Hello there! I'm Elliott, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. In addition, I am certified as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I've been providing mental health counseling services in a variety of settings for 13 years. My background is in working with teens and adults that struggle with issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance abuse, parenting difficulties, building healthy relationships, and finding purpose in life. If you’re open to meeting with me, I’d like to work with you on identifying barriers that might be keeping you from finding what you’re looking for. I usually help my clients identify these barriers by talking with them about the things that are important in their lives, how they see themselves as well as others around them, and what they think might happen if they make certain changes in their lives. Once we do that, it’s easier to understand what ideas, actions, and lack of healthy skills are hurting the chances of moving forward, and we can start finding different approaches that would lead to a more fulfilling lifestyle.
I provide a safe, calm, and non-judgmental space for my clients to be themselves, warts and all. I also work hard to break complex issues down into easy-to-understand language to make the most effective use of our time. I use a variety of therapy styles in sessions, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic Psychology, and Acceptance-Commitment Therapy. However, regardless of what type of therapy being used, my priority is making sure you feel heard, valued, understood, and empowered to work with me on building new skills to deal with the problems you’re currently having. I also understand that sometimes a therapist and a client just don’t “click”, so if at any time you don’t feel like I am the best fit for you, please let me know so we can work on finding a therapist that will better meet your needs. I look forward to working with you. Take care!
PLEASE NOTE: I am currently accepting new clients for sessions Tuesday through Saturday (not seeing clients Sundays and Mondays) 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (with some later availability Thursday evenings) and Saturdays between 9:00 AM 1:30 PM. My sessions typically last 45-50 minutes, but can make them shorter if that is your preference. I make every attempt to return any messages left for me during the late afternoons/early evenings or by the next morning, but will usually not be available for an immediate response during the day, as this is when I am usually seeing clients for sessions. If messages are left for me on Sundays or Mondays, I will usually respond by Tuesday morning.
Additional areas of focus: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Eating disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, ADHD, Attachment issues, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Communication problems, Control issues, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Domestic Violence, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Emptiness, Family Problems, Fatherhood Issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Mood disorders , Multicultural Concerns, Polyamory / Nonmonogamous Relationships, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and Discrimination, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Self-Harm, Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
IL LCSW 149.022246
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Elliott Lugo. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Elliot listens without judgement and offers great insight and advice.
Written on May 25, 2022 after therapy with Elliott for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Elliot has really helped me make more progress than any other therapist. I was losing faith in BetterHelp but Elliot is outstanding. He listens and responds. Remembers things I told him from our first session. Hes non judgemental and really has concern for his clients. I’m going to stick with therapy for the long haul now as I’m excited for my continued progress and being a happy and healthier human being.
Written on Jan 31, 2022 after therapy with Elliott for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and relationship issues
Elliott is a great fit for my needs. He listens. Responds with fantastic feedback and makes me feel so comfortable. So glad I started this journey.
Written on Nov 20, 2021 after therapy with Elliott for 10 months on issues concerning relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues
Very helpful and understanding. Does a great job at talking you through and guiding you through getting to the bottom of your issues. Really helpful.
Written on Nov 05, 2021 after therapy with Elliott for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
He is very professional, kind and focused. We don’t waste time, but are working the whole time.
Written on May 27, 2021 after therapy with Elliott for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes
Elliott has been great from the beginning! He is an excellent listener and always makes sure he understands what I am trying to say. Elliott answers my messages quick and makes sure he validates my feelings. He is goal oriented in a very helpful way. For everything I have said I struggle with he has offered very helpful advice and has actively worked towards me learning a healthy way to cope with things.
Written on May 11, 2021 after therapy with Elliott for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and grief