GROW.