

Find mental health support in Joliet across neighborhoods like Downtown, West Side, and Essington. Headway connects you with 287 licensed providers offering virtual and in-person sessions. Many clients save up to 75% on care through insurance coverage, with some paying as little as $0 per session.
I'm a psychiatric nurse practitioner with several years of experience, now building my own private practice so I can give each person the focused, personalized care they deserve. I work with people navigating anxiety, depression, and PTSD — conditions that can feel isolating, but often respond well to the right support and the right provider. I offer telehealth appointments, including evenings and weekends, so getting care fits into your life rather than the other way around. Whether you're looking for medication management, ongoing mental health support, or simply a place to start, I'm here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
I completed medical school at USF in Tampa, Florida and I completed psychiatry residency at GW in Washington, DC. I specialize in depression and anxiety.
Choosing the right provider is a big step, and I'm here to offer a unique blend of expertise and genuine support. I'm a dual board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and a Certified Advanced Practice Addictions Nurse. What does this mean for you? It means I can offer truly integrated care, understanding how your physical and mental health are connected, and providing specialized support for addiction.
I've spent 14 years helping people navigate their mental health. I believe you deserve a provider who truly knows you — not just your chart. I offer both in-person and telehealth appointments, so you can choose what works best for your schedule and your life. My work centers on psychiatric evaluation and medication management, and I take the time to fully understand what's going on before any treatment decisions are made. I'm direct, accessible, and committed to being a steady, consistent presence in your care.
Welcome! My name is Kandice Hightower, and I am a dual board certified nurse practitioner specializing in family and psychiatric mental health. With over 18 years of experience as a nurse, I am dedicated to providing compassionate, knowledgeable care to every person I work with. I have experience treating ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, and Bipolar Disorder, and I truly enjoy helping clients feel understood, supported, and empowered. If you are ready to take the first step, I would be happy to support you on this journey. Book today!
I am a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care. With a focus on both medication management and supportive psychotherapy, I treat adolescents and adults in navigating anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
I take a unique, integrative approach to mental health care. Whether you’re a child or adolescent navigating anxiety and ADHD or a veteran or 1st responder managing stress and emotional challenges, I tailor my care to your individual needs. I combine Eastern herbs, nutritional supplements, prescription medications, and personalized nutrition plans to create a treatment model as unique as you are.
My goal is to help you build confidence, improve focus, and achieve balance in all areas of life—whether that’s excelling at school, enhancing job performance, or strengthening relationships. Together, we’ll create a path toward emotional well-being and a healthier, more fulfilling life.
My educational journey reflects my commitment to integrative and holistic care. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in biological and nursing sciences, a Master’s in acupuncture science, and a Doctorate in chiropractic medicine from the National University of Health Sciences, where I developed a strong foundation in Eastern medicine and natural therapies. I am a double board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in family and psychiatric mental health.
I am a compassionate psychiatric provider that is dedicated to my practice. I started my psychiatric career as a technician in forensic psychiatry. I worked with individuals who had comitted crimes and were either attempting to determine competency, or were found not guilty by reason of insanity. As my education blossomed, I began working as a nurse on a child and adolescent crisis stabilization unit. I found a massive love for child and adolescent psychiatry and spent most of my career working crisis stabilization and residential psychiatric care for children and adolescents. This gave me significant experience working with many different cultures. After I graduated with my doctorate, I began working psychiatric outpatient. I now see patients of all ages (children 4+, adolescents, adults and geriatric). I thrive on a strong therapeutic relationship and making sure my patients feel heard. I am open minded and non-bias. You are safe with me.
I have over 20 years of experience in healthcare. My career began as a pharmacy technician, then as an emergency room nurse, and later supervising behavioral health units at Mercy St. Louis before becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.This background allows me to understand mental health from both medical and psychiatric perspectives.











Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Finding psychiatrists in Joliet starts with understanding what type of mental health care fits your needs. Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication, while therapists provide talk therapy. Medication management may be used for concerns such as anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. As you compare options, look for a psychiatrist whose listed specialties, clinical background, and approach match the type of support you’re seeking.
In a smaller city like Joliet, local appointment options may be more limited than in larger Illinois markets, so virtual psychiatry can help expand your search. Psychiatric appointments for medication management are often shorter and less frequent than therapy sessions, which makes availability, appointment format, and scheduling fit important to consider. Some psychiatrists also offer therapy, and some people work with both a therapist and a prescriber. Reading psychiatrist bios before booking can help you see what each clinician treats, how they structure visits, and whether they offer a free phone consultation.
Psychiatric care in Joliet can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and see your estimated price before you book. Headway helps you find psychiatrists who are accepting new patients and can verify whether they take your plan. You can compare virtual and in-person options, review bios, and book directly when you’re ready.
If you're already taking psychiatric medication and considering switching providers, talk to your current prescriber before changing or stopping any medication — most psychiatric medications shouldn't be stopped abruptly. Anyone experiencing thoughts of self-harm or in acute crisis should call 988 or go to the nearest emergency department rather than wait for an outpatient appointment.
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