• B.A. in Human Services from National-Louis University • MSW from Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work • Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe Throughout our lives we are challenged by obstacles that can be difficult to manage on our own. Reaching out for help in those times can be incredibly difficult. Working with a therapist during those struggles in life can help find the insight into some of the most rewarding and positive changes we make; leading to a more fulfilling and peaceful life. The first step in making changes in your life begins now. I have been working the mental health field for over 16 years with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, grief & loss, addiction & co-dependency issues, and relationship or family dynamics. I have provided services in outpatient, inpatient, residential, as well as rehabilitation long-term care settings to clients ranging in age from adolescent to geriatric, both in individual and group sessions. My professional philosophy stems from the belief that every person deserves to live fully; with hope for the future and the self-respect to believe you are worthy of it. I believe every individual is capable of change and possesses the resiliency within ourselves to improve our lives. We will work together to identify the aspects of yourself that are not working for you and discover a healthier direction for your life.

Welcome! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois. I earned my Master of Social Work degree at Aurora University in 2000. I've been a practicing therapist in hospitals, outpatient clinics, residential treatment, and court/jail. I have extensive experience working with those who are coping with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and trauma. Relationship problems and addictive behaviors are also a specialty of mine. My treatment approach involves tailoring your needs and goals with evidence-based treatments. However, the most important aspect of counseling by far is the connection and comfort you feel with the person you choose to witness your personal struggles. I believe we can all grow through challenging experiences by increasing our self-awareness. Sometimes another person, one who isn't in our immediate circle, can offer a perspective or additional support, that give us movement on a difficult situation when we feel stuck. It would be my privilege to walk with you on your journey. We all want to be able to share our personal truths and be accepted and understood. I believe it's very important to be open-minded and non-judgmental when someone shares their personal story or experiences with me. Our relationship with our self and others has worth and is useful to explore in counseling. I look forward to working with you! Specialties Stress, Anxiety Addictions Grief Depression I also have experience in Family conflicts, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties Years of Experience: 20

So, you've already done the scariest part of this whole process, which is deciding that you want support and taking action. That takes incredible strength and humility, even if you may not feel that way right now. From here, it's my job to work together with you to find ways to channel that strength towards the goals you have and help reframe the way you're approaching challenges through support, humor, and compassion. I have experience working with adults and couples dealing with anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, grief, identity development, and navigating major life changes. As a queer therapist committed to social justice, it's my mission is to create a space in therapy where all folks feel affirmed and heard, especially if that is not their experience in daily life. My practice is client centered and I believe that mental health and wellness also includes finding ways to include your passions and priorities into treatment. We can also incorporate meditation or spirituality into therapy if that's important to you. You've done the hardest part by starting this process

Welcome! My name is Yvette Medina and I am a bicultural Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois with a sense of humor and a love for helping people. I have over 17 years experience working in the mental health field. I am so happy that you are taking the first step in taking care of yourself. I applaud you as you enter this journey. I understand that it is not always easy meeting with a stranger and sharing your fears and vulnerabilities, however, after a few minutes of introductions and exchanged pleasantries we will no longer be strangers. Allow me to help you onto your journey as you discover your inner strength. I will be your biggest advocate, and your support, we will laugh and celebrate accomplishments that you will make in our sessions together, from the biggest to the smallest. I believe in meeting you where you are at while providing you a safe space. I currently work for a non for profit agency with the focus of addiction treatment, anger management, homelessness, family reunification, and mental health issues. My areas of expertise are major depressive disorder, personality disorders, bipolar disorders, family/relationship conflicts, life transitions, and complex trauma/abuse, prenatal and postpartum depression. I also have experience working with individuals that suffer from anxiety, intellectual/developmental disabilities, pervasive developmental disorders, and immigration/acculturation issues. I am also a proud advocate of individuals from the LGBTQ community. As a Latinex/bicultural counselor I am able to relate with you through many shared experiences. I am well versed in various theoretical orientations, such as, person-centered, motivational interviewing, brief solution-focused counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, dialectical behavioral therapy and life coach techniques. In addition, I can apply more classical approaches to counseling and adapt to your current needs. I look forward to meeting with you and assisting you to reach your true potential. My hobbies are reading, traveling, knitting, baking (eating bake goods), photography (I will send an occasional picture when its relatable and appropriate,) painting, and watching soap operas (novelas). Self care is important for you and I. I will remind you to engage regularly in self care for positive mental health purposes as this will be included as part of your goals. At this time, I am only open during the weekends.

I am licensed in Illinois with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, depression, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Illinois with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & relationship issues. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Hello! I am Sara Rivera. I am a clinically licensed bilingual (English/Spanish) social worker licensed in the state of Illinois and Wisconsin. I received my Master's Degree in Social Work from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service in New York City, where I am from. I have over 14 years experience in various parts of the field of social work: Child welfare advocacy, substance use disorders, crisis intervention, psychotherapy, sexual assault response advocacy and hospice/grief counseling. I have worked within a variety of settings with diverse individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational and other diversified backgrounds, including LGBTQ. In my work as a clinician, I ensure my clients are free from judgement in a safe environment in which they can safely process their feelings while I help to guide them on their journey to healing and/or helping them reach their goals. My focal point is ALWAYS meeting my clients where they are at in life and not where I would like them to be as this is their journey not mine. I utilize a variety of combine clinical approaches that are individualized to each client's needs, all treatment plans are developed together and with the approval of the clients I work. If you are ready to take the next step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to beginning our work together soon! With care and attention to all that matters to you, Sara

I am licensed in Arizona and Illinois with 25 years of professional work experience. I have helped clients with anxiety, depression, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Hello, my name is Brenda Rice. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over three decades of experience. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping clients work through a variety of challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship difficulties, etc. I offer a compassionate approach that addresses self-love, communication struggles, isolation, and healing from difficult life experiences. My therapeutic style is deeply attuned to individual needs, whether you're dealing with mood disorders, young adult transitions, or recovering from painful life events like divorce or sexual assault. I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their emotions, develop resilience, and work towards personal growth and understanding. I understand that healing is a deeply personal journey, and I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy, respect, and professional expertise. My goal is to help you build stronger connections—with yourself and others—and find pathways to emotional wellness and inner peace.

I am licensed in Illinois with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & relationship issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Illinois with 39years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. After working a couple of years, online with clients, I have a positive feeling this is a strategy that can help more people access assistance. Sometimes, it's having someone to talk to and sort out changes in your life, other times, it's to assist people desiring to make self-improvements for their lives.

I am licensed in Illinois with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, LGBTQ+ related issues, & relationship issues. I also have experience working with depression. My life motto is "Life in Balance". I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

As a licensed therapist serving clients in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping people develop self-love, improve communication, and overcome challenges related to social anxiety, attachment, and personal growth. Drawing from a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach, I work collaboratively with clients to address stress, addiction, self-esteem concerns, and career difficulties. My therapeutic style emphasizes compassionate exploration and empowerment, creating a safe space where clients can authentically engage with their healing journey. My background as a therapist of color allows me to bring nuanced understanding and genuine connection to our work together. I'm committed to honoring each client's unique experiences and supporting their path toward holistic well-being and personal transformation.

As a licensed therapist serving clients in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique experiences, with a deep commitment to addressing mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, and relationship dynamics. I bring a culturally responsive lens to my practice, particularly attuned to multicultural experiences and the nuanced challenges faced by individuals navigating identity, workplace stress, and personal growth. My therapeutic work spans a wide range of focus areas, from supporting young adults, women, and men's issues to helping clients process life changes, trauma, and interpersonal dynamics. My clinical approach is collaborative and compassionate, designed to help you develop stronger self-understanding, communication skills, and emotional resilience. I believe in creating a supportive environment where you can explore your experiences, challenge limiting beliefs, and cultivate meaningful personal transformation. Through evidence-based practices, I aim to support you in developing practical coping strategies, enhancing self-love, and moving toward a more fulfilling life path. Together, we can work through challenges like isolation, workplace stress, relationship concerns, and personal growth obstacles.