Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Aurora, IL

Dr. Maria Escobar is a licensed clinical social worker and Doctor of Social Work dedicated to advancing equity, empowerment, and well-being in diverse communities. With over 10 years of experience in the field, Dr. Escobar specializes in clinical practice areas, e.g., trauma-informed care, family systems, or mental health advocacy.

With my background in art, bodywork, and spirituality, I am able to work holistically, and to faciliate mind/body/spirit wellness. I enjoy working with clients of all faiths, ethnicities, genders, and sexual preferences. Artists, introverts, and introspective people will find me especially understanding and perceptive.

Thank you for taking the first step in sharing your story—your Mental Health Matters, and you deserve to be heard, supported, and understood.

Welcome to Integrated Family Behavioral Health & Counseling PLLC! I'm Mihaela Vladu, PMHNP-BC, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 16+ years of experience in healthcare, dedicated to helping individuals achieve lasting mental wellness and regain control of their lives.

I provide compassionate, personalized, and evidence-based care in a safe and supportive environment where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered. My approach focuses on treating the whole person—not just symptoms—while working collaboratively with you to reach your goals.

I specialize in working with a diverse range of individuals, including younger/older adults, children aged 6 and up, women dealing specifically with trauma and abuse, and veterans, as well as active-duty personnel experiencing PTSD. As a certified ADHD specialist, I provide targeted, evidence-based interventions to help individuals improve focus and daily functioning. I also have extensive experience treating bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, panic disorder, OCD, and other complex mental health conditions.

Areas of Expertise:

• Dual-Diagnosis Care (SUD + mood/anxiety​/​psychotic disorders)

• MAT: Buprenorphine​/​Suboxone inductions & maintenance; relapse-prevention planning

• Alcohol​/​Opioid Withdrawal & Detox protocols (court order MAT program, inpatient, outpatient, and halfway houses)

• Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis

• Residential​/​PHP​/​IOP programmed care & step-down planning

• Trauma-informed care, veteran populations, and complex comorbidity

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. I care deeply about creating a safe, supportive space where you feel comfortable being yourself. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, PTSD, and stress. I believe that every person’s story matters, and your care should reflect your unique needs and goals.

I take a unique, integrative approach to mental health care. Whether you’re a child or adolescent navigating anxiety and ADHD or a veteran or 1st responder managing stress and emotional challenges, I tailor my care to your individual needs. I combine Eastern herbs, nutritional supplements, prescription medications, and personalized nutrition plans to create a treatment model as unique as you are.

My goal is to help you build confidence, improve focus, and achieve balance in all areas of life—whether that’s excelling at school, enhancing job performance, or strengthening relationships. Together, we’ll create a path toward emotional well-being and a healthier, more fulfilling life.

My educational journey reflects my commitment to integrative and holistic care. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in biological and nursing sciences, a Master’s in acupuncture science, and a Doctorate in chiropractic medicine from the National University of Health Sciences, where I developed a strong foundation in Eastern medicine and natural therapies. I am a double board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in family and psychiatric mental health.

I’m dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care for individuals of all backgrounds. My goal is to create a safe space where you feel supported, understood, and empowered to take control of your mental well-being. I value collaboration, transparency, and genuine connection in the healing process.

I’m a therapist who helps adults navigate anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance abuse disorders with zero judgment and plenty of heart. My style blends authentic humor with practical, solution-focused steps so you can make progress that actually fits your daily life. Wherever you are on your journey, we’ll tackle the hard stuff together and build a clear path toward feeling like yourself again.