Grief counselors and therapists in Plainfield, IL

My approach blends clinical rigor with genuine warmth. I ask a lot of questions, not to check boxes, but because I want to understand the full picture of your life, biology, and history before we decide on a path forward. I'm not interested in just managing symptoms; I want to understand the root of what's going on — whether that's biological, situational, relational, or some combination- so that treatment actually addresses the cause, not just the surface presentation. Clients often describe our sessions as feeling more like being truly listened to than being processed through an appointment. As an integrative provider, medication is one tool among several we might use, and I stay curious rather than settling for the first explanation.

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

With more than 15 years of experience in the mental health field, I am committed to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges with greater understanding, confidence, and hope. My approach to therapy is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and the belief that meaningful change is possible for everyone.

My primary goal is to walk alongside you throughout your therapeutic journey—creating a space where you feel heard, respected, validated, and understood, while also receiving practical tools and strategies to help you create meaningful change in your life. I believe therapy should provide both a place to process your experiences and a pathway toward growth, healing, and improved well-being.

I don't start by asking, "What's wrong with you?" I start by asking, "Help me understand you."

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As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I have had the privilege of caring for individuals across diverse healthcare settings throughout my nursing career. My professional journey has included advanced training as both a Nurse Educator and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, reflecting my ongoing commitment to lifelong learning, clinical excellence, and evidence-based, compassionate care.

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I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy for individuals across the lifespan, with a special focus on children, adolescents, and young adults. Whether you're navigating ADHD, anxiety, depression, or a significant life transition, my goal is to provide thoughtful, individualized care in a calm, welcoming environment where you feel genuinely heard, respected, and understood.

Life can get heavy, and sometimes you get to a point where you know something needs to change, you just may not know where to start. That’s where I can help. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, anger, grief, major life changes, or just trying to make sense of everything you’ve been carrying, we can work through it together.

I work with children, teens, and adults, with a special passion for supporting at-risk youth, justice-involved individuals, and people who may feel like they’ve been judged, misunderstood, or overlooked. You don’t have to come into therapy with the right words or have everything figured out. Come as you are. We’ll start there and work toward where you want to be.

Life can be overwhelming. Feeling alone while struggling can compound that sense of despair. Whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, loss, trauma, divorce, career challenges, health issues, addiction, or even just confusion about the future, seeking help is the beginning of the change. As a career woman, licensed attorney, mother, divorcee, and active community member, I bring my own life experience and vast education to my work. We can figure out a plan together to make navigating the day-to-day more manageable.

As an independently licensed professional counselor, counselor educator, and supervisor, I believe that everyone deserves a space where they can feel heard, supported, and accepted. I've been practicing for 15 years and hold a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a doctorate in Counselor Education, and a Fellowship in Thanatology with specialized expertise in grief and loss. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and someone with AuDHD, I bring both professional knowledge and lived experience to my work. My goal is to create a warm, affirming environment where you can show up as your authentic self and move toward meaningful change.

I believe healing happens when you feel truly seen, heard, and accepted exactly as you are. Therapy doesn’t have to feel cold or clinical—it can be genuine, collaborative, and even include moments of laughter along the way.

I earned my Bachelor of Social Work from Western Illinois University and my Master of Social Work from Arizona State University. I’ve been practicing as a master’s-level social worker since 2010 and have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) for the past three years. I’m also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a highly effective, evidence-based therapy that helps people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences.

I approach therapy in a collaborative and compassionate way, creating a safe space where clients can feel supported as they explore their inner world. I believe that each client is the expert of their own life, and my role is to guide, support, and provide tools to help you connect with your strengths and insights. My work is trauma-informed and integrates a variety of techniques, including internal family systems, somatic methods, inner child work, strengths-based narratives, CBT, experiential approaches, and clinical hypnosis.

I've spent 14 years helping people navigate their mental health. I believe you deserve a provider who truly knows you — not just your chart. I offer both in-person and telehealth appointments, so you can choose what works best for your schedule and your life. My work centers on psychiatric evaluation and medication management, and I take the time to fully understand what's going on before any treatment decisions are made. I'm direct, accessible, and committed to being a steady, consistent presence in your care.

HI! My name is Eunice Hernandez, and I am looking forward to connecting with

you! As a clinician, I create a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel heard,

safe, and supported. As we build a trusting relationship, I hope to be able to

empower you in identifying action steps you can take to reach your full potential and

self-worth. I have over 20 years of counseling children, adolecent and adults from different walks of life.

I believe healing begins with feeling truly seen, heard, and understood. As a bilingual (English/Spanish) LCSW in Illinois, I work with individuals, couples, and families navigating anxiety, trauma, depression, grief, and life's bigger transitions. My approach is warm,

practical, and grounded in what the research says works. Whether you are carrying something heavy or simply ready for a change, I meet you where you are. I would love to

be part of your journey toward the life you want to build. Let's connect.