Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Crystal Lake, IL

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

Hi, I’m Gretchen, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP, ANCC) with a Master of Science in Nursing from Lewis University. I work with individuals, teens, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, ADHD, and substance use concerns, providing care in both English and Spanish. I bring experience from emergency departments, inpatient units, outpatient clinics, and private practice, and I strive to create a safe, judgment-free space where clients feel heard, respected, and supported. I value collaboration and flexibility, tailoring each session to your needs so you can feel empowered to make meaningful changes.

Clients should know that I approach therapy with empathy, respect, and a genuine commitment to understanding their unique experiences. I believe that meaningful change happens when people feel safe, supported, and free from judgment.

My work is also shaped by personal experience with depression and anxiety, which has given me a deeper appreciation for the courage it takes to seek help and confront difficult emotions. Because of this, I strive to create a compassionate and collaborative space where clients feel heard and understood.

I view therapy as a partnership. Together, we work to build insight, develop practical tools, and support meaningful, lasting change.

Healing the mind starts with being truly heard. I’m Dr. Joetta Little, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who helps adults navigate a wide range of mental health challenges—from anxiety, depression, and trauma to mood, thought, and personality disorders. My approach combines evidence-based treatment with empathy and collaboration, creating a safe space where every story matters. Whether you’re seeking stability, clarity, or peace, we’ll work together to uncover what wellness looks like for you.✨ Your healing starts here—with care that sees the whole person, not just the diagnosis.

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.

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.

Hi! I'm Dawn, and I'm excited to meet you. Life can feel overwhelming when anxiety, depression, family stress, relationship difficulties, or painful experiences leave you feeling stuck, disconnected, or unsure where to turn next. You may be trying to balance the needs of everyone around you while struggling to care for yourself. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, stress, panic disorders, anger management concerns, infertility, chronic illness, women's issues, family conflict, and relationship challenges. My background in children and family services and my training in infant and early childhood mental health allow me to support individuals and families through life's many transitions. My goal is to provide a compassionate space where you feel safe, heard, and supported while we work together to better understand your experiences and create meaningful, lasting change.

I have over 3 decades of experience working in the fields of mental health and social work. I work with youth, adults, and couples who are struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, relationship issues, and school refusal.

I have spent my career learning and translating theories into practice with individuals, families, couples, and groups. For the last few years, I've gained deeper knowledge working with trauma, anxiety, couples, and the LGBTQIA+ population.