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

Hi, I’m Cherie. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR-trained therapist. I work with teens and adults who are feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. Maybe you're constantly on edge, overthinking everything, or finding it hard to slow down. Or maybe you’ve been feeling flat, unmotivated, or like you're just going through the motions. These experiences often trace back to things your nervous system picked up on — ways it learned to protect you in stressful or painful situations.

I help people work through painful memories, low self-esteem, and the weight of depression—like feeling numb, exhausted, stuck, or hard on yourself. We'll explore the parts of you carrying that pain and move at a pace that feels right, whether you're ready for deep healing or just need a safe place to land.

If you’re feeling ready—or just curious—I’d be honored to support you on your healing path.

Outside of therapy, I love curling up with a good book, finding design inspiration (I have a soft spot for cozy interiors), caring for my houseplants, and spending time with my dog, Magnolia Grace—who may occasionally drop in for a virtual session cameo.

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 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 Dr. Onyeisi Stephen Ogbomeh (Dr. Og), a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC), and U.S. Army veteran with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). I provide compassionate, evidence-based virtual psychiatric care for patients of all ages across Illinois, Texas, and Wisconsin.

My journey is one of resilience. Born into poverty in Nigeria, I worked as a bus conductor and construction laborer as a child to help my family survive. In 2007, I won the U.S. Visa Lottery and arrived in America with little more than hope. I started my healthcare career as a Certified Nursing Assistant and worked relentlessly to earn my DNP and multiple board certifications — all while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA.

I served as an Active Duty Family Nurse Practitioner in the U.S. Army, providing care to soldiers and their families. After my service, I faced my own mental health challenges — depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I'm currently in recovery and receiving treatment at my local VA hospital. This personal experience gives me a deep, lived understanding of what my patients go through, and it drives my commitment to providing the best evidence-based care available.

I specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and memory concerns. My approach combines comprehensive evaluation, medication management, and ongoing support — all tailored to your unique needs. I believe healing happens through partnership, and I'm here to support your mental health journey with compassion, expertise, and respect.

You deserve to feel heard. Let's work together toward lasting wellness.

Life can be messy, and you don’t have to figure it all out alone. I’m an LCSW who genuinely enjoys helping people recognize their strengths and feel more confident in who they are. I work with children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, ADHD, trauma, stress, relationships, and life’s challenges. Most importantly, I want you to feel comfortable being yourself with me.

I support clients through a warm, attuned, and relationship‐centered approach. My intention is to be collaborative, helpful, and grounded in trust‐based, relational work. If you’re ready for a space where your story is honored, I'm here. Struggling to connect, trust, or regulate your emotions? Experiences in life influences our levels of anxiety, depression, and overall ability to manage. I would love to help you navigate your next steps.

Life can be messy, confusing, and exhausting—and you don’t have to go through it alone. I’m a realist therapist who listens deeply and meets you where you are. I blend evidence-based tools with real-world conversations to help you feel understood while learning how to cope, heal, and grow. If you’re feeling anxious, burned out, stuck in grief, challenged with life transitions or caught in old patterns—and ready for meaningful change at your own pace—I’m here to help. Let’s figure this out together.

Dr. Christina Alexakos is a Clinical Psychologist with over 19 years of experience

providing psychotherapy to individuals across the lifespan from childhood to geriatric.

She has experience in assisting clients with adjustment issues ranging from changes in

occupation, education, grief, relocation, providing skills in parenting, stress and pain

management, health and wellness, mindfulness, increasing self-esteem and

assertiveness. She has worked with anxiety and depressive disorders, bipolar disorder,

trauma, anger management, personality disorders, and severe mental illness.

Dr. Christina Alexakos earned her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology

from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She provided inpatient

psychological assessments and group psychotherapy at Hartgrove Psychiatric Hospital.

She trained in Health Psychology in the pain clinic at Swedish Covenant Hospital as

well as providing inpatient and outpatient psychotherapy to hospital patients. The

University of Chicago and The University of Illinois at Chicago provided comprehensive

training in neuropsychological evaluations with adults and children experiencing a wide

range of clinical concerns. She completed an internship at Southlake Community Mental

Health Center and a postdoctoral fellowship at Hopewell Academies, a therapeutic day

school for special needs/troubled teenagers.

My therapy room is a space where you don’t have to explain yourself. You can show up, fully and authentically, without the need to code-switch or justify your experiences. Our sessions are a dedicated time for you to be heard and understood without judgment.