Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Illinois

Hi, I’m Dr. Linda Wickens, a doctoral-level therapist and coach who works with individuals navigating stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, and patterns that keep them feeling stuck while preventing forward movement and growth. Many of my clients are high-functioning on the outside but feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or frustrated that change feels harder than it should.

Therapy and coaching with me are never one-size-fits-all. We work collaboratively to create a plan that is specific to you, your goals, and your capacity, adjusting pace and structure as your needs evolve. I focus on helping clients understand their patterns, build emotional awareness, and develop practical skills they can actually use in daily life.

I hold a Doctorate in Social Work and am a fully licensed clinical social worker, with over nine years of experience in the mental health field. My work integrates evidence-based therapy with a coaching-informed lens when appropriate, allowing sessions to be both supportive and goal-oriented while still making space to explore the past and its impact on the present.

Clients often describe my style as warm, direct, and collaborative. As part of my concierge model, clients work directly with me rather than an assistant, and I remain accessible to my clients outside of sessions through secure communication when needed. I believe growth happens through understanding, compassion, and honest conversation, and that progress is most sustainable when care feels personal, intentional, and consistent.

Please Note: I do not provide couples or marriage counseling. Additionally, I am not able to treat clients who are experiencing active suicidal ideation or self-harm behaviors. If these services are needed, I encourage seeking a provider who specializes in these areas or contacting appropriate crisis resources if immediate support is required.

I have my Master of Social Work from New York University and have worked in Social Services and Behavioral Healthcare for more than 26 years between New York City and Philadelphia. I offer individual therapy to support my clients in their work to live their best lives, whatever that means to them. I have experience working in inpatient psychiatry and outpatient counseling.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a background in trauma-informed care, school social work, and a deep passion for supporting mothers, caregivers, and individuals healing from religious trauma. I work with children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation, ADHD, and spiritual wounding. My style is warm, grounded, and collaborative, with a focus on helping clients feel safe, seen, and heard. I offer a compassionate, judgment-free space for those processing complex life experiences, including clients who are deconstructing rigid belief systems or navigating the impact of spiritual abuse or exclusion. I welcome clients of all identities and backgrounds, and I deeply value honest connections and authenticity in the healing process.

⭐ I’m Shelly Lewin, LCSW/LICSW, a therapist with 31 years of experience helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, identity issues, and major life transitions. I provide virtual therapy across Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, New Mexico, and West Virginia, offering accessible, evidence‐based care to clients seeking meaningful and lasting change. I have 30+ years of experience in private practice and leadership roles at organizations including:

• The Joint Commission
• Northwestern Memorial Hospital
• Kaiser Permanente
• Common Spirit
• Mount Sinai Health System

This background allows me to offer deep clinical expertise paired with practical, real‐world understanding of how people heal and grow. My approach is warm, collaborative, open‐minded, and affirming. If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or ready for change, I’m here to walk beside you with steady support and clinically grounded guidance. I specialize in therapy for adults experiencing:

• Anxiety & panic disorders
• Depression & mood disorders
• PTSD and trauma recovery
• Substance use and addiction
• LGBTQIA+ affirmative care
• Men’s issues & identity exploration
• Life and career transitions
• Chronic illness & long-term stress

Additional areas of expertise include: Bipolar disorder, OCD, grief & loss, workplace stress, anger management, cultural/ethnic identity issues, expat adjustment, relationship issues, family challenges, and end-of-life concerns

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. I care deeply about creating a safe, supportive space where you feel comfortable being yourself. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, PTSD, and stress. I believe that every person’s story matters, and your care should reflect your unique needs and goals.