Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Elgin, IL

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.

Healing the mind starts with being truly heard. I’m Dr. Joetta Little, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who helps adults navigate a wide range of mental health challenges—from anxiety, depression, and trauma to mood, thought, and personality disorders. My approach combines evidence-based treatment with empathy and collaboration, creating a safe space where every story matters. Whether you’re seeking stability, clarity, or peace, we’ll work together to uncover what wellness looks like for you.✨ Your healing starts here—with care that sees the whole person, not just the diagnosis.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has been working in the mental health field 6+years. I have experience working with adolescents and adults of all ages, navigating trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship difficulties, and complex life transitions. My background includes clinical, school-based, and higher-level care settings, which allows me to understand how emotional challenges show up across different environments and stages of life.

I specialize in trauma-informed care and work with clients who feel stuck in painful patterns, overwhelmed by emotions, or disconnected from themselves or others. My training includes CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, and Internal Family Systems (IFS), and I have completed specialized training working with betrayal Trauma and sex addiction through IITAP. I am especially experienced in supporting clients who have complex cases and/ or deep rooted negative beliefs helping them to build stability, insight, and resilience in a way that feels sustainable and empowering.

My journey stems from my own story of resilience in the face of hardships. I became a therapist because I have always wanted to help people through some of their darkest hours. Being exposed to some dark hours myself, I know that it is difficult to do it alone. When you have someone to confide in, assist you through the hard times, and just let you know that you are not alone, makes a difference.

My therapeutic approach includes CBT, Person-Centered Therapy, Relational Therapy, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, SFT, EFT, IFS, and just speaking like a human being. I offer a compassionate, trauma-informed space where you can feel safe, seen, and supported. My approach is relational and personalized—we'll explore your story together, build coping tools, and move toward healing with curiosity, courage, and care.

Therapy with me is real, down-to-earth, and never boring. I mix honesty, humor, and heart to make the process comfortable. I help adults manage emotions, build confidence, and tackle life's challenges with tools that work. Think of it as a safe space to be yourself, grow, and maybe laugh along the way. Please book here or at https://evolvetothrive9.com.

I am not seeing couples at this time. I work best with women. Are you ready to say no without guilt? I use the feminist theory of counseling to examine the effects of power structures in your life. I use guided meditation to reprogram subconscious beliefs like, "I'm not good enough," and, "No one loves me." I’m neurodivergent affirming and have worked with many high achievers. I study adult attachment styles and how to become secure. I have been a counselor for 14 years. I enjoy meditating and walking in nature. I study psychology, spirituality, quantum physics, business, and nutrition.

When stress starts to build, it can affect more than just your day-to-day life. It can impact your mood, your energy, and your relationships. I work with adults and couples who are navigating anxiety, depression, workplace stress, and burnout. Many of my clients are used to juggling responsibilities, caring for others, and pushing through difficult seasons until they realize they're no longer feeling like themselves. You might feel constantly overwhelmed, mentally exhausted, or like you can’t fully “turn off” your mind. At the same time, stress can begin to show up in your relationships through miscommunication, distance, or frustration, making it harder to feel connected and supported.

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.

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.