

Find mental health support in Rockford across neighborhoods like Riverside, Coronado, and East State. Connect with 271 licensed providers offering virtual and in-person sessions. Headway accepts major insurance plans, with many patients paying as little as $0 per session after insurance.
Hi, I’m Dr. Traore, PMHNP, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner passionate about helping clients find calm, clarity, and confidence in their daily lives. My background spans medication management, psychotherapy, and holistic care for individuals facing anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and mood disorders. I hold a doctoral degree in nursing practice and bring years of experience supporting clients across diverse backgrounds. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and genuinely understood.
My path to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner wasn't just a career choice; it was a personal mission. After watching a loved one navigate the complexities of mental health, I realized how much the right support—or the lack of it—can change the trajectory of a life. Because of this, I’m not just focused on symptoms; I’m focused on you.
I specialize in anxiety, depression, and neurocognitive disorders, providing telehealth care throughout Illinois. I take great pride in my ability to break down complex clinical terms into understandable language, ensuring you never feel left in the dark about your own brain. When I'm not in the "office," I’m usually staying active, cooking, or listening to an educational podcast to stay sharp on the latest in wellness.
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!
With a nursing career spanning since 2008, I have dedicated over 15 years to understanding the complexities of patient care. After earning my Master’s Degree in 2021, I transitioned into advanced psychiatric practice in 2022. Having served in both fast-paced inpatient units and collaborative outpatient clinics, I offer a well-rounded perspective on mental health. My background allows me to blend clinical expertise with a deeply rooted compassion for the human experience.
I'm a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner with over 10+ of experience in the mental health field, and 3 years as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I founded Isimi Health & Wellness to provide thoughtful, evidence-based psychiatric care rooted in compassion, cultural humility, and a deep respect for the mind-body connection. My clinical background spans across PHP/IOP settings, Outpatient psychiatry, TMS, and telepsychiatry. I’ve worked with diverse populations experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, and life transitions. Whether you're seeking support for mood instability, clarity around your medication options, or a space to reset and realign, I’m honored to walk alongside you on your wellness journey.











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 Rockford starts with understanding what kind of support you need. Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and manage medication over time. Therapists provide talk therapy and may work with you on concerns like anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, and stress. Some people start with a therapist, some start with a prescriber, and some work with both. As you compare profiles, look for training, listed specialties, and experience that match the concerns you want to discuss.
In a smaller city like Rockford, local psychiatry availability may vary by neighborhood, schedule, and appointment type. Virtual appointments can expand your options beyond offices near Riverside, Coronado, East State, or other parts of the city. Psychiatric medication management visits are often shorter and less frequent than therapy sessions, while some psychiatrists also offer therapy. Before booking, review each profile for availability, appointment format, areas of focus, and whether a free phone consultation is offered. Bios can also show how a psychiatrist communicates and what to expect in the first visit.
Psychiatric care in Rockford can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand your out-of-pocket expense before care begins. Headway helps you find psychiatrists who match your preferences, accept your plan, and are verified as accepting new patients. You can enter your insurance details, see estimated costs upfront, 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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