Find a therapist in Illinois — covered by insurance

Feeling truly understood can be life changing, especially when you have spent so much of your life feeling like you have to explain yourself. Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship challenges, or exploring your identity, therapy offers a space to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and move toward the life you want to create. I work with adults and couples throughout the Chicagoland area, with a special passion for supporting LGBTQ clients and fellow immigrants as they build healthier relationships, greater self compassion, and a stronger sense of belonging.

Hi, I'm Tierra Kinnard, LCSW, and founder of Step by Step Healing Services, LLC. With more than 16 years of experience in the mental health field, I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion, understanding, and evidence-based care. I believe healing begins in a space where you feel safe, heard, and accepted exactly as you are. I specialize in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Excoriation (Skin Picking Disorder), Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling Disorder), anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief and loss. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including members of the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. I understand the profound impact that mental health challenges can have on individuals, families, and relationships, and I am committed to helping clients build resilience, find relief, and create meaningful change

I was born and raised in Montana and have a genuine passion for nature and the outdoors. I received my Bachelors in Psychology at Montana State University in 2001. I then pursued my Masters of Social Work degree and graduated in 2008 from the University of Montana. This graduate program had a focus on providing a social justice and integrated practitioner perspective. I have an eclectic style that can be tailored to each unique individual. My primary therapeutic methods include Mindfulness Based, Holistic, Exposure, Narrative, Cognitive and Behavioral, Strengths Based & Solution Focused Therapies. I provide a non-judgmental and compassionate environment that often helps people feel comfortable. A true passion of mine is structuring therapeutic activities for clients to express, process, increase self-awareness, and de-stress from life’s challenging and developmental experiences.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Ph.D. in Sociology, bridging clinical practice and research. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating depression, life transitions, racial/ethnic identity and relational challenges, and burnout, with a focus on college students, young adults, Black women, and other people of color. Using a relational approach to therapy, I strive to create a space where you feel safe and empowered to embrace your authentic self. My goal is to help you move through your experiences with clarity and a deeper connection to who you truly are.

Hello, I'm glad you're here! I'm Vernetta, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I hold a Master Degree in Counseling Psychology and a Master in Organizational Psychology. I am a Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC). I have a significant history working with Adolescents and Families, and Substance Abuse treatment. I provide psychotherapy for individuals, families and groups dealing with many mental health concerns including but, not limited to: depression, anxiety, anger management, grief and loss, parenting and behavioral issues, women issues and I can provide Christian counseling as well. I would appreciate the opportunity walk beside you and assist you on your journey to healing.

Hello, I’m Shelia Ransom Jenkins, MSW, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience supporting adolescents, adults, couples, and families through life’s challenges. I offer a compassionate, trauma-informed, and client-centered approach to therapy, creating a safe space where individuals feel heard, supported, and empowered.

I hold a Master of Social Work and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, and my professional background includes work in community mental health, educational settings, and clinical leadership roles. I have experience helping clients manage anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, relationship and family conflict, behavioral concerns, life transitions, and stress related to work, school, and personal growth. I also have specialized training in perinatal mental health, supporting individuals experiencing postpartum depression and related mood disorders.

My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, and strengths-based interventions, tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals. I believe therapy is most effective when it is collaborative, practical, and rooted in trust.

Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, navigating a difficult transition, or seeking deeper self-understanding, my goal is to support you with empathy, clarity, and encouragement as you work toward healing and lasting change.

I have been working as a therapist since 2008. I am very client-focused, allowing each child/youth I work with to guide treatment. I encourage parents to be active in the treatment process. I try my best to make therapy never feel like "therapy".