Couples therapists in Rockford, IL

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist working since 2017 in community mental health and private practice. I have a masters degree specializing in couples and family therapy. I work to offer a space where clients can be seen and heard.

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

Ideally clients book with me looking to heal and move forward in life when they’re feeling “stuck in neutral”. My expertise extends to addressing a range of mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression and PTSD, OCD, developmental and behavioral issues. I provide personalized therapeutic approaches to foster resilience and emotional growth in my clients. Through empathy, communication, and evidence-based interventions, I tend to create a safe space for individuals to process their experiences, build confidence and develop healthy coping mechanisms. I have experience working with individuals as young as 6 to 55 years of age.

I am a therapist specialized in working with children, adolescents and adults. I am skilled in helping individuals navigate through the emotional and psychological impacts of trauma. I help individuals gain their voices back. With my extensive experience in family therapy, I work to strengthen family dynamics and support healing within the home as well.

Therapeutically; I understand that certain circumstances or life events may have impacted you, however I believe your past shouldn’t control your future. “Just like history; your story continues”, meaning don’t let anything or anyone end your story for you. “In order to see progress, you have to trust the process and believe you will overcome these hurdles”.

I support clients through a warm, attuned, and relationship‐centered approach. My intention is to be collaborative, helpful, and grounded in trust‐based, relational work. If you’re ready for a space where your story is honored, I'm here. Struggling to connect, trust, or regulate your emotions? Experiences in life influences our levels of anxiety, depression, and overall ability to manage. I would love to help you navigate your next steps.

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.

Often, struggles can become gateways to transformation. Many of the clients I work with are navigating low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, chronic stress, trauma, grief, or major life transitions that leave them feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected. You may be experiencing racing thoughts, emotional exhaustion, relationship difficulties, loss, or uncertainty about your direction in life. When we begin to explore these experiences with compassion and curiosity, new perspectives and meaningful change can emerge.

I believe telling your story in a safe, supportive space can be deeply healing. I want to hear about your hopes, dreams, challenges, and losses. My goal is to help you better understand your experiences, develop emotional resilience, and move toward greater clarity and self-acceptance. You are not alone, and I am here to walk alongside you as you move forward on your journey toward healing and growth.