Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Schaumburg, 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

I’m a doctorate-prepared, dual board-certified family practice and psychiatric mental health provider specializing in neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive conditions, with expertise in autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and geriatric psychiatry. I have extensive experience with complex chronic illness and co-occurring psychiatric conditions across the lifespan and in diverse clinical settings. My background in executive leadership and long-term care administration also informs my work within institutional settings. I have a longstanding interest in complementary, integrative, and holistic approaches to health. My practice is neurodiversity-affirming and LGBTQ+ inclusive.

My therapy room is a space where you don’t have to explain yourself. You can show up, fully and authentically, without the need to code-switch or justify your experiences. Our sessions are a dedicated time for you to be heard and understood without judgment.

When someone you love is struggling, or when life starts to feel heavier than you can carry on your own, asking for help can feel overwhelming. You do not have to navigate it alone. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families facing anxiety, behavioral and emotional challenges, life transitions, school related concerns, family conflict, and trauma. Together, we will build on your strengths, develop practical tools, and create meaningful change that helps you or your loved one feel more confident, connected, and supported.

I help children, adolescents, and adults navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, bipolar disorder, grief, and life’s challenges so they can feel more confident, resilient, and connected to themselves. If you’ve spent years taking care of everyone else and feel like you’ve lost yourself along the way, therapy can help you reconnect with your needs, build healthy coping skills, and move toward the life you want.

I am committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming, and affirming environment where people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities, and life experiences feel respected and supported. My goal is to provide a safe place where you can be yourself, explore challenges openly, and discover your strengths. Together, we'll focus on meaningful growth, practical strategies, and helping you thrive on your own terms.

My path to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner wasn't just a career choice; it was a personal mission. After watching a loved one navigate the complexities of mental health, I realized how much the right support—or the lack of it—can change the trajectory of a life. Because of this, I’m not just focused on symptoms; I’m focused on you.

I specialize in anxiety, depression, and neurocognitive disorders, providing telehealth care throughout Illinois. I take great pride in my ability to break down complex clinical terms into understandable language, ensuring you never feel left in the dark about your own brain. When I'm not in the "office," I’m usually staying active, cooking, or listening to an educational podcast to stay sharp on the latest in wellness.

I did not stumble into this work — I chose it, and I choose it every day. I am Bianca Gist, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and Indiana.

I am also a former collegiate athlete, and that background shapes how I show up — I know what it feels like to carry a lot and still need someone genuinely in your corner. My experience is rooted in the spaces where people need the most and are often given the least — Chicago Public Schools, foster care, home-based services, and community mental health. Through my private practice, Her Sole Purpose LLC, I work with children, adolescents, student-athletes, and families using CBT, ACT, and trauma-informed care. I use what works for the person in front of me, not a one-size-fits-all approach. I work well with people navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and the weight of environments that were not built for them. Therapy with me is honest, grounded, and focused on what actually helps you move forward — not just cope.

If any of this resonates, I would love to connect.