Mercedes Yates-Jones

I’m Mercedes Yates-Jones, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois and the founder of Safe to Say Therapy. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and have spent over a decade helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges. Before starting my private practice, I worked with the Department of Veteran Affairs and in several private practice settings, supporting clients with a wide range of needs. I also have experience in inpatient psychiatric care, which has shaped my calm and steady presence when clients are feeling overwhelmed or facing difficult moments.

I work with children ages 10 and up, adolescents, and adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, relationship concerns, life transitions, or periods of feeling stuck. I also have a heart for supporting veterans, parents, caregivers, and individuals from underserved communities.

I created Safe to Say Therapy because I believe everyone deserves a space where they feel safe, understood, and truly supported. My goal is to meet you with warmth and authenticity and walk alongside you as you move toward clarity, confidence, and meaningful change, at a pace that feels right for you.

My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that people heal best when they feel genuinely heard and supported. I use a trauma-informed, client-centered style that meets you exactly where you are, honoring your pace and your lived experiences. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based strategies, and solution-focused techniques to help you understand your emotions, challenge unhelpful patterns, and build practical tools you can use in everyday life. I also draw on my inpatient psychiatric and VA experience to stay calm, grounded, and steady when clients are navigating intense emotions or high-stress situations. Together, we focus on increasing emotional insight, improving coping skills, strengthening boundaries, and creating meaningful, lasting change that feels empowering rather than overwhelming.

In our first session, you can expect a calm, supportive space where we get to know each other and explore what brings you to therapy. I’ll gently ask questions about your current concerns, your goals, and what has or hasn’t worked for you in the past. We’ll also go over some of the scary or uncertain parts about starting therapy and what to expect moving forward. I believe it’s important to find a therapist who feels like the right fit for you, because this is your journey and your growth. You’ll never be pressured to share more than you’re ready for, and by the end of our session, we’ll identify a few initial goals and a clear path for our work together. My aim is for you to leave feeling heard, understood, and supported as we begin this process.