Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Olympia Fields, IL

You’re capable and use to managing a lot, but lately life feels overwhelming.

I’m Ashley Walay, LICSW, and I work with BIPOC women and LGBTQ+ individuals, professionals, single parents, and military-connected individuals (including spouses, veterans, contractors, and civilian employees) experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, chronic stress, and life transitions.

I value clear, direct communication and tailor therapy to your needs, whether you want tools or space to process. Together, we’ll work toward greater clarity, balance, and confidence.

I am a licensed clinical social worker, clinical supervisor, and psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience helping individuals navigate trauma, emotional distress, and life transitions.

My career has included work in schools, outpatient counseling centers, and hospital settings, where I supported individuals facing mood disorders, addiction, and psychosis. I’ve worked with clients across the lifespan—from young children to older adults—and bring a broad, real-world perspective to my practice.

As a certified trainer in trauma-informed care, I use practical, effective tools to help you better understand your emotional responses, regulate stress, and feel more grounded. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your specific needs. I draw from a range of therapeutic techniques to help you gain insight, shift patterns, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Clients often tell me that our work together helps them feel less overwhelmed, more self-aware, and better able to cope with life’s challenges. I strive to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and comfortable being yourself.

Some of the feedback that I received from clients are:

"You give me a perspective so I don’t get stuck and I realize I don’t have to solve it all at once

"You have forever affected how I look at things in a positive way"

"You changed how I look at things. I know I can do it, so I achieve it. The re-parenting thing gives me a way to understand people and myself."

"You help people be comfortable in their own skin."

Dr. Opelt earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at New Mexico State University after completing his Master’s of Science in Educational Psychology: Community Counseling from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. During his graduate training, he earned certifications in Trauma Counseling and Multicultural Knowledge Basis in Mental Health Practices, and a graduate minor in Integrated Behavioral Health. Dr. Opelt has completed postdoctoral fellowships in research in Rehabilitation Psychology, with an emphasis on Multiple Sclerosis, at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and in clinical Rehabilitation and Pain Psychology at MedStar Health National Rehabilitation Hospital. He has focused his clinical work on adults who have concerns about insomnia, cognitive impairment, addiction, LGBT+ concerns, caregiver support, transplants, burn survivors, cancer, musculoskeletal diseases like MS and Parkinson’s disease, and those who have amputations. He is a licensed psychologist in Maryland and Illinois.

Welcome! I’m a passionate and dedicated Licensed Social Worker with over 15 years of experience supporting both youth and adults on their paths to healing. My focus lies in helping individuals navigate trauma, overcome anxiety disorders, and improve emotional well-being through child therapy and trauma-focused interventions.

I have been practicing since 2012, after being clinically trained at Loyola University Chicago, where I spent extensive time working with both adolescents and adults.

I have been helping clients globally with a variety of issues in my core areas of expertise, including addiction, mood disorders, and identity issues.

I am also certified in Financial Social Work, bridging my passions for personal finance and emotional well-being.