Grief counselors and therapists in Illinois

With over 20 years of clinical experience, I bring a compassionate, understanding and results-driven approach to therapy. My education began at Chicago State University where I received bachelor's degree and Jane Addams College of Social Work where I received my masters. I specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, mood, and personality disorders with clarity and confidence. Together, we’ll build practical tools and deeper insight so you can feel more in control and live your best life.

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.

Welcome! Join me on a journey to reclaim your sense of self, direction and empowerment. As a person who has struggled with life's hardships, I am compeled to help others in these difficult times. My credentials include; Licensed Professional Counselor (LCPC), Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC) and an Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (ICDVP).

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over a decade of experience in mental health care, supporting individuals across inpatient and outpatient settings. Through my work, I have cared for clients with a wide range of needs, including chronic and severe mental health conditions, and I understand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate symptoms while trying to maintain daily life.

My care philosophy is centered on partnership. Treatment is not about taking over your care, but about working with you to explore your symptoms, goals, and values. Together, we develop a treatment plan that feels respectful, personalized, and empowering. If you have concerns or hesitations about medication, we will discuss all available options openly and thoughtfully, moving at a pace that feels right for you.

I work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, OCD, and other mood and thought-related conditions. During the initial session, we focus on understanding your concerns, reviewing your history, and identifying practical steps toward improvement. Care may include psychiatric evaluation, medication management when appropriate, brief psychotherapy, education, and ongoing support.

I believe mental health care should feel supportive, clear, and collaborative—not rushed or overwhelming.

You do not have to face these challenges alone. My role is to help you reduce symptoms, strengthen coping skills, and regain balance so you can function at your best and move forward with confidence and stability.

I offer a kind, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can show up exactly as you are. Many people come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, emotionally drained, or unsure how to move forward. You may be dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, relationship issues, or simply the weight of trying to hold everything together on your own. My goal is to help you feel safe, heard, and supported as we work through what is weighing on you. Therapy with me is about creating a space where you do not have to have all the answers right away - just a willingness to begin.

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor with over 28 years of experience guiding individuals and families through their unique journeys toward emotional well-being. I received my Master’s of Science in Psychology from Western Illinois University in 1994 and have worked within a variety of settings with people of all ages addressing complex mental health issues.

Throughout my career, I have supported clients facing a wide range of challenges, and I am committed to creating a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space for healing and growth.

As a grandparent to three wonderful grandchildren, I appreciate the richness and complexity of family life at every stage. In my free time, I love to travel, explore new places, and immerse myself in different cultures. A lifelong reader, I find joy and insight in literature, and I often bring the wisdom of stories into my therapeutic practice. My passions for creativity, travel, and family help me understand the variety of experiences my clients bring, and I strive to honor each person’s individuality in my practice.

Whether you are seeking support for yourself or a loved one, I look forward to meeting you and walking alongside you on your path to greater well-being.

My name is Najm Zaman, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges, heal from trauma, and build lasting resilience.

My professional journey spans over 15 years across clinical practice, healthcare operations, and community leadership. I hold both a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Adelphi University. Throughout my career, I have served in diverse roles—from supervising foster care programs to leading community-based non-profit organizations and wellness initiatives. This background allows me to understand my clients not just in isolation, but within the broader context of their environments, families, and communities.

While I work with a wide range of individuals, my primary areas of specialization include:

• Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders
• Anxiety and Mood Management
• Life Transitions and Identity Development
• Youth, Young Adult, and Family Dynamics

Hello,

Feeling unmotivated, anxious, and depressed? Having trouble getting out of bed? Feel like your anxiety is dragging you down? Having trouble getting through school? You have come to the right place. I love to meet my clients where they are at in their most desperate moments. We all need a good "pick me up" from time-to-time and speaking to a therapist is always a great first step. I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy. I have experience working with children and all the way up to geriatric population. I am a Chicago-Based Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am bi-lingual in English/Spanish. Let's begin your journey!

I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in Social Work at Northeastern Illinois University in 2013 and my Master's in Social Work at Aurora University in 2014.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. I care deeply about creating a safe, supportive space where you feel comfortable being yourself. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, PTSD, and stress. I believe that every person’s story matters, and your care should reflect your unique needs and goals.

I listen intuitively — 100% judgment free, with unconditional support. In our work together you'll increase confidence and manage stress more effectively.

We'll uncover the root of what's troubling you, explore new perspectives, and shift into healthier thought patterns.

This is done by integrating evidence based and mind-body approaches, which tends to bring clients RELIEF and CLARITY.

Are you tired of carrying things that are just too heavy for you to carry alone anymore? As a licensed professional counselor, I can help you carry that load. In my 12 years as a counselor, I've worked with families, children, adolescents, and adults of all ages in homes, outpatient offices, and online. I have a Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision, and have taught in graduate counseling programs, but my first love is working directly with individuals who are dealing with the effects of trauma, grief, burnout, or anxiety. I am a Christian and would be happy to incorporate your spiritual beliefs, whether Christian or not, into our work together, if desired.