Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Illinois

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois and have been in the mental health field for over 20 years.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care. With a focus on both medication management and supportive psychotherapy, I treat adolescents and adults in navigating anxiety, depression, and life transitions.

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.

For more than 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals, couples, and families as they work toward healing, growth, and change. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor, and Substance Abuse Professional, I bring both deep clinical knowledge and a compassionate, down-to-earth approach to therapy.

I specialize in helping clients navigate life’s most personal challenges—including relationship and intimacy concerns, life transitions, grief and loss, trauma, and mental health struggles. I also provide substance abuse treatment, DOT/SAP evaluations, and recovery support using evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Reality Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, the Duluth Model, and the Matrix Model.

I have a special commitment to serving Black communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people living with HIV, re-entry populations, sex workers, and youth facing challenges. I understand how personal, cultural, and systemic factors shape each person’s story, and I create a safe, affirming space where clients feel truly seen and heard.

In our sessions, you can expect a respectful, judgment-free environment where your voice matters. I believe therapy works best as a partnership—we’ll set goals together, explore what’s holding you back, and develop practical strategies you can use in daily life a more fulfilling life. Whether you’re seeking support for a specific issue or simply want to invest in your personal growth, I’m here to help you take that next step.

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.