Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Illinois covered by Aetna

I did not stumble into this work — I chose it, and I choose it every day. I am Bianca Gist, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and Indiana.

I am also a former collegiate athlete, and that background shapes how I show up — I know what it feels like to carry a lot and still need someone genuinely in your corner. My experience is rooted in the spaces where people need the most and are often given the least — Chicago Public Schools, foster care, home-based services, and community mental health. Through my private practice, Her Sole Purpose LLC, I work with children, adolescents, student-athletes, and families using CBT, ACT, and trauma-informed care. I use what works for the person in front of me, not a one-size-fits-all approach. I work well with people navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and the weight of environments that were not built for them. Therapy with me is honest, grounded, and focused on what actually helps you move forward — not just cope.

If any of this resonates, I would love to connect.

With a career spanning nearly two decades in child welfare and clinical social work, Laura provides a specialized safe place for youth (ages 3–26) navigating life’s most difficult experiences. Her practice focuses on building inner coping and resilience by enhancing bodily awareness and active curiosity, ensuring that healing isn’t just a cognitive process, but a physical one.

Specialized Clinical Focus:

Childhood Trauma: Expert in childhood sexual abuse, abuse and neglect, grief, bullying, complex medical diagnosis/complications, and all the BAD, SAD, and SCARY things in-between.

Specialized Sexual Behavior Work: Extensive experience facilitating therapy for children and adolescents with inappropriate and illegal sexual behaviors.

Systemic Support: Navigating foster care, adoption, divorce, family and/or sibling dynamics, behavioral struggles, and school avoidance.

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.

Feeling like you’re carrying the weight of it all? As women and mothers, we often juggle endless to-do lists, emotional labor, and the invisible “mental load” that keeps everything running yet leaves little room for ourselves. You might be feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or guilty for not doing “enough,” even when you’re giving your all. I work with women who are ready to release the constant pressure to manage it all and reconnect with themselves again. Together, we’ll explore what balance, peace, and fulfillment actually look like for you. My goal is to help you feel grounded, capable, and more like yourself again.

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 am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has been working with a variety of clients for 12 years. I believe healing happens through connection, time, and compassion. I’m committed to helping people understand their stories, navigate difficult emotions, and build healthier patterns that support the life they want to live.

I offer a warm, non‐judgmental space where you can explore what’s weighing on you at your own pace. My approach blends solution‐focused practices with a deeply human perspective—honoring your strengths, your resilience, and the unique experiences that shaped you. Whether you’re working through anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, or seeking personal growth, I’m here to walk alongside you with honesty, empathy, and respect.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a educational background from the University of Michigan, where I earned both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work.

For the past 23 years, my professional journey has been deeply rooted in the field of social work, with a focus on fostering positive mental health and well-being in a middle school setting.