Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Illinois

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 believe therapy should feel safe, empowering and collaborative. I approach each client with compassion, curiosity and respect for their lived experience. In our work together, you can expect honesty, encouragement and practical tools you can apply outside of sessions.

I am a compassionate psychiatric provider that is dedicated to my practice. I started my psychiatric career as a technician in forensic psychiatry. I worked with individuals who had comitted crimes and were either attempting to determine competency, or were found not guilty by reason of insanity. As my education blossomed, I began working as a nurse on a child and adolescent crisis stabilization unit. I found a massive love for child and adolescent psychiatry and spent most of my career working crisis stabilization and residential psychiatric care for children and adolescents. This gave me significant experience working with many different cultures. After I graduated with my doctorate, I began working psychiatric outpatient. I now see patients of all ages (children 4+, adolescents, adults and geriatric). I thrive on a strong therapeutic relationship and making sure my patients feel heard. I am open minded and non-bias. You are safe with me.

I've spent 14 years helping people navigate their mental health. I believe you deserve a provider who truly knows you — not just your chart. I offer both in-person and telehealth appointments, so you can choose what works best for your schedule and your life. My work centers on psychiatric evaluation and medication management, and I take the time to fully understand what's going on before any treatment decisions are made. I'm direct, accessible, and committed to being a steady, consistent presence in your care.

My name is Lauren Dircks, and I have been supporting people for 3 years through a variety of challenges. I have a masters degree in Social Work and am a fully licensed social worker. I help those working through anxiety, depression, grief/loss, relationship challenges, postpartum depression, life adjustments, and much more. I specialize in working with those 13 years and older.

My clients seek to understand and accept themselves and their life experiences. Together we will explore how your past is impacting your present, so you can ultimately move toward a better future.

I work with individuals, couples and families from an attachment and systems perspective, knowing we experience many wounds through relationships but through the right relationships we can also experience healing.

It is important in my work that I allow the client's cultural context inform my treatment.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have more than ten years experience providing services to individuals age 4 to 60+, with my primary practice focus working with children and adolescents, young adults, and parents/caregivers. I am a Certified Parent Peer Support Specialist in addition to my clinical licensure. I have experience working with a variety of diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, Autism, ADHD, etc. I have also worked with individuals with mild to moderate cognitive disabilities in addition to their mental health diagnoses.

I have been practicing in the field of mental health for twelve years after receiving a Master of Social Work from University of Saint Francis. My hope is to help you navigate through the various stressors that are bringing you into therapy, in a warm, safe, confidential space. I want to help you understand what is maintaining your negative feelings and behaviors and find ways to work through them in a way that allows you to live your life to the fullest.

I have been a therapist for 30 years, and I love it. I love talking with people, getting to know people & helping them uncover their strengths, to help define a path forward. I have been lucky enough to work with so many different people, from different back grounds, in multiple settings. I am here to hold space for you, to provide a safe, non-judgmental place in your life.

I grew up on the south side of Chicago. I am married and have two adult children. I have been a registered nurse for 30 years, primarily in women’s health and psychology and psychiatry nursing. I became a clinical mental health counselor 5 years ago, graduated from Bradley University.