Find a therapist in Illinois — covered by insurance

I’m dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care for individuals of all backgrounds. My goal is to create a safe space where you feel supported, understood, and empowered to take control of your mental well-being. I value collaboration, transparency, and genuine connection in the healing process.

If you’ve been carrying stress, trauma, or emotional weight that’s starting to show up in your thoughts, relationships, or daily life, it can be hard to know where to start. I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationship stress, and the impact of past experiences. You might notice yourself overthinking, feeling easily overwhelmed, shutting down emotionally, or reacting in ways that don’t quite make sense to you. Many of my clients come in feeling stuck but ready to better understand themselves and move forward in a different way.

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.

If you're an adult navigating anxiety, depression, or relationship stress — and maybe feeling like

no one quite understands where you're coming from — you're in the right place. I've been

practicing for 15 years across community and clinical settings, working with adults and older

adults on mood, relationships, and the weight of everyday life. I'm bilingual in English and

Spanish, and having lived abroad myself, I genuinely enjoy working with people from a wide

range of cultural backgrounds. You don't have to explain your world to me — I'm here to

understand it.

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.

Hello,

Feeling unmotivated, anxious, and depressed? Having trouble getting out of bed? Feel like your anxiety is dragging you down? Having trouble getting through school? You have come to the right place. I love to meet my clients where they are at in their most desperate moments. We all need a good "pick me up" from time-to-time and speaking to a therapist is always a great first step. I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy. I have experience working with children and all the way up to geriatric population. I am a Chicago-Based Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am bi-lingual in English/Spanish. Let's begin your journey!

I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in Social Work at Northeastern Illinois University in 2013 and my Master's in Social Work at Aurora University in 2014.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a background in trauma-informed care, school social work, and a deep passion for supporting mothers, caregivers, and individuals healing from religious trauma. I work with children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation, ADHD, and spiritual wounding. My style is warm, grounded, and collaborative, with a focus on helping clients feel safe, seen, and heard. I offer a compassionate, judgment-free space for those processing complex life experiences, including clients who are deconstructing rigid belief systems or navigating the impact of spiritual abuse or exclusion. I welcome clients of all identities and backgrounds, and I deeply value honest connections and authenticity in the healing process.

Making the decision to begin therapy is a meaningful step, and I am committed to creating a space where you feel safe, supported, and truly heard. With over 18 years of experience as a school social worker, I have had the privilege of helping children, adolescents, and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion, understanding, and practical support. Throughout my career, I have worked with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns, family conflict, grief, trauma, life transitions, school-related stress, low self-esteem, and difficulty managing emotions. I believe every person’s story is unique, and therapy should be tailored to your individual needs, strengths, and goals. My hope is to walk alongside you as you move toward growth, healing, and a more fulfilling life.

When stress starts to build, it can affect more than just your day-to-day life. It can impact your mood, your energy, and your relationships. I work with adults and couples who are navigating anxiety, depression, workplace stress, and burnout. Many of my clients are used to juggling responsibilities, caring for others, and pushing through difficult seasons until they realize they're no longer feeling like themselves. You might feel constantly overwhelmed, mentally exhausted, or like you can’t fully “turn off” your mind. At the same time, stress can begin to show up in your relationships through miscommunication, distance, or frustration, making it harder to feel connected and supported.

Clients should know that I approach therapy with empathy, respect, and a genuine commitment to understanding their unique experiences. I believe that meaningful change happens when people feel safe, supported, and free from judgment.

My work is also shaped by personal experience with depression and anxiety, which has given me a deeper appreciation for the courage it takes to seek help and confront difficult emotions. Because of this, I strive to create a compassionate and collaborative space where clients feel heard and understood.

I view therapy as a partnership. Together, we work to build insight, develop practical tools, and support meaningful, lasting change.