Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Aurora, IL

Welcome — I'm so glad you're here! With 23 years of experience as a school social worker, I am passionate about helping children, adolescents, and families navigate life's challenges and build the skills needed to thrive at home, school and in their communities. I work with children and teens ages 3-17, as well as parents and caregivers who are seeking support, guidance, and practical strategies to strengthen family relationships, work through family conflicts and improve daily functioning. My goal is to help build the necessary skills to strengthen relationships and homeostasis within family structures and the individual.

I specialize in working with neurodivergent children, adolescents, and families including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), social-communication challenges, anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, and behavioral challenges. I also specialize in working with high conflict family dynamics which include parent-child relationships, divorce (for families that are both in and/or out of the family court system), sibling rivalry, and multicultural child rearing.

Many come to my practice looking for a provider who offers evidence‐based care, collaborative communication, and a safe space where they can feel genuinely heard and supported, often after arriving feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of the next step.

I’m a multilingual (English, German, French) licensed clinical social worker with more than 20 years of experience helping people through life’s challenges. I’ve worked with individuals of different ages and backgrounds in the United States and internationally, including in schools, hospitals, residential programs, and community mental health settings. I hold a Master of Social Work, a Bachelor of Social Work from Vienna, Austria, and a CADC. I have experience supporting people through trauma, substance use, depression, anxiety, women’s issues, cultural and identity concerns, and everyday stress. I value creating a space where you feel heard, respected, and comfortable being yourself. I see therapy as a collaborative process and am here to meet you where you are and support you in finding greater balance, clarity, and effective ways to cope with life’s challenges.

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 dual board-certified psychiatric and geriatric nurse practitioner with over 25 years of healthcare experience, providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to young adults, adults, and older adults. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, insomnia, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and behavioral or psychological symptoms associated with dementia and complex medical conditions.

My experience spans hospital care, rehabilitation, hospice, and long-term care settings, giving me a deep understanding of the connection between physical and mental health. I am especially comfortable supporting individuals with multiple medical concerns or those navigating life transitions related to aging, illness, or stress.

I’m a licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with experience helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, stress, major life transitions, and substance-related concerns. I earned my Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University and am licensed to practice in Nevada and Illinois. I am also a National Certified Counselor and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor.

Life can sometimes feel like a relentless storm when stress, anxiety, or major changes start piling up. The weight of it all can leave you feeling stuck, emotionally drained, or uncertain about what to do next. My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based practices. Together, we’ll work to gain clarity, strengthen coping skills, increase self-awareness, and take meaningful steps toward lasting change.

Like golf, therapy is a process of staying present, learning from challenges, and building skills one step at a time. I believe therapy is about more than managing what is happening today; it is also an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. It’s not about perfection, but progress—each step, no matter how small, can move you closer to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

I earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Colorado State University and a degree in Masters in Social Work from Metropolitan State University Denver and hold my License Clinical Social Work. I have 5+ years experience working as a school social worker. I specialize in working with children and families of all different backgrounds. Through my work, I has helped clients communicate and regulate emotions more effectively. I believe therapy is most effective when clients feel empowered and heard. Therapy continues until clients feels ready and equipped to move forward independently.