Therapists in Illinois

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who received my Bachelor's and Master's degrees at UIC in 2002. I have worked in various settings, including schools, a health department, churches, and private practice. I enjoy bringing hope and change to individuals. ​ My approach to counseling is to provide a strong therapeutic relationship tailored to your needs and goals in a safe, nonjudgmental, nurturing environment where healing can begin. I am passionate about working together to learn new tools for change when you feel overwhelmed, distressed, or stuck. I aim to create a caring environment that invites one to explore one's personal story and find healing. Therapy focuses on discussing past and current patterns and coping skills to help people gain greater self-awareness and the ability to solve problems more effectively in the future. When scheduling an appointment, we can consider other options because my availability is primarily in my private practice, and I have additional availability. Feel free to reach out if you are not able to find a time that matches your schedule.

Engaging in therapy can be a difficult decision for many people. Whether you are going through a life change, or you feel the need to put the past behind, or maybe simply wish to know yourself better, relate to your loved ones better, improve your academic or professional performance, face your fears, overcome a loss, or just wish to learn more efficient ways to deal with life stressors... these are all great reasons to engage in therapy. For me, genuineness, openness, and a non-judgmental approach are essential ingredients to connect with you, support you, and guide you in your journey. I have 28 years of experience. I am bilingual (Spanish) and I have professional work experience from three different countries (Spain, UK, USA). I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Certified substance abuse counselor (CADC), Certified EMDR clinician, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and I am also trained in Brain spotting. Life can be very challenging; I strive to understand and empathize with your individual circumstances and work hand in hand with you to restore your inner balance. We can never completely control what life throws at us, but we can control and modify how we respond to life events internally and externally.

Hey there! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I am also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). I received my Masters Degree from Chicago State University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and I have a combined sixteen years of experience in helping teenagers, young adults and adults navigate the challenges of life while promoting wellness and self-care. I find that it can be challenging, trying to figure out where you are presently and where you are trying to go. While navigating current life experiences, these challenges can cause frustration, with a need to seek freedom, sometimes choosing the unhealthy ways to cope. Sometimes we need a space and a support person that can help us navigate through these challenges and find healthy ways to cope. I am here to provide that support.

As a dedicated therapist and owner of Freed Minds, I am committed to supporting individuals on their journey to holistic well-being. By focusing on understanding and nurturing the whole person, I integrate various therapeutic approaches to address the mind, body, and spirit. My practice is deeply rooted in the belief that each individual is unique and capable of profound growth and transformation. This conviction drives my commitment to helping you live your most authentic and fulfilling life. Together, we will embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and transformation, empowering you to lead a life filled with purpose and joy.

Imagine waking up calm, focused, truly at ease—no racing thoughts, sleepless nights, or brain on fire. I’m Rick Rodgers, LCSW, certified iRest teacher (E-RYT 500), combat veteran, and AUDHD (Autism + ADHD) human. I live the chaos—and I’ve guided hundreds like you to lasting calm. This is neurodivergent-affirming therapy where your intensity and quirks are celebrated, never fixed. With 14 years in the military (including Afghanistan) and a decade mastering somatic healing, I offer battle-tested, gentle tools that work: Somatic practices – melt tension, soothe your nervous system Trauma-informed breathwork – instant calm you can use anywhere Meditative inquiry – reveal the wholeness already here Secure online sessions in Indiana, Arizona, Texas, New Hampshire.From session one, you’ll gain a simple breath to anchor you through any storm. No forcing. No shame. Just you, seen, supported, finally at home in your body and mind. If your brain won’t shut off… If you’re neurodivergent… If stress, trauma, or patterns keep pulling you under…I’m your guide. Pause the noise. Rest in your wholeness. Book your session now. Schedule with Rick You don’t have to do this alone. I’ve got you—breath by breath. Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter assessments are available for $250. This fee includes all assessment tools and labor for writing the letter. Prerequisites: You must have a history of trying other treatments for your condition, such as medication and therapy. Disclaimer: The assessment is not a guarantee that a letter will be written. Integrity: Please do not pursue this assessment if your primary goal is simply to get a dog into an apartment that has a no-pet policy. The assessment is a clinical necessity evaluation. Note: I do use ai due to issues connected to being a veteran. Must consent.

Hello!!! I am Jeri Howell a Licensed therapist from Illinois. I have a Master's Degree in Human Development Counseling and i have been practicing for over 25 years. I want to help people recognize their own strengths and build on the resilience they already possess. I work with individuals and couples as well as teens and young adults. I am available for telehealth and in person at the Be Well Therapy Center in Mt Sterling IL.

Hello, my name is Chelsea, and I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois. I graduated in 2019 from Clarke University with my Master's of Social Work. I spent my undergraduate years shadowing and volunteering at a sexual assault and domestic violence advocacy center. I completed research in the areas of trauma, decision making, and intimate relationships. I completed a job shadow with a Victim Witness Coordinator, where I also conducted a year long research project on domestic violence in rural communities. During that time I completed an internship at a combined homeless shelter and food pantry. I then completed a secondary internship at a local community mental health center. I spent four years working at that same local community mental health center where I provided crisis services, individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. I was able to earn my license during that time. I transitioned into school based social work and provided case management and therapy services in the local school setting. I now have opened a private practice called Resiliency Counseling, which is an individualized practice focused on providing individual, couples, and family therapy services to help people who are wanting to improve their mental health in a safe, accepting, and trusting environment. I always strive to meet my patients where they are at in their mental health journey and tailor my approach to what they need. I approach therapy as a mix of processing, guidance, and challenging, in order to help a client identify, process, and reach their mental health goals.

Hi! I'm Sharonda, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). Growing up in Chicago, I regularly witnessed individuals with mental health difficulties, addiction issues, individuals impacted by trauma, and those who were victims of violence. Many of them did not have guidance on how to heal or could not access helpful resources/supports. Because of that, I set my goal to be a valuable resource and advocate for anyone who may need guidance or support through their struggles. I have approximately 10 years of experience working in various mental health settings including; a substance abuse rehabilitation center; outpatient therapy facilities; within the juvenile detention center; with DCFS involved youth; Juvenile Trauma programs; and with Community Violence Intervention programs.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois with 20 years of experience working with adults, teens, and children. I use a holistic, trauma-informed approach that sees emotional challenges as signals of unmet needs or unprocessed experiences—not personal flaws. I strive to create a warm, validating space where you can understand yourself more clearly and move toward the life you want.

Hi, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker located in Northwest Indiana. I am licensed in both Indiana and Illinois and services population in the Chicagoland area as well. I have worked in social services since 2010. I specialize in trauma focused treatment and I work with both adults and children.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois. I received my Masters from Clark-Atlanta University and have been practicing for 4 years. I help young adults and adults manage anxiety and depression by teaching coping skills and encouraging them to use them throughout their daily lives to improve their symptoms. I also specialize in the treatment of OCD symptoms using ERP. I love helping teenagers navigate life's hurdles and helping families facilitate a success story for their child.

I am a Bilingual (Spanish) Clinical Social Worker. I am experienced in working with a variety of issues including immigrant and minority issues, trauma, obesity, brain injury, PTSD, abuse, infertility, chronic medical illness, attachment, grief and loss, pet loss, adoption, ADHD, anxiety, depression and coping with divorce and co-parenting. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and my Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Chicago. I am EMDR trained and have worked extensively with those who have lived with chronic trauma experiences. I have lived in Bolivia, Guatemala and Spain. I use a variety of interventions, including art and drawing, to spur the introspection process on the path to healing. I strongly recommend combining a mind and body approach to help you connect with and reveal your true inner self.

Hello and welcome! Starting therapy can be scary and intimidating and so I'd like share a little bit about myself that way you have a chance to know more about me before your first session! I completed my Bachelor of Science degree from Monmouth College and my Master of Science degree in counseling from Western Illinois University. I'm a licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Illinois and Texas. I have worked in the mental health field as a counselor since 2010. I was a therapist and crisis counselor for Bridgeway Community Mental Health starting in 2010 and then went on to become the Director of Crisis/Mental Health Juvenile Justice/and First Episode Psychosis Program. I then went on to work in private practice at Crossroads Counseling in Galesburg, IL. I have significant experience working with children and adolescents in the private sector as well as young adults. I enjoy working with clients who are healing from traumatic experiences. I have worked with survivors of trauma and abuse throughout my entire counseling career. I am EMDR trained and have a deep compassion for those dealing with the results of trauma and abuse. Additionally, I have worked with children and adults experiencing depression, mood disorders, anxiety, OCD and trauma using DBT and cognitive-behavioral therapy as treatment modalities. I live with my husband, Dustin, in Galesburg ,IL and have three active boys ages 17, 13, and 10. I enjoy reading, fishing, camping, being outdoors, and watching my children in various activities.

The most important gift you can give someone is sincerely listening to them, which is where I always start. I have worked in community mental health for 20 + years all over Chicago, mainly on the South and West Side, where I am from. I provide people with whatever skills and strategies needed to help anyone get the most out of counseling. I have been working exclusively on Grow Therapy since October of 2024, but have been on Grow Therapy part-time for a quite a while.

I hold licenses as a clinical social worker and a clinical addiction counselor. My educational background includes a BA in Psychology from Purdue University and a Master's in Social Work from Indiana University (2006). My experience includes 8 years in private practice, 12 years addressing the needs of DCS/probation/court-ordered clients, 7 years in a jail setting (including 6 years as a clinical supervisor), and a role as a clinical director at an addiction recovery center. My experience spans working with first responders, groups, couples, and individuals struggling with addiction, anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, suicidal thoughts, crisis situations, gender issues, adjustment disorder, parenting challenges, stress, self-esteem, codependency, relationship difficulties, and more.

Hello, I'm Amanda, Have you been struggling with the challenges of life lately? Do you feel like you are in a constant state of survival? Do you want to start living? Are you looking to approach life with a new lens? I help individuals take control of their lives whether they are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, difficult emotions or life events. I provide a safe and judgement free space to make you as comfortable as possible. We will work together to explore what is helpful and what is not. I understand that everyone is different and believe that is most important when providing therapy. Whether you have been to therapy several times before or this is your first time, I look forward to experiencing your growth with you.

I’m not the kind of therapist who just listens quietly—I believe therapy should give you practical tools you can use in your daily life. My hope is that, over time, you’ll feel confident and resilient enough that you no longer need therapy at all. My approach is practical, brain-based, and rooted in compassion, I will help you understand your nervous system, explore where you feel stuck, and build easy-to-use techniques that support you in everyday life. You don’t have to figure it out by yourself. I’ll sit with you through it, and together we’ll build the steps that help you feel grounded, stronger, and more at ease. I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois. I specialize in helping people navigate anxiety, OCD, life transitions, burnout, low self-esteem, and tough emotions like anger. My approach is practical, brain-based, and rooted in compassion.

Hi, my name is Dr. Nikki Ruffin. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Illinois a licensed professional clinical counselor in the state of California and a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Indiana. I have my doctorate in Counseling and Education and I've been in practice for about 20 years. I work mostly with adults with anxiety, depression, grief, and loss and trauma, as well as life transitions and relationship issues.

Have you ever felt like you were busy doing all the things you thought would bring you a happy life, yet felt alone and disconnected from yourself and others? These feelings are often when people turn to alcohol, drugs, food, shopping or relationships to try to create those feelings of happiness, contentment and joy. It can work for a short time however the key to moving forward is to understand the reasons we seek out these distractions. When we strengthen the relationship with ourselves, the outer world becomes much more balanced and fulfilling. Through slowing down and reconnecting with our mind, body and spirit we can feel more confident to face life events with a more stable and hopeful core sense of self. I specialize in treating relationship issues, addiction/substance abuse, depression, anxiety, job related issues, couples treatment and divorce recovery

Hi, my name is Neelma Zafar. The stigma in many cultures around mental health can be debilitating. I believe that no matter what background you are coming from, your mental and emotional health should be made as much of a priority as your physical health. Taking the first step and asking for help can be intimidating, but I meet my clients where they are and get to know them and their strengths. My approach is trauma-focused and evidence-based therapy and I believe in empowering my clients. I am trained in EMDR, DBT and CBT. Currently, I am working with sexually abused and sexually problematic children. I do family therapy sessions. I immigrated from Pakistan and I know personally what "trauma" is. I volunteered with refugees and worked with them on their mental health issues. I know Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi languages. I volunteer at the food pantry and daily bread soup kitchen and strongly believe in giving back to the community. I am hear to listen to my clients in a judgement-free zone in order to help them grow as a person and move past trauma.

Hi, I’m Shelby Harvey, an LCPC, specializing in helping couples and individuals heal, grow, and reconnect. I believe that everyone deserves to feel truly seen, heard, and understood — especially in their most important relationships and in the aftermath of painful experiences. My passion is guiding couples who feel stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed back to a place of trust and intimacy. I also support individuals who have experienced trauma, helping them process what they’ve been through and move forward with greater self-compassion and resilience.

It is not easy to trust someone else with your personal challenges or just your feelings. I am a compassionate clinical social worker who offers a safe and supportive environment for you to balance your life and empower yourself. Clients often tell me they appreciate my more laid-back, yet professional therapeutic style. My goal as a therapist is offer you a voice and collaborate with you on YOUR goals, I respect your cultural beliefs and your opinions, focus on your strengths, and give you the tools needed to move forward with YOUR goals.

Do you struggle with people-pleasing, low self-worth, or painful relationships that leave you feeling like you’ve lost yourself? Maybe you grew up in a family that looked “fine” on the outside but left you with invisible scars of trauma. You might find yourself replaying old patterns—turning to food, restriction, or overexercise to cope, feeling guilty when you try to set boundaries, or wondering why you keep choosing partners who don’t treat you well. If you’re exhausted from trying to hold it all together while doubting yourself inside, therapy can help you finally break free.

I work to provide a safe, non-judgmental, culturally safe space where you can share, we can identify what isn't working, and implement the best practice interventions that work toward your goals. Curiosity about why we do what we do is helpful when we need to create different habits. Therefore we work on cultivating a sense of curiosity so we can learn how to identify what isn't working in our life anymore. When we are open to new possibilities, we reduce self-imposed limitations to improve our own life experiences. When we strengthen what we are already good at, we reduce the impact of our life challenges. When we integrate newly learned skills with existing skills, we tend to feel more hopeful about our future and increase our self-confidence. These changes can lead to adopting new ways of coping, learning how to view our challenges from new perspectives and using all of this to live your best life.

Hey there! I am a LCSW based in Illinois. I recieved my Master's degree from Aurora University and have been working in the mental health field for approximately 6 years. I have been work with adult males to help them heal from trauma and learn more effective coping strategies. For the last year I have been working teens and adults to cope with life transitions and learn coping skills for anxiety and depression. I am LGBTQ friendly and gender affirming.

I am a licensed clinical social worker and substance abuse counselor. I am licensed in Wisconsin and Illinois and conduct telehealth sessions. I have been practicing therapy for 12 years but have been in the field of social work since 2000. My professional experience includes work in child welfare, treatment foster care, adoption, parenting concerns, substance use, domestic violence, trauma, anxiety, LGBTQIA, and life transitions.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Chicago, IL. I have been a practicing clinician since 2017. I have experience with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoanalytic therapy, and mindfulness-based therapies. My treatment approach is rooted in evidence-based practices that focuses on how feelings affect thoughts which leads to behavior. I studied at National Louis University, where I obtained a Master’s degree in Community Counseling. I have worked in several settings including psychiatric hospitals for adolescents, intensive outpatient programs for adolescents and adults, in-home family therapy for adoptive children, and individual therapy in a community health clinic.

Hello- I’m Alice I enjoy helping others change, grow and solve lifelong challenges. I have my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Counseling including specialization in substance abuse and Adlerian theory from Adler University in Chicago. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor. I have a history of working in different types of settings from community mental health providing services to children, families and adults, emergency room settings determining if hospitalization is necessary, department of corrections with maximum security inmates, online therapy organization providing video, text and phone services and a private practice. Given my variety of experiences with clients and setting, I feel my greatest strength is the ability to listen and understand what the client is hoping to achieve in therapy. I want to help you be successful in your life, your relationships and career. I want to provide a safe, non judgmental environment for you to share your feelings, thoughts and issues.

Hi, my name is Sidney Johnson and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in the state of Illinois. I am a guy who worked through his own trauma, and has found passion in helping others do the same. I received my Masters in Social Work from Arizona State University, and my clinical training on the south side of Chicago.

My first career includes 17 years of retail management. I worked in multiple divisions, environments, and roles within the retail management industry. Most of my experiences were in the Big-Box retail environments or within the corporate office environment, so I understand the expectations and stressors of P&L management, marketing, staff performance/recruitment/training & development, shrinkage, O.S.H.A. compliance, and merchandising. I transitioned from the retail management industry to the human services industry in March of 2010 after receiving my master’s degree in Human Services with a specialty in Mental Health Counseling. This information is pertinent for adults who need assistance to cope with work-life balance, corporate industry standards, stressful work environments, conflict management with co-workers, and work performance due to compassion fatigue or inappropriate time management.

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!

Sherry Miller, M.S., LPC (OK, TX,WI), LCPC, (IL), LMHC (FL, MA), CSADC (IL), CSAC (WI), LADC (OK), M-CAP (FL), ICS (WI), BC-TMH. Hi there. My name is Sherry Miller. I have a Master of Science in Human Service Community Counseling from National Louis University at Chicago, IL. I pride myself in strict confidentiality; with a unique insight into my consumers. Because I have been in a program of Recovery from Alcohol, Drugs, and Codependency for the past 28 plus years I knows firsthand what it takes to find the truth of oneself and want assist you with your own unique and personal journey of self-awareness. I am dually licensed to treat mental health and substance abuse concerns. I am also licensed as an Independent Clinical Supervisor in the field of Addictions. My clinical interests include family dysfunction, addiction treatment, co-dependency, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and family, individual, or group counseling. I have over 28 years’ experience in the treatment of anger, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, behavioral issues, parent education, fearfulness, addiction issues, and co-occurring disorders. I am board certified to do telehealth (counseling over the internet) for clients that cannot make it to the office for their counseling appointment or prefer the comfort of having their counseling session in the privacy of their own home. I am experienced working with all ages, genders, and the LGBTQ community. In addition, I have experience working on a college campus with college age persons. In my free time you will find me spending time with my cats, and dogs, riding my horses, riding my bike or working out at the gym.

John Swails is an ordained minister, a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and Marine Corp Veteran, with military mental-health practice experience addressing traumatic stress, separation, family grief, and relationship issues, and civilian experience addressing physical and sexual abuse, single-mothers with dual diagnosed children, and group therapy for middle-school and teens to develop resiliency. As a therapist, John utilizes proven DBT, Strategic, CBT-Family, Solution-Focused, and other systemic techniques to address individual, couple, and family issues. As a minister John is sensitive to the beliefs of the client and is ready to explore spiritual solutions to any issue.

Welcome! Therapy is an invitation for healing and change, so congratulate yourself for actively seeking transformation in your life. My name is Bridget, founder Mind Move Therapy that provides psychotherapy, somatic movement therapy and physical health coaching. I approach therapy from a holistic- emotional, physical, cognitive perspective. I specialize in Somatics- emphasizing that the body holds emotions, trauma responses and stress so healing includes the body. My clients report positive results from therapy with me. You can overcome symptoms of trauma and stress, heal from the past and live happier and more meaningfully. I specialize in treating various traumas, including childhood trauma, abuse, loss, and PTSD. I specialize in the treatment of stress, anxiety and depression. I work with clients with Borderline Personality tendencies or those impacted by BPD. I work with clients with Body Dysmorphic Disorder and other somatic issues. I support clients with addiction issues. Every client walks a unique path and deserves to be listened to and understood in an empathetic way. I create a safe, therapeutic environment where clients have the opportunity to explore their thoughts, feelings and behaviors in which to gain insight, experience shifts in emotional states and find a renewed sense of mental and physical well-being.

Hello, I’m Marisol Cruz. I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) offering therapy in both English and Spanish. With 24 years of experience as a school counselor and over 5 years as a mental health clinician, I support adults who are navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, stress, anxiety, depression, and issues with self-worth or confidence. I also have extensive experience helping individuals manage overthinking, emotional overwhelm, and communication difficulties. My approach is warm, collaborative, and client-centered. I believe therapy should feel safe and supportive, and I work to create a non-judgmental space where you can express yourself openly. Together, we will identify your goals, understand what’s weighing on you, and develop practical strategies to help you feel more grounded, confident, and emotionally balanced. Whether you’re seeking clarity, guidance, healing, or personal growth, I’m here to walk with you every step of the way. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Let’s work together to create meaningful and lasting change.

I believe in the healing power of a strong therapeutic alliance. My practice is based on the conviction that with the right support, everyone can effect change in their lives. My style is caring and not judgmental; I utilize Cognitive behavioral therapy, existential therapy, and Brief Cognitive hypnosis to guide you in the process of learning new skills to manage your thoughts, emotions and behavior. I am clinically licensed in the states of Illinois, Texas, Utah and Minnesota. I have been providing therapy through video sessions for more than three years. I am bilingual in Spanish and English. I am a painter and a poet; I consider that Art is another wonderful tool to achieve healing.