Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Joliet, IL

Hello, I'm glad you're here! I'm Vernetta, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I hold a Master Degree in Counseling Psychology and a Master in Organizational Psychology. I am a Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC). I have a significant history working with Adolescents and Families, and Substance Abuse treatment. I provide psychotherapy for individuals, families and groups dealing with many mental health concerns including but, not limited to: depression, anxiety, anger management, grief and loss, parenting and behavioral issues, women issues and I can provide Christian counseling as well. I would appreciate the opportunity walk beside you and assist you on your journey to 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.

With over 25 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating grief and loss, life transitions, chronic illness, trauma (including first responders), aging-related concerns, and members of the agricultural and farming communities.

I provide telehealth services across multiple states, I’m here to support you on your journey toward healing and growth.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who attained my Master's in clinical counseling at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I have approximately 15 years of experience providing compassionate and effecting counseling services in an array of settings including both community and hospital based.

I take pride in having the opportunity to serve a diverse population which has included children, adults, couples, and families across a broad spectrum of needs. Some of the unique needs have included supporting individuals who are seeking to gain a better approach to their life while going through difficulties with self-identity, relationship challenges, trauma, substance use issues, or navigating challenging life transitions.

I have been practicing since 2012, after being clinically trained at Loyola University Chicago, where I spent extensive time working with both adolescents and adults.

I have been helping clients globally with a variety of issues in my core areas of expertise, including addiction, mood disorders, and identity issues.

I am also certified in Financial Social Work, bridging my passions for personal finance and emotional well-being.

I believe people can change, no matter how stuck they feel. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, relationship struggles, or substance use, my goal is to provide a place where you feel heard, challenged, and supported. I use practical, evidence-based approaches like CBT, REBT, and Motivational Interviewing to help you build lasting change. Therapy changed my own life, and I'm passionate about helping others find hope, healing, and a path forward.

I have a fundamental belief in the transformative power of therapy. I come to this belief not just as a practicing therapist but as someone who was profoundly shaped by therapy as a young man. Having started my own journey with doubt and hesitation, I deeply respect the courage it takes to begin this work. Talking about therapy can feel tricky as jargon and platitudes often dominate the conversation. What I can say is this: I believe in your capacity—within a therapeutic relationship that intuitively feels right to you—to become a better version of yourself defined on your own terms.

I am a clinical psychologist licensed in California and Illinois, and can see clients from both states. I support clients with variety of mental health conditions such as mood disorders, relationships issues, addictions, stress management, sport and performance psychology and health behaviors, trauma, insomnia and eating disorders. My therapy style is personable, connected, focused, and attuned.