Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Buffalo Grove, IL covered by Cigna

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read about my professional background.

I graduated with my bachelor's in social work in 2013 from MacMurray College in Jacksonville IL.

I furthered my education at the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign School of Social Work and graduated with my Masters in SW in 2017.

I have gained 13 years of experience with the majority of those years spent in psychiatric facilities for children and adults.

I specialize in motivational interviewing, DBT, CBT, and a multitude of other treatment styles.

As a mental health therapist for more than two decades I have helped people through their dilemmas of trauma, depression, anxiety including ADHD, bipolar management, family relationships, and other life stressors. I hold EMDR, Trauma and Anxiety Certifications. I also hold a holistic health practitioner certification focused on motivation, energy, and health systems associated with overall wellness. In your journey here with me, we will build a supportive strength-based plan for you and you will also learn skills on top of traditional talk therapy.

Mike leads you through CBT, DBT, EMDR, and holistic health strategies. Through years of clinical and wellness xperience, compassion, and empathy, Mike assists those willing into making a major positive change or adaptation in their life. Mike prides himself in providing a safe and supportive, serious yet fun, space to work.

Mike enjoys boating, swimming, fishing, and exercising. He is friendly and easy-going. You can count on his empathetic and person-centered approach towards every conversation you take part in. “Thank you for reading my profile I look forward to working with you as I am passionate about helping you have the best life.”

Welcome! I’m a passionate and dedicated Licensed Social Worker with over 15 years of experience supporting both youth and adults on their paths to healing. My focus lies in helping individuals navigate trauma, overcome anxiety disorders, and improve emotional well-being through child therapy and trauma-focused interventions.

I graduated with my MSW from Aurora University in 2017, and I’ve continued to deepen my clinical training ever since. I’m trained in a variety of evidence‐based therapeutic approaches—including Gottman, EMDR, ACT, Motivational interviewing, and harm reduction—which allows me to tailor therapy to each person’s needs and goals.

Clients often tell me they appreciate my calm, collaborative style. I value getting to know who you are, understanding what matters most to you, and creating a space where you can explore challenges without judgment. My work is grounded in curiosity, compassion, and the belief that people grow best when they feel safe, supported, and genuinely understood.

Hello, I'm Marcellous Pollards, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who is passionate about helping children, adolescents, and adults overcome life's challenges. I have experience supporting clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, life transitions, and behavioral concerns in both community and outpatient settings. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space where you feel heard and empowered to grow. I believe everyone has the ability to heal and create meaningful change.

True wellness is a commitment to your best self. But what do you do if you don’t know what that looks like? When is the last time you had the space to reflect on your life and goals? Do you find yourself unbalanced due to life’s changes and in need of a reset? Meet with me! Let’s develop a plan for you to see yourself clearly. I utilize client-centered approaches with science-supported interventions. I won’t leave your wellness up to chance, let’s work together to make a change.

I am a licensed clinical social worker licensed in Illinois, Alabama, and Arizona with over 19 years of experience working as a social worker/therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, addiction, co-dependency, interventions and family dynamic issues. I also have experience working with individuals going through various medical diagnosis as well their caregivers from diagnosis to end of life and grief and loss therapy. I have worked with children, adolescents and adults. My therapy style is warm and interactive. Specialize in trauma work as well.

DBT therapy as well as CBT therapy, family therapy, children and adolescents. I work with individuals that are struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism as well as family and relationship issues.

Looking for a space where you don't have to pretend you're fine? My approach is warm, direct, and culturally aware, with a focus on getting to the root of what's draining you. We'll work together to build healthier patterns, better boundaries, and a life that feels more aligned with who you are and not who you're "supposed" to be.

Therapy, at its best, can lead to emotional freedom. My work is shaped by the unique needs and lived experiences of each person I meet. Grounded in a trauma-informed perspective and supported by evidence-based practices, I bring care, steadiness, and flexibility to the work. I have extensive experience in crisis intervention, group therapy, and individual psychotherapy. My hope is that clients feel genuinely seen, supported, and free to explore what healing can look like for them.

I know how overwhelming it can feel to juggle daily responsibilities while also carrying stress, worry, or old hurts that won’t quite go away. You might be feeling stuck in patterns you’re ready to change, wanting healthier relationships, or just hoping to feel more like yourself again. In our work together, we’ll move at a pace that feels safe for you while focusing on practical tools you can use in your everyday life.

My commitment to therapy isn't just professional — it's deeply personal. With fifteen years of hands-on experience, I've navigated my own life journey and know firsthand what it means to search for purpose, confront unresolved barriers, and actively fight for inner healing. That lived experience is the fuel behind everything I do.

I am lively, warm, and I truly never meet a stranger. I welcome everyone with open arms and bring an uplifting, hopeful energy to every session — while also being the kind of counselor who will sit with you safely in your pain with a deeply empathetic heart. I am fiercely loyal and dedicated to your long-term growth and victory.

I work with faith-based individuals and spiritual seekers, adults in transition, adolescents and young adults, couples, and those navigating trauma, addiction, and recovery.