Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Crystal Lake, IL

Life can feel like a lot sometimes, whether you're navigating anxiety, grief, addiction, or the emotional weight of caring for a loved one. Maybe things feel tangled, or you're used to being the strong one for everyone else. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. I want to understand your story, what’s been heavy lately, and what you’re hoping will feel different. Together, we can begin to make sense of it all and help you feel more steady, supported, and like yourself again.

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 am a licensed clinical professional counselor with over 28 years of experience guiding individuals and families through their unique journeys toward emotional well-being. I received my Master’s of Science in Psychology from Western Illinois University in 1994 and have worked within a variety of settings with people of all ages addressing complex mental health issues.

Throughout my career, I have supported clients facing a wide range of challenges, and I am committed to creating a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space for healing and growth.

As a grandparent to three wonderful grandchildren, I appreciate the richness and complexity of family life at every stage. In my free time, I love to travel, explore new places, and immerse myself in different cultures. A lifelong reader, I find joy and insight in literature, and I often bring the wisdom of stories into my therapeutic practice. My passions for creativity, travel, and family help me understand the variety of experiences my clients bring, and I strive to honor each person’s individuality in my practice.

Whether you are seeking support for yourself or a loved one, I look forward to meeting you and walking alongside you on your path to greater well-being.

My style is eclectic and strength based. I see human nature as intrinsically good. Sigmund Freud said we are bio-social animals. I believe a great deal in listening to one’s self talk. The more positive our dialogue with ourselves is, the more positive our dialogues with others and our lives are. I’m also experienced in CBT, DBT, MI, Solution Focused, ACT, Gestalt, Interpersonal, and person-centered counseling.

My training includes lots of wonderful supervision and workshops, a three-year certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Chicago, and two one month intensives with Virginia Satir, the founder of family therapy. Virginia taught that exploring the self is like mining gold. We all have gold inside of us. That is our basic goodness. A lot of emotional suffering is the result of being detoured from that basic goodness.

I’m a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and mom of four with a passion for helping people feel balanced, understood, and supported. I earned my nursing degree from Chamberlain University in Chicago and completed my psychiatric graduate training at the University of Kentucky. I’ve been proudly serving patients as a PMHNP since 2022.

I provide care for children (6+), teens, and adults, including parents, professionals, students, and anyone navigating life transitions or emotional challenges. My focus areas include: ADHD, anxiety & panic, depression, bipolar disorders, trauma & PTSD, emotional dysregulation and impulsivity, sleep issues, and mood and behavior concerns in children/teens.