Therapists, Counselors and Psychologists in Joliet, IL

"I truly believe that true healing begins with understanding, so I am not here to make assumptions but to listen attentively so I can better understand the impact of your mental health struggles and then work together to improve the quality of your life."

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.

"I am inspired by the resilience of the human spirit. As Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "What lies before you and what lies behind you are tiny matters compared to what lies WITHIN you." I strive to help clients realize how much potential they have within them to face and overcome the difficulties of life."

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with 10 years of experience, and more than 6 years of experience working as a therapist. Prior to working as a professional counselor, I provided clinical case management to individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues in a variety of settings. I am passionate about helping individuals who are striving to overcome issues like depression, anxiety, life transitions, anger, self-destructive behavior (substance use, self-sabotage, etc.), and existential crises.

I completed my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University and my Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Marquette University. I take a strength-based approach with each client, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in my care.

As a counselor who has been influenced by the work of Dr. Viktor Frankl, I place emphasis on helping clients to create meaning in the midst of difficult circumstances in order to turn tragedies into triumphs. If you are ready to explore how you can best respond to your current challenges, schedule an appointment with me today.

"As one who has experienced personal trauma and loss, I have an authentic understanding of how we are impacted by painful life circumstances and how building new life skills can empower us once again."

I am a Licensed Social Worker with 1 year of experience supporting individuals on their paths to healing and growth. I specialize in working with diverse populations facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions. My approach is grounded in compassion and authenticity, and I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel supported, heard, and empowered. I believe therapy is a collaborative journey where clients can explore challenges, build resilience, and discover healthier ways of moving forward.

I have a Master of Social Work from Indiana Wesleyan University, where I gained a strong foundation in evidence-based therapeutic methods. My approach draws from trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing to help clients gain insight, develop coping strategies, and move toward personal growth with confidence and support.

I understand that taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. My goal is to walk alongside you with compassion and care, creating a supportive space where your voice matters. Together, we can work toward clarity, healing, and meaningful change in your life.

"I understand life can be challenging at times, and pursuing therapy can be a tough decision for some, but the goal is for you to receive the help that 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.

"As a Black woman, I have an authentic understanding of how trauma and life experiences can shape our lives as we work to build skills to reshape our futures."

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.

"As a clinician, I have an authentic, unique approach centered on each client and their unique needs."

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.

"As a clinical counselor, I utilize a holistic approach to therapy."

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!

"As John Steinbeck once wrote, “The best-laid plans of mice and men do often go astray; “ please allow me to use my professional experience to help you help yourself to successfully navigate through life’s changes."

Nancy (Nan) Fredrick is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 11 years of experience working in the mental health field. Nan’s clients are usually adolescents and adults trying to cope with - or prepare for - life struggles. Nan is passionate about meeting her clients where they are at in their journey, supporting them and gently challenging them to do the best they can do with the resources they have, while encouraging the development of new resources. Nan specializes in working with clients with adjustment issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and grief and loss.

Nan earned her Master’s in Community Counseling from Argosy University in Schaumburg, Illinois. She has been through many transitions herself, including a mid-life career change from the world of manufacturing and supply planning to the world of counseling. Nan has provided services in many different settings including a long-term care facility, community agencies, a prison, and a medical clinic. Nan’s experience coupled with her education makes her a well-rounded clinician. Nan tends to be eclectic in her approach to treatment, depending on the client’s needs, and frequently uses cognitive behavioral (CBT) and dialectical behavioral (DBT) interventions.

Life can be hard. Sometimes we make life difficult through our own actions, and other times we experience difficulties through no fault of our own. Either way, we may need help navigating through those difficulties from a non-judgmental, empathetic source. Nan is confident that she will be able to provide you with the tools you need to navigate life’s up and downs. Are you struggling? Are you ready for help? If so, please call and schedule an appointment with Nan today.

"Therapy fosters human connection and provides the space for encouragement toward healing, empowerment, and self-actualization."

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.

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 have personally experienced trauma, and when I overcame those obstacles, it gave me a new understanding of compassion and empathy for those I want to help."

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 11 years of experience providing therapy to adults and older adolescents. My professional background includes work in hospital settings, community outpatient programs, and crisis intervention services. I specialize in helping clients manage anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and life transitions through an integrative, compassionate, and goal-focused approach.

I earned my Master’s in Art Therapy and Counseling from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I take an evidence-based approach using cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, tailoring methods to each client’s needs while fostering emotional growth and resilience.

I believe everyone deserves respect, understanding, and compassion. My goal is to help clients strengthen their coping skills and gain confidence as they work toward a more fulfilling life. Taking the first step toward therapy requires courage, and I am here to walk with you through that process with warmth and professional support.

"Life can be tough, and depression, anxiety, or past experiences can hold us back. I'm here to assist you in overcoming those challenges and building a more fulfilling existence."

Sebin Jose is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a decade of experience helping individuals from diverse backgrounds who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and substance use disorders. He creates personalized treatment plans using evidence-based approaches to address the specific needs of his clients. Together, you'll identify areas for improvement and build resilience in a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.

Sebin received his Master of Social Work from Mangalore University. He often uses cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoanalytic therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based techniques. Sebin ensures care is tailored to each client’s beliefs and cultural context.

Do you feel overwhelmed by depression, anxiety, trauma, or past experiences? Many people struggle with their mental health, and seeking help is a sign of strength. Sebin fosters a collaborative and strength-based approach, empowering clients to discover their inner resilience and develop healthier coping mechanisms. You are not alone!

"As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I see the connections we have with ourselves and the world—I believe in working toward finding balance between the two."

Chelsea Webb is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 5 years of experience. She specializes in helping clients of all ages to manage depression, anxiety, grief, major life transitions, relationship issues, and more.

Chelsea completed her Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at Valdosta State University. Chelsea utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, and solution-focused therapy (SFT).

Chelsea hopes to be the first step in moving toward the life you desire. If you are ready to make changes, schedule an appointment with her today.