Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Northbrook, IL

I'm Gifty Danso, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University, and since then, I've worked across a range of settings — inpatient units, outpatient clinics, and correctional facilities. That variety has given me a real appreciation for meeting people wherever they are in life. Over the years, I've supported adolescents, adults, and older adults dealing with everything from depression and anxiety to addiction and psychosis.

Life can be messy, confusing, and exhausting—and you don’t have to go through it alone. I’m a realist therapist who listens deeply and meets you where you are. I blend evidence-based tools with real-world conversations to help you feel understood while learning how to cope, heal, and grow. If you’re feeling anxious, burned out, stuck in grief, challenged with life transitions or caught in old patterns—and ready for meaningful change at your own pace—I’m here to help. Let’s figure this out together.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When stress starts to build, it can affect more than just your day-to-day life. It can impact your mood, your energy, and your relationships. I work with adults and couples who are navigating anxiety, depression, workplace stress, and burnout. Many of my clients are used to juggling responsibilities, caring for others, and pushing through difficult seasons until they realize they're no longer feeling like themselves. You might feel constantly overwhelmed, mentally exhausted, or like you can’t fully “turn off” your mind. At the same time, stress can begin to show up in your relationships through miscommunication, distance, or frustration, making it harder to feel connected and supported.