Therapists for college students near 60611

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing services in Illinois, Florida, and Tennessee. I've been working with children and adults since I received my Master's in Social Work in Iowa. I enjoy working with children, teenagers, and adults, and have worked with clients through private mental health agencies and within the school system. I have worked with clients as young as 5 to middle aged individuals helping with a variety of concerns, including those associated with depression, anxiety, self-doubt, family conflicts, relationship stressors, ADHD, and Autism. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am trained to help clients take a look at all aspects of their lives and where a client can start to make positive changes towards long term success. I enjoy empowering my clients, so that they can take the steps they need towards overcoming current obstacles they are encountering.

Hello and Welcome to Skylark Behavioral Health. We are pleased you are visiting us. If you are looking for a mental health provider– or, perhaps, looking to switch from the provider you are currently seeing– the chances are good that you have been asking yourself some difficult questions. For example, you may be asking yourself: What sort of treatment will work best for me— medications, talk therapy, or both? Are there different types of talk therapy? Which type is right for me? How risky are psychiatric medications? How easy will it be to stop them? Am I taking too many medications already? How many is “too many”? Are there any lifestyle changes that might help me to feel better? What about these “alternative medicine” treatments that I’ve read about? Are they safe? Do they work? What should I know about newer FDA-approved treatments such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and ketamine (Spravato)? At Skylark, our mission is to help you find answers to these questions. We are not here to “dictate” a course of treatment, but instead to advise you of a range or possible treatment approaches, describing the benefits and risks of each one. Our goal is to do this in a manner that is clear, easily-understood, and— most importantly of all— unbiased. The clinicians at Skylark do not accept “speaking fees”, free steak dinners, or other forms of payment from drug companies.

Nora Khani, LCPC utilizes a trauma-focused lens, as well as the bio-psychosocial model which allows her to get a deeper understanding of clients' presenting issues and how they are interrelated with many different aspects of the clients' life. She is focused on understanding and exploring the root cause of presenting issues to assist the client in optimal growth, confidence, and happiness in their life as well as parents. Nora uses client-centered counseling, unconditional positive regard, validation, utilizing the biopsychosocial model to assess client issues, psychodynamic approach, talking therapy, play therapy, CBT to help client's accomplish their goals.

Steve Schreiner is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been practicing since 2008. He has a BS in Education from De Paul University and an MA in Counselor Education from Northeastern Illinois University. Steve helps his clients by assisting them in identifying goals, as well as potential solutions to problems which cause emotional turmoil. Steve seeks to improve communication and teaches practical coping mechanisms which can help the client immediately to deal with their specific symptoms. Steve promotes behavioral change and optimal mental health. Outside of work, Steve enjoys running, writing, reading, theater, movies, playing and watching sports, fitness and nutrition, and outdoor activities.

Veronica Pena is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. There are joys of being a parent and there are also the difficult, confusing, frustrating, and exhausting moments where you might feel like you don't know what to do to help your child. Kids struggling with behavioral issues, anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem sometimes need an extra hand to help them navigate the difficulties in life. Veronica understands both childhood development and the complexities of parental struggles, and she can help your child have a better experience of their life. Veronica utilizes play therapy interventions with children ages 3-12 years old that allow them to develop and practice skills to cope with difficult experiences and emotions, have a better understanding of themselves, and tune into their natural resilience. Veronica tailors her approach based on the needs of the child, teen, or family - truly meeting them where they're at. Starting therapy can be difficult and vulnerable for anyone, and with the right therapist and approach, positive change is possible. Outside of work, Veronica enjoys painting, baking, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.

Mija Bradford, LPC, is a compassionate therapist dedicated to guiding individuals through their spiritual and emotional journeys. Mija believes that many struggles stem from a misalignment with one's true self and works to help clients reconnect with their inner essence. They provide a safe, sacred space for clients to explore their spiritual identity, moving beyond surface-level symptoms to address the root causes of distress. Mija specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma, particularly in those who feel disconnected from their authentic selves due to societal expectations, past traumas, or self-limiting beliefs. Their approach is holistic, integrating traditional therapeutic techniques with spiritual practices like mindfulness, meditation, and energy work. Mija is especially passionate about working with women and LGBTQ+ individuals, supporting them in uncovering deeper truths and achieving profound personal transformation. They also focus on childhood behavior issues and couple's issues, offering a space for healing and growth for children, adolescents, and couples alike. They are committed to helping clients realign with their true selves, guiding them toward greater peace, clarity, and a more authentic life.

Andy Benson, LCSW and CADC, offers a compassionate and non-judgmental space for clients in Illinois, providing individualized and effective evidence-based treatment. Specializing in the treatment of substance abuse, PTSD/trauma, and co-occurring disorders. Andy has extensive experience working with first responders, older adults, and other diverse populations. His approach involves deep listening and understanding, meeting clients where they are to facilitate their healing and growth. At LifeStance Health, Andy Benson is dedicated to helping adults and seniors navigate the complexities of their mental health. He employs a range of interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Couples/Marital Counseling, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), to address various mental health concerns. His expertise includes dealing with midlife and later life transitions, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and men's issues, ensuring that each client receives tailored care that addresses their unique needs and circumstances. Andy is particularly passionate about addressing alcohol and drug use.

Layla Byrnes is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2018. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, a Master of Social Work, and a Master of Arts in Public Policy. Layla provides a safe space to authentically learn and grow, to feel capable within one's own autonomy and community. Layla offers time and space to consider suspending beliefs that are no longer serving you, and to do so within your boundaries. It can be hard to see the "forest for the trees," and it can be helpful to have some assistance. Outside of work, Layla enjoys simple things like a feel-good yoga stretch or her tea light candles. She also loves big moments like Madonna's Blond Ambition tour in the 90s, and graduation ceremonies. Her close friends and family are her everything, not to mention her beloved cat, Athena.

Katarina Berin, LPC, believes that change starts with reciprocity and respect in the therapy relationship. She encourages self-expression, affirmation, feedback, learning, and self-awareness to help clients set goals and make new behaviors possible. Katarina earned a graduate degree in community counseling from Loyola University Chicago. She works with clients age 7 to 76 and, while delighted by all life stages, has a special place in her heart for adolescents and young adults. Katarina helps individuals facing various challenges learn to live with energy, flexibility, and peace. In therapy, Katarina combines a warm and calm presence with evidence-based practices to help clients understand, tolerate, grow, and thrive. She uses techniques that are attentive to the body and emphasize the power of self-awareness in affecting change.

Anissa Murphy, LPC, is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for clients. With her empathetic approach, Anissa meets individuals where they are, helping them navigate their personal challenges and achieve their goals. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, or PTSD/trauma, Anissa offers compassionate and tailored care to address your unique needs. Anissa has extensive experience working with diverse age groups, starting with elementary aged children through the lifespan to older adults. Her approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy to help clients manage and overcome their mental health concerns. With children, Anissa incorporates play and art therapy techniques to help them explore their feelings that they may not be able to express with words. She also includes parents and provides family therapy to address the full system. Anissa's clinical expertise extends working with children who have been adopted or involved in the foster care system.

Jonathan McIntosh, LPC, is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care to clients across Illinois. With a warm and non-judgmental approach, he works with clients in individual and group therapy to address a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, and substance use. Jonathan helps clients build self-understanding and resilience, fostering a therapeutic space where they feel supported as they navigate life's complexities and challenges. Jonathan has a particular passion for helping clients manage issues related to ADHD, grief, and trauma/PTSD. His expertise also extends to working with the LGBTQ+ community, individuals facing military and veteran-related challenges, and those in adoption or foster care. Jonathan's commitment to understanding and honoring each person's unique background and experiences allows him to offer effective and empathetic support tailored to their needs. Jonathan utilizes psychodynamic psychotherapy to help clients explore the underlying emotional roots of their issues. By facilitating deeper self-awareness, he supports clients in achieving lasting personal growth and improved well-being. Outside of his practice, Jonathan enjoys playing guitar and keyboard, reading, and spending time with his pets.

Joan Ajide is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. Joan treats various psychiatric orders in different age populations, particularly in the adolescent and adults. Her special interests include anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar, and psychotic disorders. Joan?s focus is not only on appropriate pharmacotherapy through evidenced based practice, but also on intensive psychoeducation to improve emotional well-being. Joan?s relationship with clients is more of a partnership to allow them gain ownership of their health. Outside of work, Joan enjoys spending time with family, traveling, singing in the choir, and good food.

June Coaxum, LSW, believes in a holistic approach to therapy and healing. She provides tools to help guide anyone that may feel stagnant or need emotional support. June loves working with her clients from a strength-based perspective. This perspective sees people as resilient when faced with adversity. She believes in creating a safe environment for clients to recognize and express those strengths. June works with many populations struggling with Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, Trauma, schizophrenia, death and dying. She also has experience with Family Therapy and working with the L. G. B. T. Q. I. A. community. When working with clients, June combines CBT, Talk Therapy, and other modalities to help create new healthy narratives, habits and coping skills.

Dr. Denise Garcia is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois who has been practicing since 2021. She obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Resurrection University and her Doctorate Degree in Nursing from Rush University College of Nursing. Dr. Garcia is certified in psychiatry across the lifespan and is trained to work with different populations. She can provide services like psychiatric evaluations, assessments, and order laboratory tests/imagining. Dr. Garcia can also prescribe medication and provide care to children, adolescents, and adults with issues such as ADHD, OCD, generalized anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. In her free time, Dr. Garcia loves to read books, listen to music, and watch movies. She also enjoys drinking coffee or tea.

Margaret McKeon is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been practicing since 2007. Margaret's clinical approach focuses on empowering individuals to live their best lives with clinical guidance, support, and validation. Outside of work, Margaret enjoys travel and gardening.

Lonny Levin is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. He has a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University. Lonny approaches every client with warmth, empathy, compassion, and without judgment. He firmly believes in working collaboratively with clients to help find the style of therapy that works best for their personality. Lonny strives to provide a space where a person can feel safe to be their true self and trust him to help guide them through their struggles and successes. In his spare time, Lonny enjoys reading, sports, fantasy football, and spending time with his dog, Mack and cat, Buddy.

Kari Fisher is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 1989. Kari can help a client by assisting in identifying what they are struggling with and using her background in social work training in the areas of family systems, solution focused therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and Neuroscience techniques. She uses these to help the client feel better about themselves and function better in life. Outside of work, Kari enjoys watercolor painting, volunteering at an equestrian education center, and maintaining an active lifestyle.

Martina Lowery is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. She has an MSW from Dominican University and a BS from Lincoln University. Martina has several years of experience helping adults manage anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorders in order to live productive fulfilling lives. She is both solution and client centered and uses a holistic approach to help clients gain confidence and reach goals. Martina offers a safe and judgement free space where she empowers and encourages clients to be their authentic selves. Martina is considerate of culture and how it impacts individuals? experiences. Outside of work, Martina enjoys traveling, cooking, spending time with her family, and dancing to her favorite tunes.

Elaine Sowlat, LPC, is committed to helping adults and adolescents in Illinois navigate challenges such as PTSD, complex trauma, and co-occurring issues like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Her therapeutic approach integrates empathy with evidence-based techniques, ensuring each client feels supported in their journey toward healing and personal growth. Whether you?re dealing with the lingering effects of trauma or seeking ways to manage emotional distress, Elaine offers a compassionate and understanding space for transformation. Elaine has a deep passion for working with individuals who have experienced traumatic stress and complex trauma. Her academic background in counseling psychology, coupled with her clinical experience and personal healing journey, equips her to provide a nuanced and individualized approach to trauma recovery. She helps clients regain control over their lives by addressing the interplay of trauma and mental health issues, fostering resilience, and promoting long-term emotional well-being. In addition to her focus on trauma, Elaine specializes in supporting clients struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and depression.

Brendan Crotty, LSW, is dedicated to helping clients navigate life?s challenges with a collaborative and personalized approach. Brendan starts by meeting clients on their level and working collaboratively to help them identify how they want to improve their lives. He assists clients with creating clear goals and helping them measure their progress over time. He uses a variety of techniques, including CBT and DBT, to help clients develop concrete skills to use in their daily lives. Brendan sees clients across the age span and tailors his appraoch to the unique needs of each client. He uses elements of play to connect with kids and teens, to make therapy feel enjoyable and worthwhile. Brendan has focused on work with individuals experiencing grief. His approach emphasizes active collaboration with clients, empowering them to become experts in their own experiences. His compassionate perspective and evidence-based strategies help foster growth, resilience, and healing. In addition to his clinical focus, Brendan values building strong therapeutic relationships and creating an emotionally safe environment for LGBTQ+ clients, men, and women.