Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Aurora, IL

Hello, I am Skip I have been a therapist for over 12 years. I love what I do and am passionate about assisting people with addressing life issues. I specialize in trauma, addictions and couples therapy.

If you're struggling with addiction, carrying the weight of complex trauma, or trying to cope while managing a chronic health condition, I want you to know there's a way forward — and you don't have to walk it alone. I'm a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC) with over 16 years of experience across private practice, residential substance abuse treatment, medical social work, and the non-profit world. I've sat with people in their hardest, most overwhelming moments, and I bring that same steady, non-judgmental presence to every session.

Much of my work centers on substance use and recovery, complex trauma, and the emotional toll of chronic medical conditions. Whether you're in the thick of a crisis or finally ready to address something you've carried for years, I'll meet you exactly where you are — with compassion, real tools, and zero judgment.

I believe prioritizing mental health is key to happiness and stability in life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so congratulations on taking that step towards your goals. I’ve been practicing for 20+ years, and with my experience and education, I hope to be a support to you in your time of need.

Are you tired of carrying things that are just too heavy for you to carry alone anymore? As a licensed professional counselor, I can help you carry that load. In my 12 years as a counselor, I've worked with families, children, adolescents, and adults of all ages in homes, outpatient offices, and online. I have a Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision, and have taught in graduate counseling programs, but my first love is working directly with individuals who are dealing with the effects of trauma, grief, burnout, or anxiety. I am a Christian and would be happy to incorporate your spiritual beliefs, whether Christian or not, into our work together, if desired.

I work with older adults and individuals living with serious mental illness who may be feeling overwhelmed by life changes, emotional stress, health concerns, loss, or isolation. Many of my clients come in carrying too much for too long, feeling stuck, discouraged, or disconnected from themselves.

Whatever brings you here, my goal is to offer a space that feels steady and respectful — where you can slow down, be heard, and start making sense of what’s been heavy. You don’t have to have it all figured out; we’ll take things one step at a time, without pressure or judgment.

I grew up on the south side of Chicago. I am married and have two adult children. I have been a registered nurse for 30 years, primarily in women’s health and psychology and psychiatry nursing. I became a clinical mental health counselor 5 years ago, graduated from Bradley University.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over a decade of experience in mental health care, supporting individuals across inpatient and outpatient settings. Through my work, I have cared for clients with a wide range of needs, including chronic and severe mental health conditions, and I understand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate symptoms while trying to maintain daily life.

My care philosophy is centered on partnership. Treatment is not about taking over your care, but about working with you to explore your symptoms, goals, and values. Together, we develop a treatment plan that feels respectful, personalized, and empowering. If you have concerns or hesitations about medication, we will discuss all available options openly and thoughtfully, moving at a pace that feels right for you.

I work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, OCD, and other mood and thought-related conditions. During the initial session, we focus on understanding your concerns, reviewing your history, and identifying practical steps toward improvement. Care may include psychiatric evaluation, medication management when appropriate, brief psychotherapy, education, and ongoing support.

I believe mental health care should feel supportive, clear, and collaborative—not rushed or overwhelming.

You do not have to face these challenges alone. My role is to help you reduce symptoms, strengthen coping skills, and regain balance so you can function at your best and move forward with confidence and stability.

I specialize in helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and relationship challenges with compassion, clarity, and a holistic lens. Clients often tell me they feel seen, safe, and supported in our work together. As a therapist, I combine clinical expertise with intuition and deep respect for the whole person-mind, body, and spirit-to create a space where healing, insight, and lasting change can take root.

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 specialize in helping individuals who are navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, and relationship challenges, alongside a wide range of life stressors and mental health concerns. I work best with clients who are motivated for growth and open to meaningful change, even when the process feels difficult. Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed by day-to-day stress, stuck in long-standing emotional patterns, or struggling to heal from past experiences that continue to impact their present lives. In our work together, I provide a supportive and non-judgmental space where you can feel safe to explore what you're going through

My style is eclectic and strength based. I see human nature as intrinsically good. Sigmund Freud said we are bio-social animals. I believe a great deal in listening to one’s self talk. The more positive our dialogue with ourselves is, the more positive our dialogues with others and our lives are. I’m also experienced in CBT, DBT, MI, Solution Focused, ACT, Gestalt, Interpersonal, and person-centered counseling.

My training includes lots of wonderful supervision and workshops, a three-year certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Chicago, and two one month intensives with Virginia Satir, the founder of family therapy. Virginia taught that exploring the self is like mining gold. We all have gold inside of us. That is our basic goodness. A lot of emotional suffering is the result of being detoured from that basic goodness.