Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Peoria, IL

I specialize in helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and relationship challenges with compassion, clarity, and a holistic lens. Clients often tell me they feel seen, safe, and supported in our work together. As a therapist, I combine clinical expertise with intuition and deep respect for the whole person-mind, body, and spirit-to create a space where healing, insight, and lasting change can take root.

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to figure things out alone. I’m Tamara Whittleton, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults navigating stress, anxiety, depression, and major life changes. I focus on creating a supportive environment where clients feel comfortable talking openly while developing practical strategies for growth and healing

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.

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.

As a licensed clinical social worker, I've spent my career working alongside people

who've often felt unseen, underserved, or unsupported by the systems meant to help

them. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults in marginalized communities

navigating identity, mental health, relationships, and trauma. My approach is

grounded in genuine curiosity about who you are, not just what brings you in. You'll

find a space built on empathy and empowerment, where you can show up exactly as

you are. I'd love to connect.

I help adults navigate anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, and the effects of trauma so they can feel more balanced, confident, and in control of their lives. If you feel overwhelmed, stuck, or like the patterns in your life are no longer working, therapy can help you gain clarity, recognize your strengths, and create meaningful change. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.