Our providers offer obsessive-compulsive disorder therapy in Joliet, IL

As a Licensed Social Worker with a background in intensive healthcare, I bring a deeply compassionate, real-world approach to healing relationships and minds. I specialize in couples therapy, anxiety, and depression, helping both individuals and partners navigate the heavy seasons of life.

I help partners move past chronic conflict, heal from emotional distance, and rebuild trust using evidence-based, collaborative relationship strategies. For individuals battling anxiety, depression, or life-altering curveballs, I provide structured CBT and trauma-informed care to help you discover practical coping tools and and regain your confidence.

Whether you are working to heal your relationship or your own internal peace, you don’t have to walk this path alone. Let's work together to build a resilient, fulfilling future.

Ralph Pollaro is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 17 years of experience. He specializes in working with adolescents and adults with mental health issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship issues, effective communication, and existential processing. With Ralph, clients will learn steps to manage their mental health needs and increase adaptive behaviors. They will examine their progress and discern what goals they would like to achieve.

Ralph has a Master of Arts in Counseling from Saint Xavier University Chicago. He uses cognitive behavioral, person-centered, existential, and Adlerian therapies to assist clients in understanding their behaviors and how they can change to be their best selves. Clients will explore the whole self: body, mind, and emotional well-being.

Quality of care is the basis for successful healing. Using several theoretical systems, Ralph will help you problem-solve issues and work through past experiences. Ralph is looking forward to empowering you to manage life’s challenges!

I am a dedicated licensed clinical social worker/therapist who truly believes in offering quality mental health support. I typically work with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, grief, and stress management, and I also enjoy working with couples. The clients I support are seeking coping skills and tools to guide them through their mental health challenges, as well as a safe space where they can learn the root of their symptoms and ways to address them. 

My approach is gentle and caring, using CBT, narrative therapy, and trauma-focused solutions to help guide my clients to self-efficacy. I like to infuse journaling, meditation, and workbooks/resources to support my clients. I also have a 40-hour Domestic Violence Certificate and use Gottman training for couples. 

As you are on your journey, you deserve support and a safe space to help you face your mental health challenges. Life can become better once you learn the coping skills, tools, and support systems to help you navigate through challenging times. Take the next step and schedule an appointment with me. We can take this journey together. You are not alone.

Michelle Barraco is a Master’s level psychotherapist, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). She has 14 years of clinical experience working with children, adolescents and adults challenged with a variety of mental health and life concerns including but not limited to depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, grief, stress, substance use, addiction and relationship conflicts. Utilizing a cognitive behavioral therapy approach among other modalities that fit your treatment needs, she will work with you to develop a greater insight and effective strategies to manage the stressful and distressful situations in your life. She also strives to create an emotionally supportive, non-judgmental environment while providing clinical insight to guide you throughout this process. It takes an immense amount of courage to take those first steps towards change and seek help for a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that step, she is here to support and empower you. She looks forward to working with you!

I am a licensed social worker (LSW) with 5 years of experience in the mental health field. I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral concerns, and family-related stressors. I have experience supporting individuals and families as they manage challenges at home, school, and within their communities.

I earned my master’s degree in social work from Aurora University and a Bachelor of Science in human services from Quincy University. My clinical approach is person-centered and incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients identify goals, build coping skills, and work toward stability and success in daily life.

I enjoy working with individuals from all backgrounds and strive to create a space where clients feel safe, supported, and truly heard. My goal is to ensure you leave each session feeling validated, empowered, and confident in your ability to navigate life’s challenges.