LGBT therapists in Skokie, IL

I specialize in working with teens and adults navigating things like school refusal, emotional dysregulation, anger, self harm, anxiety, depression, OCD, life transitions, and personal growth. I work with teens ages 13 to 18 as well as adults, and my goal is to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and not alone in what you are going through.

Outside of my work, I enjoy being creative, staying organized, and spending time with my husband, our dog, and our two daughters, which helps me stay grounded and connected in my own life as well.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida and Illinois with over a decade of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, and relationship challenges. My therapeutic approach is integrative and trauma‐informed, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness‐based practices, and psychodynamic therapy. Across all modalities, my priority is to create a compassionate, grounded, and non‐judgmental space where you can explore your emotions, your history, and the parts of yourself that are seeking relief or connection.

I am a solution focused therapist with 39 years of experience. My therapy style is cognitive, interactive, compassionate, and, if need be, challenging. I believe effective therapy should produce change, not just insight. I will listen to you deeply, help conceptualize the problems, patterns, and dynamics which are causing you trouble, and give you feedback. Together, we will develop a strategy for more effective functioning and a better quality of life. therapy.

I do not do phone consultations.

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.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Illinois and New York. I received my Masters in Social Work from New York University and have been practicing for over 10 years. My experience includes helping children and young adults struggling with their emotions and relationships to find their strengths, accomplish their goals, manage their emotions, and helping them build a support system.