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Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Evanston, IL


Top bipolar disorder therapists and psychiatrists in Evanston, IL
Managing mood swings, highs and lows, and mood instability requires specialized support. Headway connects you with 1,003 licensed providers in Evanston experienced in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT skills, and medication management for bipolar disorder. Access virtual or in-person sessions with providers who offer free consultations and work with your insurance.
If you're struggling with addiction, carrying the weight of complex trauma, or trying to cope while managing a chronic health condition, I want you to know there's a way forward — and you don't have to walk it alone. I'm a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC) with over 16 years of experience across private practice, residential substance abuse treatment, medical social work, and the non-profit world. I've sat with people in their hardest, most overwhelming moments, and I bring that same steady, non-judgmental presence to every session.
Much of my work centers on substance use and recovery, complex trauma, and the emotional toll of chronic medical conditions. Whether you're in the thick of a crisis or finally ready to address something you've carried for years, I'll meet you exactly where you are — with compassion, real tools, and zero judgment.
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care. I specialize in medication management and supportive therapy for a broad range of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, trauma-related conditions, substance use disorders, and others. My approach is holistic and person-centered, fostering a safe and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel supported and empowered to achieve emotional stability, improved functioning, and overall well-being.
My interpersonal style can be described as warm, inquisitive and humorous. What I value most about therapy is unconditional positive regard for you as a client and also unconditional positive regard for myself. I also value self-care for myself and the clients I work with. Taking care of yourself is an in-depth process so you can be the best person you can be. Being aware of yourself and who you are will lead to positive outcomes and thriving as a person instead of stagnating. A favorite quote of mine is from Socrates: "An unexamined life is not worth living." As a counselor I have worked with people of many and varied backgrounds for nineteen years. I welcome the opportunity to get to know you and to work with you toward positive change and growth. My Master's degree is in Clinical Social Work, Aurora University, Aurora, Illinois. Clinical Social Work is another way of saying I help people who may be struggling with social anxiety, anxiety, panic attacks, feelings of hopelessness, sadness/not liking yourself, relational issues, identity issues and more. I look forward to getting to know you!
I exercise good self-care by enjoying working out, hiking in State and local parks, meeting up with friends for coffee, reading the classics, tatting, and making music on my hammered dulcimer.
Hello, I’m Shelia Ransom Jenkins, MSW, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience supporting adolescents, adults, couples, and families through life’s challenges. I offer a compassionate, trauma-informed, and client-centered approach to therapy, creating a safe space where individuals feel heard, supported, and empowered.
I hold a Master of Social Work and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, and my professional background includes work in community mental health, educational settings, and clinical leadership roles. I have experience helping clients manage anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, relationship and family conflict, behavioral concerns, life transitions, and stress related to work, school, and personal growth. I also have specialized training in perinatal mental health, supporting individuals experiencing postpartum depression and related mood disorders.
My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, and strengths-based interventions, tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals. I believe therapy is most effective when it is collaborative, practical, and rooted in trust.
Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, navigating a difficult transition, or seeking deeper self-understanding, my goal is to support you with empathy, clarity, and encouragement as you work toward healing and lasting change.
I'm a psychiatric nurse practitioner with several years of experience, now building my own private practice so I can give each person the focused, personalized care they deserve. I work with people navigating anxiety, depression, and PTSD — conditions that can feel isolating, but often respond well to the right support and the right provider. I offer telehealth appointments, including evenings and weekends, so getting care fits into your life rather than the other way around. Whether you're looking for medication management, ongoing mental health support, or simply a place to start, I'm here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
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.
I come to therapy with a background in education and theater, which has deeply shaped how I connect with people and understand the human experience. My work is rooted in helping individuals better define who they are, where they want to be, and what may be standing in the way of getting there.
I believe therapy is a collaborative process built on curiosity, honesty, and growth. Together, we’ll identify obstacles, explore patterns, and engage with challenges in a meaningful way until we find solutions that truly work for you. My goal is to provide a space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered to move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
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