Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Oak Brook, IL

Dr. Maria Escobar is a licensed clinical social worker and Doctor of Social Work dedicated to advancing equity, empowerment, and well-being in diverse communities. With over 10 years of experience in the field, Dr. Escobar specializes in clinical practice areas, e.g., trauma-informed care, family systems, or mental health advocacy.

Thank you for taking the first step in sharing your story—your Mental Health Matters, and you deserve to be heard, supported, and understood.

Welcome to Integrated Family Behavioral Health & Counseling PLLC! I'm Mihaela Vladu, PMHNP-BC, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 16+ years of experience in healthcare, dedicated to helping individuals achieve lasting mental wellness and regain control of their lives.

I provide compassionate, personalized, and evidence-based care in a safe and supportive environment where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered. My approach focuses on treating the whole person—not just symptoms—while working collaboratively with you to reach your goals.

I specialize in working with a diverse range of individuals, including younger/older adults, children aged 6 and up, women dealing specifically with trauma and abuse, and veterans, as well as active-duty personnel experiencing PTSD. As a certified ADHD specialist, I provide targeted, evidence-based interventions to help individuals improve focus and daily functioning. I also have extensive experience treating bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, panic disorder, OCD, and other complex mental health conditions.

Areas of Expertise:

• Dual-Diagnosis Care (SUD + mood/anxiety​/​psychotic disorders)

• MAT: Buprenorphine​/​Suboxone inductions & maintenance; relapse-prevention planning

• Alcohol​/​Opioid Withdrawal & Detox protocols (court order MAT program, inpatient, outpatient, and halfway houses)

• Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis

• Residential​/​PHP​/​IOP programmed care & step-down planning

• Trauma-informed care, veteran populations, and complex comorbidity

I am a dual-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner, providing whole-person care that recognizes the connection between mental, emotional, and physical health. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and Women's Health, and I offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, supported, and empowered. Outside of my practice, I enjoy traveling, event decorating, and spending quality time with my family. I believe maintaining balance and personal fulfillment is an important part of overall well-being, and I bring that same perspective into the care I provide.

Hello, and welcome! I'm glad you're here. I'm a clinical psychologist specializing in helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, chronic health conditions, stress, and life's unexpected challenges.

I believe emotional and physical health are deeply connected. Whether you're coping with a medical diagnosis, feeling overwhelmed by daily stress, or simply looking to feel more like yourself again, I'll meet you with compassion, curiosity, and practical support. Together, we'll create a path toward greater balance, resilience, and well-being.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over a decade of experience in mental health care, supporting individuals across inpatient and outpatient settings. Through my work, I have cared for clients with a wide range of needs, including chronic and severe mental health conditions, and I understand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate symptoms while trying to maintain daily life.

My care philosophy is centered on partnership. Treatment is not about taking over your care, but about working with you to explore your symptoms, goals, and values. Together, we develop a treatment plan that feels respectful, personalized, and empowering. If you have concerns or hesitations about medication, we will discuss all available options openly and thoughtfully, moving at a pace that feels right for you.

I work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, OCD, and other mood and thought-related conditions. During the initial session, we focus on understanding your concerns, reviewing your history, and identifying practical steps toward improvement. Care may include psychiatric evaluation, medication management when appropriate, brief psychotherapy, education, and ongoing support.

I believe mental health care should feel supportive, clear, and collaborative—not rushed or overwhelming.

You do not have to face these challenges alone. My role is to help you reduce symptoms, strengthen coping skills, and regain balance so you can function at your best and move forward with confidence and stability.

My commitment to therapy isn't just professional — it's deeply personal. With fifteen years of hands-on experience, I've navigated my own life journey and know firsthand what it means to search for purpose, confront unresolved barriers, and actively fight for inner healing. That lived experience is the fuel behind everything I do.

I am lively, warm, and I truly never meet a stranger. I welcome everyone with open arms and bring an uplifting, hopeful energy to every session — while also being the kind of counselor who will sit with you safely in your pain with a deeply empathetic heart. I am fiercely loyal and dedicated to your long-term growth and victory.

I work with faith-based individuals and spiritual seekers, adults in transition, adolescents and young adults, couples, and those navigating trauma, addiction, and recovery.