Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Normal, IL

"Having experienced personal trauma myself, I approach healing with genuine empathy and understanding, creating a safe, compassionate space for growth and connection."

I’m a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 16 years of experience in healthcare. I’m passionate about supporting individuals and families as they navigate mental health challenges, trauma, and life transitions. I work with adults balancing family and work demands while managing anxiety, depression, or past experiences. My goal is to help each person strengthen their sense of connection, well-being, and self-awareness through compassionate, personalized care.

I earned my Master’s in Nursing from Maryville University. My approach is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and a trauma-informed perspective. I incorporate cognitive-behavioral strategies, mindfulness, and holistic techniques to meet the unique needs of each client and foster a safe space for growth and healing.

I understand that reaching out for support can feel vulnerable, but it’s also an empowering act of courage and self-care. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone, and together we can work toward balance, healing, and renewed hope. I invite you to take the next step toward the care and connection you deserve.

"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 a male African-American therapist of color, I believe that I can help you with the understanding and development of coping skills to get better."

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 believe all individuals have the capabilities and interpersonal strengths to create meaningful and lasting changes as they work through the challenges life presents on their journey."

Kelly Long is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of dedicated experience. She specializes in supporting adults and seniors navigating challenges such as depression, anxiety, parenting, neurodivergent family dynamics, blended families, postpartum issues, grief, and post-COVID transitions. Kelly is passionate about helping individuals identify their strengths and move toward positive change. She welcomes the opportunity to walk alongside clients on their unique journeys.

Kelly earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Illinois. She has experience in crisis intervention, Employee Assistance Programs, and school social work. Her clinical methods include CBT, solution-focused therapy, and strength-based therapy, meeting clients where they are emotionally and mentally.

Kelly believes in the power of connection and healing. She meets clients with compassion and a client-centered mindset, working to empower them through life’s challenges. Her goal is to support individuals in building resilience and uncovering their strengths for lasting change.

"I believe my role as a therapist is to provide a safe place for people to explore their true feelings without fear of judgment and find their best selves through the exploration of their values and the development of healthy living skills."

Lee Scott is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 11 years of field experience helping clients cope with feelings of stress, anxiety, grief and loss, low motivation, poor self-esteem, low confidence, depression, and emotional fatigue. He has worked with the homeless population, individuals struggling with mental health conditions, and elderly victims of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Lee believes in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. He establishes a healthy and constructive therapist-client relationship by understanding how people’s experiences and beliefs shape how they think about themselves and the world.

Lee received his Master of Social Work from Aurora University. He tailors care to individual needs and uses cognitive behavioral therapy, compassion-focused therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness techniques.

Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and Lee is here to support you. He believes that truly supporting a person's growth includes occasionally challenging their viewpoints. Lee is ready to start the journey with you and encourages you to schedule an appointment today!

"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!