Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Joliet, IL

I help children, adolescents, and adults navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, bipolar disorder, grief, and life’s challenges so they can feel more confident, resilient, and connected to themselves. If you’ve spent years taking care of everyone else and feel like you’ve lost yourself along the way, therapy can help you reconnect with your needs, build healthy coping skills, and move toward the life you want.

I enjoy working with individuals through the journey of achieving the goals they have with counseling or even just helping them figure out their goals. I feel like individuals are who they are based on their experiences and that when we give them time to view experiences from a holistic view point, they will recognize that they are powerful.

Counseling is not something that is necessarily a quick fix, but you will hopefully walk away with some insight on how you can move forward in a positive and healthy manner.

I recognize the impact being a member of a marginalized group can have on someone and respect the needs of all of these populations. I look forward to answering any of your questions and assisting you on your journey.

I've been practicing therapy for over 5 years. I have extensive experience with trauma, identity, and life changes. I have a master's in professional counseling.

I grew up on the south side of Chicago. I am married and have two adult children. I have been a registered nurse for 30 years, primarily in women’s health and psychology and psychiatry nursing. I became a clinical mental health counselor 5 years ago, graduated from Bradley University.

Dr. Christina Alexakos is a Clinical Psychologist with over 19 years of experience

providing psychotherapy to individuals across the lifespan from childhood to geriatric.

She has experience in assisting clients with adjustment issues ranging from changes in

occupation, education, grief, relocation, providing skills in parenting, stress and pain

management, health and wellness, mindfulness, increasing self-esteem and

assertiveness. She has worked with anxiety and depressive disorders, bipolar disorder,

trauma, anger management, personality disorders, and severe mental illness.

Dr. Christina Alexakos earned her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology

from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She provided inpatient

psychological assessments and group psychotherapy at Hartgrove Psychiatric Hospital.

She trained in Health Psychology in the pain clinic at Swedish Covenant Hospital as

well as providing inpatient and outpatient psychotherapy to hospital patients. The

University of Chicago and The University of Illinois at Chicago provided comprehensive

training in neuropsychological evaluations with adults and children experiencing a wide

range of clinical concerns. She completed an internship at Southlake Community Mental

Health Center and a postdoctoral fellowship at Hopewell Academies, a therapeutic day

school for special needs/troubled teenagers.

Hello, my name is Summer Carter, LCSW, MBA, and I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion, hope, and support. With experience in mental health, trauma-informed care, emotional wellness, grief support, and life transitions, I strive to create a safe and empowering space where clients feel heard, respected, and valued.

I believe that everyone’s story matters, and no one should have to face difficult seasons alone.

I have been a licensed clinical social worker for over 30 years bringing broad experience and perspective to my sessions. I believe that joining with a client is paramount to establishing trust. Trusting that your provider cares for you, has your best interest at heart and provides you with reasonable and doable solutions is key to growth. If we don’t connect, no harm/no foul. We agree to move on and I will assist with that process, if necessary.