Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Crystal Lake, IL

I believe healing happens in the context of safe, attuned relationships. Whether I’m working with a child through play, supporting parents, or helping adults understand their relational patterns, my work is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and collaboration.

I have extensive experience working with children and families, particularly around attachment-related concerns, including families formed through foster care and adoption. I also enjoy working with adults who want to better understand how early relational experiences may still influence their relationships today.

I am trained in the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI), a research-based interview that can help adults explore how early experiences shape the way they connect with others. When appropriate, I can integrate this perspective into our therapy work together.

I have worked with individuals who suffers with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma and substance abuse disorders. The most profound thing that I've learned is that we can improve ourselves at any point in our lives. I earned my Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. As a LCSW, I have worked with diverse and vulnerable populations in both inpatient and outpatient settings. My goal is to assist individuals in reaching their highest potential.

I did not stumble into this work — I chose it, and I choose it every day. I am Bianca Gist, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and Indiana.

I am also a former collegiate athlete, and that background shapes how I show up — I know what it feels like to carry a lot and still need someone genuinely in your corner. My experience is rooted in the spaces where people need the most and are often given the least — Chicago Public Schools, foster care, home-based services, and community mental health. Through my private practice, Her Sole Purpose LLC, I work with children, adolescents, student-athletes, and families using CBT, ACT, and trauma-informed care. I use what works for the person in front of me, not a one-size-fits-all approach. I work well with people navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and the weight of environments that were not built for them. Therapy with me is honest, grounded, and focused on what actually helps you move forward — not just cope.

If any of this resonates, I would love to connect.

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.

Whether you're dealing with life stressors, relationship issues or cycles of anxiety and depression, I'm here to help. Together, we can identify what's not working and get you back to balance. We'll use a whole self approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself. Seeking therapy can feel scary, but you're making the right choice. You deserve a safe space to heal and grow.

I have 16 years of clinical experience, working with Children, adolescents, and adults. I provide individual, family, pre/post natal and couples counseling. I take a warm and inviting approach to ensure you feel comfortable as a client. I specialize in anxiety, depression, school concerns, family/ home concerns, friendship issues, ADHD, grief, narcissistic abuse, and autism. I also have 20 years of experience as a school social worker.