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Headshot of Lorrie Pontes, LCSW

Lorrie Pontes

Therapist(She/her)
31 years of experience
  • Virtual
  • Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQIA+, Women's issues, Chronic conditions
  • Individual therapy, Family therapy, Child or adolescent therapy

Great to meet you!

Congratulations on being here, and on taking this important step toward caring for yourself. Reaching out for therapy can feel overwhelming, and it takes real courage to begin. I specialize in supporting adolescents and adults who are navigating trauma, mood disorders, life transitions, and the unique stressors that impact marginalized communities.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adolescents, adults and children; especially those navigating mood disorders, trauma, and life transitions. I have a particular passion for supporting individuals from marginalized communities, including people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and women. If you've been impacted by discrimination and bullying, you’re not alone.

My treatment style utilizes a flexible, evidence-based approach grounded in compassion and collaboration. Depending on your unique concerns, I draw from a variety of modalities to help you build coping strategies that work in real time. My goal is to make sure you feel seen, heard, and supported as we navigate challenges together.

My approach to therapy

Therapy is a partnership, and we'll work together to set goals that feel meaningful to you. As we move forward, we'll revisit and refine those goals as needed, making sure they continue to reflect your priorities and support your growth. My role is to help you stay on track, provide strategies that make a real difference in daily life, and support you.

I want you to feel that this is your space--safe, welcoming, and free of judgment. I’ll listen carefully and with curiosity to your story, to ensure that I understand what you are saying. I'll be clear, direct, and encouraging so you leave our sessions not just heard and understood, but also with something you can use in your daily life.

My path to becoming a therapist has been shaped by both professional commitment and personal growth. Over the years, I've seen how powerful it can be when people feel truly supported, especially those who have faced trauma, systemic injustice, or times of difficult transition.

What you can expect from me

Our first session will be about creating a safe, calm, welcoming space where you can begin to share what's brought you here. We'll discuss your concerns, your goals, and what you hope to gain from therapy. I’ll ask questions to get to know you better. It's ok if you don't know where to start--we'll figure it out together.

About me

  • I identify as
    Caucasian, Hispanic, Cisgender Woman
  • My style is
    Empowering, Participatory, Warm

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    31 years of experience
  • Training
    MSW (Master of Social Work) at University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, Bachelor of Science at University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana
  • License type
    LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) (Illinois)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Ascension, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Curative

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQIA+, Women's issues, Chronic conditions
  • More specialties
    Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Sleep disorder, Family issues, Stress management, Anger management, Panic disorders, Cultural & ethnic issues, End of life care, Grief or loss, Physical health issues, Maternal mental health, Men's issues, Relationship issues, Identity issues, Trauma, PTSD, Infertility, Transgender issues, Diabetes
  • Therapy methods
    Prolonged Exposure (PE), Positive Psychology, Attachment Based, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Multi-Systemic (MST), Unified Protocol (UP), Jungian, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Motivational Interviewing, Relational, Transpersonal, Attachment Based Family Therapy, Schema, Seeking Safety, Narrative Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Humanistic, Psychoeducational Family Therapy, Problem-Solving Therapy (PST), Somatic, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Brief Dynamic, Play, Behavioral Activation (BA), Behavior Modification, Strength-Based, Cognitive Processing (CPT), Behavior Management, Behavioral
  • Care types
    Individual therapy, Family therapy, Child or adolescent therapy
  • Ages served
    Seniors, Adolescents, Adults, Children
  • Languages
    English