Our counselors offer counseling for teens in Joliet, IL

With two years of experience in the mental health field and a foundational five years of intensive CNA experience, I bring a unique blend of deep clinical expertise and hands-on, compassionate care to my practice. I specialize in helping individuals navigate the heavy weight of trauma, anxiety, and depression, creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where healing begins. 

Holding a Master of Social Work from Indiana Wesleyan University, I combine evidence-based methods- including trauma-informed care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing- with a profound understanding of the human need for empathy. My goal is to empower you to build resilience, discover healthier coping strategies, and move forward with confidence. 

Taking the first step is overwhelming, but you don't have to walk it alone. Together, we can work toward true healing and lasting change.

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 14 years of combined clinical experience in internal medicine and psychiatry. I am double board-certified in adult and psychiatric mental health practice, providing comprehensive psychiatric assessments, diagnoses, and medication management for individuals ages six and older with mood, substance use, or eating disorders. I have experience working in hospitals, residential treatment facilities, and outpatient settings, including PHP and IOP programs.

I earned my Doctorate in Nursing from the University of Alabama. My approach is collaborative and education-driven, empowering clients to make informed decisions about their mental health through evidence-based treatment options. I strive to create a balanced partnership that supports lasting wellness and self-efficacy.

I am committed to providing compassionate, personalized, and holistic care. Whether addressing medication management or broader mental health goals, I tailor each session to meet your unique needs. I invite you to take the next step toward healing and balance by scheduling an appointment with me.

Marc Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker through the state of Illinois. He is an African-American male therapist with 20+ years of working with individuals, children, adolescents, and families who are in crisis. He has expertise in family relationships, children and adolescent issues, marital issues, and individual therapeutic and counseling concerns.

Marc Smith has a master's degree in social work. Mr. Smith also has many years of experience in child welfare and social services.

Marc Smith is an empathetic, thoughtful therapist and counselor who can support you and give you the support you deserve.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 29 years of experience helping adolescents and adults navigate anxiety, depression, and mood disorders such as bipolar disorder. My goal is to provide a supportive and collaborative space where clients feel understood and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives. I approach each session with empathy, insight, and a focus on practical strategies that build emotional awareness, strengthen coping skills, and promote lasting personal growth.

I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Aurora University. My therapeutic style integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and behavior modification to help clients manage emotions, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and achieve goals aligned with their personal values and life aspirations.

I bring warmth, humor, and authenticity to each session, fostering a safe and supportive space where clients can feel comfortable being themselves. My goal is to make therapy both productive and enjoyable while empowering clients to overcome obstacles and rediscover hope. I believe that with the right support, anything is possible.

I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with 2 years of experience supporting adults and college students as they navigate life’s challenges. My background includes work in private practice, medical settings, and higher education, where I have provided therapy, crisis support, case management, and teaching services. I help clients work through concerns related to anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, divorce, spirituality, identity development, and adjustment issues. I strive to create a compassionate, collaborative space where you can explore your emotions, feel understood, and begin building meaningful change.

I earned my master’s degree in counseling from Northern Illinois University. I draw from empowerment practices, solution-focused strategies, and trauma-informed, mindfulness-based approaches to support whole-person wellness.

I believe everyone is working toward purpose, and during life’s hardest moments, we all deserve compassion and care. You have the power to choose how you show up in the world, and I am honored to support you as you define what healing looks like for you. I look forward to helping you align your mind, body, and spirit as we navigate this journey together.

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!

Erin is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has 8 years of clinical experience with mental health and substance abuse treatment. She is better able to understand how prevalent the relationship is between substance abuse, trauma history, and marginalization. Erin's foundation in education deepens her perspective and understanding of how a client, just as a student, is a human first. With a humanistic perspective, Erin compassionately listens to her client's story. Her experience helps facilitate skill building to encourage confidence to make personal change toward improved symptom management and recovery.

Erin has a Master's in Education and a Professional Educator's License. Erin has worked in a variety of treatment levels, including inpatient, outpatient, schools, and residential environments, has given Erin a broader perspective on how integrative collaboration works within a complex mental health treatment model. I have worked with clients/patients who have a variety of diagnoses, presenting symptoms and problems. Implementing differentiated therapeutic modalities across diverse levels of functioning in individual and group settings has made their counseling interventions more effective and sensitive to different populations, experiences, and identities.

Erin is passionate about working with underprivileged populations. Erin finds meaning as a therapist who serves those who have experienced chronic trauma and substance abuse as well as providing support and encouragement to children who have faced adverse experiences. Erin's experience can offer clients effective and therapeutic mental health and substance abuse treatment. Please consider investing in your health and happiness today.

**Children under the age of 12 years old must be seen for in-person sessions.

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.