Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Crystal Lake, IL

As an independently licensed professional counselor, counselor educator, and supervisor, I believe that everyone deserves a space where they can feel heard, supported, and accepted. I've been practicing for 15 years and hold a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a doctorate in Counselor Education, and a Fellowship in Thanatology with specialized expertise in grief and loss. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and someone with AuDHD, I bring both professional knowledge and lived experience to my work. My goal is to create a warm, affirming environment where you can show up as your authentic self and move toward meaningful change.

For more than 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals, couples, and families as they work toward healing, growth, and change. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor, and Substance Abuse Professional, I bring both deep clinical knowledge and a compassionate, down-to-earth approach to therapy.

I specialize in helping clients navigate life’s most personal challenges—including relationship and intimacy concerns, life transitions, grief and loss, trauma, and mental health struggles. I also provide substance abuse treatment, DOT/SAP evaluations, and recovery support using evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Reality Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, the Duluth Model, and the Matrix Model.

I have a special commitment to serving Black communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people living with HIV, re-entry populations, sex workers, and youth facing challenges. I understand how personal, cultural, and systemic factors shape each person’s story, and I create a safe, affirming space where clients feel truly seen and heard.

In our sessions, you can expect a respectful, judgment-free environment where your voice matters. I believe therapy works best as a partnership—we’ll set goals together, explore what’s holding you back, and develop practical strategies you can use in daily life a more fulfilling life. Whether you’re seeking support for a specific issue or simply want to invest in your personal growth, I’m here to help you take that next step.

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 have worked with individuals who suffers with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma and substance abuse disorders. The most profound thing that I've learned is that we can improve ourselves at any point in our lives. I earned my Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. As a LCSW, I have worked with diverse and vulnerable populations in both inpatient and outpatient settings. My goal is to assist individuals in reaching their highest potential.

On the outside, you may be high-achieving and appear to have it all together. Inside, you're exhausted from overthinking, second-guessing yourself, and feeling like nothing you do is enough. You say yes when you want to say no, feel guilty putting yourself first, and worry about disappointing others. In relationships, you struggle to express what hurts, question whether you're asking for too much, or give more than you receive. Maybe you've spent years being the strong one, keeping the peace, or putting others first because past experiences taught you that your needs came last.

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a background in nursing leadership and healthcare operations. After serving as a Chief Nursing Officer, I chose to transition into psychiatric care because I wanted to work more directly with individuals and families. I recently completed my PMHNP training and bring experience supporting people across the lifespan, from children through older adults. My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, and addiction.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Illinois and New York. I received my Masters in Social Work from New York University and have been practicing for over 10 years. My experience includes helping children and young adults struggling with their emotions and relationships to find their strengths, accomplish their goals, manage their emotions, and helping them build a support system.