Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Evanston, IL

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with nearly two decades of experience in healthcare. I earned my Masters in Nursing at Walden University. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to care for individuals in psychiatric, emergency, surgical, inpatient, outpatient, and forensic settings. These experiences have shaped my belief that mental health and physical health are deeply connected and that each person deserves care that considers the whole individual.

I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, medication management, and ongoing mental health support. I have experience working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma and PTSD, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and other behavioral health concerns

Building meaningful connections and providing care that fits real life is at the heart of my practice as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I focus on anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and I am committed to creating a welcoming space for clients from all walks of life. Whether you are taking your first steps toward mental health support or continuing a longer journey, you will find a collaborative and open environment here. My practice is built around flexibility, accessibility, and a genuine desire to understand what you need to thrive.

Thank you for taking the first step in sharing your story—your Mental Health Matters, and you deserve to be heard, supported, and understood.

Welcome to Integrated Family Behavioral Health & Counseling PLLC! I'm Mihaela Vladu, PMHNP-BC, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 16+ years of experience in healthcare, dedicated to helping individuals achieve lasting mental wellness and regain control of their lives.

I provide compassionate, personalized, and evidence-based care in a safe and supportive environment where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered. My approach focuses on treating the whole person—not just symptoms—while working collaboratively with you to reach your goals.

I specialize in working with a diverse range of individuals, including younger/older adults, children aged 6 and up, women dealing specifically with trauma and abuse, and veterans, as well as active-duty personnel experiencing PTSD. As a certified ADHD specialist, I provide targeted, evidence-based interventions to help individuals improve focus and daily functioning. I also have extensive experience treating bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, panic disorder, OCD, and other complex mental health conditions.

Areas of Expertise:

• Dual-Diagnosis Care (SUD + mood/anxiety​/​psychotic disorders)

• MAT: Buprenorphine​/​Suboxone inductions & maintenance; relapse-prevention planning

• Alcohol​/​Opioid Withdrawal & Detox protocols (court order MAT program, inpatient, outpatient, and halfway houses)

• Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis

• Residential​/​PHP​/​IOP programmed care & step-down planning

• Trauma-informed care, veteran populations, and complex comorbidity

I am an LCSW, and have been since 2014, and a LMSW for 2 years prior to that. I have a masters degree in Clinical Social work and work with individuals, couples and families. I work with those with anxiety, depression, communication issues, and most issues that we are going through currently.

I’m an Army veteran and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who is passionate about helping people feel understood, supported, and empowered. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from National Louis University in 2013 and my master’s degree in Social Work from Aurora University, earning my LSW in 2024 and LCSW in 2025. My experience includes working with veterans, children, teens, young adults, couples, and families across the Department of Veterans Affairs, Volunteers of America Illinois, residential treatment, and dual-diagnosis settings. I support clients navigating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, and life transitions, including individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community.

If you're functioning on the outside but privately exhausted, stuck, or carrying more than you've let on, you're in the right place. I work with adults, many in the LGBTQIA+ community, navigating trauma, grief, relationship strain, and major life transitions. A lot of my clients come in saying, "I know what my patterns are. I just can't seem to change them." That's exactly where we start. Together, we'll get underneath what's keeping you stuck and build a path forward that actually fits your life.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with a background that includes years of work with people navigating some of the hardest chapters of their lives — including incarcerated individuals, people struggling with addiction, and those carrying cultural weight that doesn't show up in a standard intake form. I'm South Asian, I grew up navigating two worlds, and that shapes how I show up for clients who've had to figure things out without a clear map. I don't do therapy with a clipboard. I'm direct, I'm real, and I'm genuinely interested in what's underneath the surface.

We are all travelers in this lifetime. Everyone is traveling to the same destination, but all benefit from a guide/professional support. I pass no judgment, I only meet people where they are at and where they wish to be. Let's get you to where you wish to be. I do encourage holistic and alternative methods to get to your goals, but am not against traditional approaches and in fact combining clinical with alternative have proven to have the best outcomes. Be prepared to put in the work. There will be homework, and it will be challenging. It could in fact be the most difficult thing that you do, but it is in your best interest.

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to figure things out alone. I’m Tamara Whittleton, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults navigating stress, anxiety, depression, and major life changes. I focus on creating a supportive environment where clients feel comfortable talking openly while developing practical strategies for growth and healing

I specialize in counseling individuals with addictions, eating disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma. My goal as a therapist is to help patients live the life they imagine, so please feel free to come in and let me know what you're struggling with, and we will work collaboratively to figure out the best way to move toward healing. I know life can get really challenging at times, symptoms flare up, you feel lost. I'm here to listen to you and work together to help you cope and rebuild the life you want to live.