Find a therapist in Illinois — covered by insurance

I have over 3 decades of experience working in the fields of mental health and social work. I work with youth, adults, and couples who are struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, relationship issues, and school refusal.

I have spent my career learning and translating theories into practice with individuals, families, couples, and groups. For the last few years, I've gained deeper knowledge working with trauma, anxiety, couples, and the LGBTQIA+ population.

You might be carrying things you have never said out loud, especially if you have spent your life feeling like you had to explain or defend who you are before anyone would really listen. I work with young adults and adolescents, particularly those from BIPOC backgrounds, who are looking for a space where they do not have to translate themselves first. My approach is warm and direct, and I bring cultural responsiveness and faith sensitivity into our work because I believe healing should honor all of who you are, not just the parts that are easiest to talk about.

Hi, I’m Dr. Traore, PMHNP, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner passionate about helping clients find calm, clarity, and confidence in their daily lives. My background spans medication management, psychotherapy, and holistic care for individuals facing anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and mood disorders. I hold a doctoral degree in nursing practice and bring years of experience supporting clients across diverse backgrounds. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and genuinely understood.

My name is Carolyn and I am a clinical social worker. Please know that I am a solution focused, trusted professional who you will find easy to talk to. I have worked with many clients and have been successful meeting their needs and helping them through difficult times. I provide individual sessions with children and adults, as well as sessions with couples and families . I‘m a great listener and I provide evidence based strategies/interventions to support my clients . Let’s get started

Life comes with challenges—whether it's day-to-day anxiety, work stress, seasonal changes in mood, grief, or major life transitions. Having a strong support system can make all the difference, and sometimes an unbiased, compassionate person to talk to is exactly what you need. Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, and while we haven't met yet, I'm glad you're taking this step.

I've been a healthcare social worker for nearly 10 years, supporting children, teens, adults, and families through life transitions, grief, serious illness, and challenging hospital experiences. These experiences have reinforced my belief that everyone deserves a space where they feel heard, understood, and supported.

Growing up, my family didn't talk much about emotions or healthy ways to cope. That experience sparked my passion for helping others build self-awareness, resilience, and confidence in navigating life's ups and downs.

My goal is to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where you can be yourself, explore what's bringing you to therapy, and work toward meaningful, lasting change—at your own pace.

I’m warm, down-to-earth, and genuinely invested in the people I work with. I want therapy to feel like a safe, comfortable conversation where you can show up exactly as you are—even on the days when you don’t quite know what to say.

I use empathy, honesty, and humor in my sessions, and I’m not afraid to be direct when I think it will help you grow. I’ll validate what you’re feeling, but I’ll also gently challenge you to look at patterns, consider different perspectives, and recognize the things that may be keeping you stuck. I’m not the kind of therapist who will simply nod for an hour while you do all the work.

I believe you are the expert on your own life. My job is to listen, help you make sense of what you’re experiencing, and give you practical tools to create meaningful change. We can talk about the hard things, celebrate the wins, laugh when we need to, and work together toward helping you feel more like the person you want to be.

Building meaningful connections and providing care that fits real life is at the heart of my practice as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I focus on anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and I am committed to creating a welcoming space for clients from all walks of life. Whether you are taking your first steps toward mental health support or continuing a longer journey, you will find a collaborative and open environment here. My practice is built around flexibility, accessibility, and a genuine desire to understand what you need to thrive.

Are you struggling with navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, or simply looking to reconnect with yourself? I am a licensed therapist dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can get to know yourself better and optimize your mental wellbeing. My goal is to create a therapeutic space grounded in compassion, empowerment, and trust. Healing is possible—and you don’t have to do it alone. Let’s take the next step together. Click the link in my bio to schedule a free consultation!

Humility, honesty and humor are what I value most in my relationships with my clients to create lasting change. I work with people from a variety of backgrounds and genders, but I specialize in helping women heal from relationship and attachment trauma so they can overcome anxiety, navigate changes in their relationships and careers, reconnect with their sense of self, and create healthier, more fulfilling connections.

My other specialty is working with those in the helping professions to support them in advocacy and in overcoming compassion fatigue and burnout.

I got my MSW (Master of Social Work) at Aurora University to become a therapist in 2012. I got my start in community mental health, working in post-adoption and focusing on trauma and attachment work with families. I transitioned to private practice in September 2021.