Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Skokie, IL covered by Cigna

I’m A. Harvest, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Case Manager (CCM) with 21 years of experience in social work and behavioral health. My background spans outpatient mental health, integrated primary care, medical social work, rehabilitation, hospice, telehealth, group therapy, and leadership — much of it within the Veterans Health Administration, where I've had the privilege of serving veterans, military families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

As a wife, mother, caregiver, and healthcare professional myself, I understand what it feels like to carry multiple roles while trying to show up for everyone - including yourself. I bring both professional expertise and personal insight to my work, and I believe that combination matters. You'll find me warm, authentic, and genuinely invested in your well-being. I strive to create a space where you feel truly heard, respected, and never judged.

My style is eclectic and strength based. I see human nature as intrinsically good. Sigmund Freud said we are bio-social animals. I believe a great deal in listening to one’s self talk. The more positive our dialogue with ourselves is, the more positive our dialogues with others and our lives are. I’m also experienced in CBT, DBT, MI, Solution Focused, ACT, Gestalt, Interpersonal, and person-centered counseling.

My training includes lots of wonderful supervision and workshops, a three-year certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Chicago, and two one month intensives with Virginia Satir, the founder of family therapy. Virginia taught that exploring the self is like mining gold. We all have gold inside of us. That is our basic goodness. A lot of emotional suffering is the result of being detoured from that basic goodness.

I believe meaningful change begins with feeling heard, understood, and accepted. My goal is to create a warm, affirming, and nonjudgmental space where children and teens feel safe being themselves while working toward positive change.

I am a licensed clinical social worker with more than 22 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families in both school and mental health settings. I currently work in a school, helping students navigate social, emotional, behavioral, and academic challenges. I also have experience in an adolescent psychiatric hospital, where I supported teens struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.

I understand the unique pressures young people face today—from school stress, academic expectations, and fitting in with peers to family conflict, identity development, anxiety, depression, and parental stress. My approach is affirming, strengths-based, and solution-focused, combining empathy and a genuine sense of humor. I believe therapy doesn't always have to feel heavy and that laughter can be an important part of healing. Together, we'll build on your strengths to help you feel more confident, resilient, and empowered.

I understand what it's like to feel overwhelmed, stuck, or constantly on edge. Maybe you're emotionally drained, unmotivated, overthinking everything, or simply not feeling like yourself anymore. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, family conflict, divorce, co-parenting, work stress, grief, low self-esteem, and major life changes. I also specialize in supporting individuals who have experienced unhealthy relationships, domestic violence, emotional abuse, or narcissistic abuse. My goal is to provide a warm, down-to-earth, nonjudgmental, and safe space where you can feel understood, supported, and comfortable being yourself. You're not stuck. Healing is possible, and you do not have to go through it alone. When you're ready to take the next step, I'd be honored to support you on your journey.

I am not seeing couples at this time. I work best with women. Are you ready to say no without guilt? I use the feminist theory of counseling to examine the effects of power structures in your life. I use guided meditation to reprogram subconscious beliefs like, "I'm not good enough," and, "No one loves me." I’m neurodivergent affirming and have worked with many high achievers. I study adult attachment styles and how to become secure. I have been a counselor for 14 years. I enjoy meditating and walking in nature. I study psychology, spirituality, quantum physics, business, and nutrition.

My practice centers on helping people work through depression, ADHD, and bipolar disorder with care that actually fits their life. I've been in independent practice for about two years, and in that time I've found that the providers people stay with are the ones who listen well and adjust as things change. I'm a PMHNP with full practice authority, so I can manage medications and provide psychiatric services without a collaborating physician. I see clients via telehealth throughout Illinois, with flexible scheduling available Monday through Saturday. If you've been waiting to find someone who's approachable and genuinely wants to get you moving in the right direction, I'd like to be that person.

As a board-certified PMHNP, I believe prioritizing mental health is key to happiness and stability in life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so congratulations on taking that step!