Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Oak Brook, IL

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.

DIRECT AND TO THE POINT as well as on target for help client to reach their counseling goals

Welcome! My name is Kandice Hightower, and I am a dual board certified nurse practitioner specializing in family and psychiatric mental health. With over 18 years of experience as a nurse, I am dedicated to providing compassionate, knowledgeable care to every person I work with. I have experience treating ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, and Bipolar Disorder, and I truly enjoy helping clients feel understood, supported, and empowered. If you are ready to take the first step, I would be happy to support you on this journey. Book today!

Although I am recently clinically licensed (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC), I am not new to the mental health field. Over my nearly decade of fulfilling work, I have enjoyed 5 years in therapeutic school settings with youth ages 5-years-old to 19-years-old, navigating crises through a therapeutic and trauma-informed lens as an Employee Assistant Program (EAP) counselor and through certifications in both Crisis Prevention Intervention and Therapeutic Crisis Prevention and Intervention models, supporting parents and families through a guardian support group for children in the therapeutic school setting as a facilitator for the past 3 years, and obtaining a Level 1 Certification in Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) through the Yale Child Study Center. As a result of my success in treating students and families who are impacted by school avoidance/refusal, I was selected to present to parents about concrete strategies, and was consulted in the development of a school avoidance/school refusal school response protocol. Additionally, an anti-racism intervention I co-created for students on the spectrum and their families is now used as a resource and response to school incidents involving racism. My training began with a Bachelor’s in Social Worker from the University of Cincinnati, and ended with a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

I have worked with young people and their families with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, academic, and social needs. I bring a multiculturally-aware, strengths-based approach to therapy and common work with individuals on the neurodivergence spectrum, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, diagnoses of Attention Hyperactivity Deficit Disorder, anxiety, depression, Pathological Demand Avoidance, learning disabilities, gender and sexuality, and parent support and coaching.

Life comes with challenges—whether it's day-to-day anxiety, work stress, seasonal changes in mood, grief, or major life transitions. Having a strong support system can make all the difference, and sometimes an unbiased, compassionate person to talk to is exactly what you need. Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, and while we haven't met yet, I'm glad you're taking this step.

I've been a healthcare social worker for nearly 10 years, supporting children, teens, adults, and families through life transitions, grief, serious illness, and challenging hospital experiences. These experiences have reinforced my belief that everyone deserves a space where they feel heard, understood, and supported.

Growing up, my family didn't talk much about emotions or healthy ways to cope. That experience sparked my passion for helping others build self-awareness, resilience, and confidence in navigating life's ups and downs.

My goal is to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where you can be yourself, explore what's bringing you to therapy, and work toward meaningful, lasting change—at your own pace.

Are you someone who has spent much of your life being strong for everyone else—caring for others, holding things together, and continuing to move forward even when you feel overwhelmed? Maybe somewhere along the way, you’ve lost touch with yourself or found yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, past trauma, grief, relationship challenges, or your own sense of self-worth.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who works with adults and adolescents to better understand the experiences, emotions, and patterns that may be affecting their lives and relationships. I believe meaningful healing begins with greater self-awareness and understanding. My approach is warm, compassionate, trauma-informed, and collaborative, while also providing the support and gentle challenge needed for growth. Together, we can work toward healthier boundaries, stronger relationships, greater self-worth, and lasting change that helps you feel more grounded, confident, and connected to the life you want to create.

My background, before becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, was in photography and performing arts. I have always been interested in healing, self-expression, and creativity, and this informs my work as a therapist. I am passionate about using curiosity, humor, and the spontaneity of the moment to explore issues of the past, present and future.