Mindful Behavior takes an innovative approach when it comes to the community it serves.
We know it can be difficult to find a counselor that takes your insurance but also even more difficult to find a counselor you can personally connect with.
Here at MB we do our best to contract various counselors around the Chicagoland area that can fit both of those needs. We also connect with other practices for a large range of referral sources. We work closely with the Chicago Police Department, DCFS, our Alderman and other State representatives to try to meet the community's needs.
Meet the Team
-
Elisa has worked with many individuals, couples and families over 7 years addressing schemas and family functionality. She has trained under the supervision of various Psychologists and Psychiatrists which has helped her pay close attention to how the brain processes information and how to retrain the brain to make beneficial changes. She is CBT and DBT trained and has various certifications on trauma and mood disorders. She helps clients identify emotions and symptoms that affect their daily functioning. She enjoys structuring her sessions but is also very empathetic and person-centered. Elisa's goal is to help clients rewire the way they view relationships and commit to a healthy change. On her time off, Elisa enjoys time with her 9 children and grandbabies. She loves hiking, camping, and fishing but also a good football game and boxing. Elaine Habla Espanol.
-
I approach therapy with a mindset of exploration and action. So many of us endure life’s turbulence through poor reactions and judgments that come from a place of fear, pain, and worry. I see my role as a therapist to help accompany my clients on their journey through turbulence. Through the feelings of inadequacy, frustration, pride and bring about change with awareness. This awareness is key to change and initiates a call to action whereby the person can find serenity in their lives. This is not an easy journey, and it helps to have someone neutral on your side.
I have served various kinds of people including people suffering from anxiety, anger, depression, suicide, and psychosis. I am a LGBTQIA+ ally and have helped with many kinds of family and relationship issues. I have also worked with adolescents and adults from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
I practice from a humanistic philosophy and believe awareness and acceptance are the biggest steps towards change. Once the first step has been taken, then action must occur for change to really stick. I implement a Person-Centered Gestalt guideline with Behavioral and Solution Focus techniques to foster greater change towards goals. Therapy is not an easy road, but you reading this shows all the strength needed for better change. If you’re ready please call me, I’m here.
-
Desiree is responsible for financial planning and analyzing the company's financial strengths and weaknesses and proposing strategic directions. She directs and oversees the financial activities of the corporation, directs the preparation of current financial reports and summaries, and creates forecasts predicting future growth. Desiree is responsible for ensuring clients are fully aware of their financial responsibilities and update staff on any issues with insurances. Desiree loves to create music and spend time with her baby. She is loving and caring and enjoys nice long drives down LSD.
-
I have been in the medical field since 2010 and have my certification as a Medical Assistant. My strengths include a strong work ethic and attention to detail. As the office manager, I ensure everyone’s needs are met and verify that we function smoothly as a practice. I enjoy being friendly to both staff and clients by creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I enjoy spending time with my family and having a good time.
-
I have experience in maintaining the daily operations of the office. I assist, coordinate with clients and therapists and address any issues that may arise in the office. I work closely with Elaine in working with other clinics and hospitals to ensure we meet clinical expectations.
-
At Mindful Behavior, Catlyn plays a key role in ensuring smooth and efficient billing operations. She manages all session billing to insurance companies and works diligently behind the scenes to ensure that provider information is accurate and up-to-date with each insurer. Catlyn also takes the lead in credentialing our team with new insurance networks, helping expand access so we can welcome and support more clients. Her attention to detail and commitment to quality care ensures that both our clients and providers experience a seamless process from intake to reimbursement.
-
I am the Secretary for Mindful Behavior, where I provide comprehensive support to therapists and clients. My responsibilities include managing calls, emails, and faxes, as well as gathering essential information to schedule client intakes efficiently. I handle insurance verifications to provide clients with accurate estimates of their financial responsibilities and strive to answer their questions while ensuring they receive the assistance they need.
Additionally, I coordinate communication by responding to emails and notifying clients about any outstanding requirements. I take pride in helping individuals access the care they need, as I believe everyone deserves support to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. It brings me joy to contribute to others’ success and well-being, fostering a positive impact on their lives.
-
Item d
Secretary Job Role Description – Therapy Practice
Greet clients promptly and courteously, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Answer and manage incoming phone calls, addressing inquiries or directing calls appropriately.
Schedule, confirm, and reschedule client appointments, ensuring efficient use of therapists’ time.
Maintain and update confidential client records in compliance with privacy regulations.
Assist with billing procedures, including insurance claim processing
escription
-
Supports the clinic manager in overseeing daily operations to ensure efficient patient care and smooth administrative processes. Responsibilities often include managing staff schedules, coordinating patient appointments, maintaining inventory of medical supplies, handling billing and insurance documentation.
-
I believe everyone deserves access to mental healthcare and I am passionate about providing quality care to all of my patients. I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I have over eleven years of nursing experience. I started my nursing career as a licensed practical nurse and worked my way up to an advanced practice nurse. I received my bachelor of science from Purdue University and Masters degree from the University of St Francis. I have worked in a variety of healthcare settings including inpatient psychiatry, long term care, ICU, telemetry, cardiac catheterization and radiology. My versatile nursing background allows me to care for individuals with comorbid psychiatric and medical conditions. I have worked with several vulnerable populations throughout my nursing career including the homeless, LGBTQ+, minorities, and the elderly. I am passionate about providing evidence-based individualized care to my clients. I strive to provide a non-judgemental positive experience and communicate effectively with my clients. I address client’s needs by developing collaborative and comprehensive treatment plans that fit their needs. Yo hablo español y estoy aquí para servirle.
-
I have been a therapist for more than 10 years working with families and couples. I got much of my clinical experience with individuals working at inpatient hospitals. I have experience dealing with the most vulnerable populations that have the least support. I pride myself in ensuring that client’s basic needs are met first before working through the difficult path ahead. I utilize a gentle CBT approach but make sure that clients are the one in charge of the change for their life. I utilize ACT approach, integrate Gottman techniques to give couples the tools they need to rebuild a successful relationship and CBT techniques to help any population be aware of the choices they make and how it affects them. Estoy aqui para ayudarles en procesar dificultades de la vida. Tengo mas de 10 años en practica como consejero.
-
I have over 15 years of experince in the field. I have worked for community centers helping the Latino community feel heard and understood when society invalidates their journey. Life has many challenges and I want to be able to assist my clients navigate through this. I utilize CBT and family systems approaches and ensure all aspects of our life are address as a collective. I supervise interns and staff and help mold them to be an efficient therapist. Hablo Espanol.
-
Ruben Castrejon is a pre-licensed therapist that recently graduated from The Chicago School, and specializes in children and adolescents. He believes that therapy should be a conversation between client and clinician, where the client is the expert on all things in their life and change can happen collaboratively.
Ruben practices under cognitive-behavioral lens, while integrating aspects of Child-Centered Play Therapy, Person-Centered, and Psychodynamic theories. He focuses on creating non-judgmental spaces where clients can feel comfortable and open during sessions, while challenging them to move towards healthier versions of themselves.
Ruben’s clinical interests include working with children and adolescents, young adults, and middle adults. He works with individuals that experience mood and anxiety disorders, transitional conflict, academic stress, family conflict, ADHD and ASD.
-
I have many years of experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures and belief systems. I have worked with adults who have Severe and Persistent Mental Illness such as Schizophrenia, Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar I, as well as co-occurring substance use disorders. Tina has experience in the areas of anxiety, depression, self-esteem, PTSD, dissociative disorders, trauma, spirituality, life transitions, and relational problems.
-
Aashwi has extensive experience working in the mental health field, most notably with eating disorder recovery and grief therapy. She is also skilled in working with PTSD/C-PTSD, anxiety, depression, general stress, and other adjustment disorders. As a neurodivergent desi woman, she understands the unique struggle of finding a counselor who will understand you in your cultural context, and strives to fill that gap. She approaches her clients with respect, compassion, and humor, emphasizing the collaborative relationship in counseling. She utilizes an eclectic mix of interventions from Rogerian person-centered therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and Gestalt therapy. She believes strongly that counseling benefits everyone, and is passionate about making this tool accessible to all communities. Aashwi is fluent in Gujarati and Hindi, and can comfortably counsel in Urdu and Punjabi.
___________________________________________________________
મેંટલ હેલ્થ ની કઈ પણ તકલીફ મા હું તમને મદદ કરી શકીશ. દાખલા તરીકે વ્યગ્રતા (anxiety), ઉદાસીનતા (depression), શોક (grief), માનસિક આઘાત (mental trauma), અને સામાન્ય તણાવ (general stress). હું સ્પષ્ટ ગુજરાતી મા તમારી મદદ કરી શકીશ.
___________________________________________________________
मैं आपकी कोई भी मानसिक समस्या में आपकी सहायता कर सकती हुं। जैसे की घबराहट (anxiety), उदासी (depression), शोक (grief), सदमा (mental trauma), और सामान्य तनाव (general stress)। मैं शुद्ध हिंदी में आपकी सहायता कर सकती हुं।
-
I am a proud graduate of Northeastern Illinois University, where I earned my Master of Social Work degree in 2024. My journey in advocacy began during my undergraduate years, focusing on combating housing gentrification in Chicago. Following that, I gained valuable experience as a drug counselor at the Counseling Center of Illinois, a private practice.
As a neurodivergent counselor, I understand the challenges of navigating a neurotypical world. I aim to create a safe, judgment-free space where clients can express themselves openly and work through life’s challenges. I specialize in helping clients manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other mental health conditions while empowering them to center their experiences and find balance.
My approach to therapy is rooted in evidence-based practices, including CBT-based techniques, trauma-informed care, person-centered and solution-focused techniques, mindfulness, empowerment strategies, and holistic methods. Collaboration is at the heart of my work—I partner with clients to co-create personalized solutions that align with their unique circumstances, goals, and needs. Together, we can navigate the path toward healing, growth, and resilience.
-
I am a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in which I received my Master’s degree from UIC. I was a case manager with a background in school operations and career coaching. I also have 7+ years of experience as a resource specialist and social service professional, specializing in case management and supportive services. The importance of providing culturally competent therapy is valuable to me, which has helped me develop a passion for tailoring therapeutic approaches to address the societal issues affecting the Latino community. I look forward to working with individuals ready to make changes in their lifestyle and commit to reaching life goals. I utilize CBT and other evidence based practices as well as mindfulness practices for optimal progress.
In my spare time, I enjoy a wonderful motorcycle ride while watching the sunset. I like having fun with my friends and family and enjoying life to the fullest. Please don’t hesitate to ask me questions if you feel nervous about the therapy process.
-
Hafsa has been in the social work field for over 12 years. She works with populations from 13 years of age to adulthood. She addresses symptoms of anxiety, depression, bipolar, and many interpersonal conflicts. She is informed in family stability and awareness and thrives to connect clients with the skills they need to succeed. She is fluent in Urdu/Hindi.
हफ्सा 12 वर्षों से अधिक समय से सामाजिक कार्य क्षेत्र में हैं। वह 13 वर्ष की आयु से लेकर वयस्क होने तक की आबादी के साथ काम करती है। वह चिंता, अवसाद, द्विध्रुवी और कई पारस्परिक संघर्षों के लक्षणों को संबोधित करती है। उसे पारिवारिक स्थिरता और जागरूकता की जानकारी है और वह ग्राहकों को सफल होने के लिए आवश्यक कौशल से जोड़ने का प्रयास करती है।
حفصہ 12 سال سے سماجی کام کے میدان میں ہیں۔ وہ 13 سال کی عمر سے بالغ ہونے تک آبادی کے ساتھ کام کرتی ہے۔ وہ بے چینی، ڈپریشن، دوئبرووی، اور بہت سے باہمی تنازعات کی علامات کو دور کرتی ہے۔ وہ خاندانی استحکام اور بیداری میں مطلع ہے اور کلائنٹس کو ان مہارتوں سے جوڑنے کے لیے پروان چڑھتی ہے جس کی انہیں کامیابی کے لیے ضرورت ہے۔
-
Melanie joined Mindful Behavior as an intern and has recently join our team. She enjoys working from a CBT lens but also utilizes more of an integrative approach. She works with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, anger, grief/loss, and trauma. Melanie aims to build a therapeutic alliance with clients and work together to achieve the client’s goals. Some areas of focus have been navigating peer/familial relationships, managing symptoms, coping skills/strategies, building confidence, overcoming daily challenges and stress. As a Latina member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Melanie is interested in multicultural identities and how they intersect. It is important for her to build and provide a safe and supportive space for clients.
She also works at a high school that predominantly consists of Black and Latinx students. She works in the classroom, is an advisor, and coaches rugby. Melanie loves music, animals, sports (rugby, football, and basketball) and spending time with her wife.
-
Erica’s professional goal is surrounded by her first-hand experience with oppression and marginalization as a born immigrant herself. She wants to help her clients, by being able to understand and empathize with them. It is important for her to create a safe space where her clients can process, heal, and reach for their goals.
Erica’s approach is client centered, and she is very compassionate about her clinical role. She empowers clients by strengthening their social and behavioral skills and developing a healthy support system. Erica uses various approaches such as CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing with clients that are facing challenges with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, self-esteem and suicidal ideations.
Erica is a bilingual Spanish speaking therapist. She achieved her Master’s in social work from Dominican University, with a concentration in Health and Well-Being.
Erica has a wide range of experience with adolescents from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds who are facing challenges while transitioning into adulthood.
-
Clinton has over six years of experience in the mental health field, with a specialization in fostering safe, supportive environments for comprehensive clinical assessments. His approach emphasizes helping clients identify and address conflicts impacting their mental well-being, allowing for tailored, evidence-based treatment plans. Clinton's professional background includes work in inpatient psychiatric settings, as well as extensive experience with underserved youth populations, where he has demonstrated a strong commitment to meeting the unique needs of these groups.
-
I work with individuals who want change in their lives, mainly the population over age 12, including those who are at high risk, have suicidal thoughts, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or anger management and ultimately heal from their past traumas.
For over 10 years, I have worked in the mental health field and I specialize in trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a mindfulness approach. I want to help clients identify their problem areas and work toward their treatment goals.
If you are having any concerns, worries, or just need someone to talk to, I am here for you. As your therapist, you can expect a kind and compassionate environment and my sincere effort to meet your needs. I look forward to working with individuals who are seeking help and guidance.
-
Willie is a passionate mental health professional with 8 years of experience working with disenfranchised youth. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to empowering young people and fostering positive change within his community. A key focus of Willie’s work is breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, which remains a taboo subject in many Latino/Hispanic households.
Willie utilizes a humanistic approach to therapy, focusing on understanding his clients as whole individuals and offering a safe, empathetic space for them to heal. He integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques into his practice, tailoring his approach to meet clients where they are in their journey.
Willie’s expertise spans trauma, community and gang violence, anxiety, and strength-based practices, making him highly effective in helping individuals navigate difficult experiences and find their inner resilience. His commitment to addressing mental health issues in marginalized communities is at the heart of his work, as he strives to create lasting, positive change for the youth he serves.
-
My work centers on grounding oneself and accepting truths that push growth. I am interested in fostering a client’s ability to take responsibility for their actions, be mindful, and respond to their triggers more appropriately and healthily than before. As we work together, we will walk down a path of accepting the here and now, learning gratitude for the small pleasures, and becoming aware of one’s choices.
I have lived in the Chicagoland area for 35 years and as a first-generation Latina, I can provide services in Spanish and understand the nuance of culture, familial struggle, and identity. I have over 10 years of experience in healthcare and I have experience as a social service director, which focused my skills on assessing needs, family reintegration into the community after illness or injury, and medically complex cases. I have also worked with domestic violence cases, shared custody, and advocacy for those experiencing homelessness.
During our sessions, you can expect a judgment-free, empathetic space to share your thoughts. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy-based (CBT) techniques, mindfulness, and acceptance and commitment therapy-based (ACT) interventions.
Let’s work together to create the change you seek.
Trabajemos juntos para crear el cambio que deseas.
I’m looking forward to meeting with you!
-
Kailey Sims
Clinical Intern
I am a Clinical Mental Health Intern currently pursuing my Master's degree at Governors State University. While I frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, I recognize that each client is unique, and their needs may change from session to session. I am dedicated to being an active listener and creating a safe, supportive space for clients to express themselves freely. My approach is primarily person-centered, but I integrate a variety of therapeutic tools to tailor the experience to each client's individual needs.
-
Shalisha McDaniel
Clinical intern
I am a Clinical Mental Health Counseling intern at Mindful Behavior and a master’s student at National Louis University. My work is guided by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and person-centered counseling. In session, I focus on careful listening, collaboration, and practical skills such as identifying unhelpful thought patterns, practicing new behaviors, and building coping strategies you can use day to day. I seek to create a calm, respectful space where you feel heard, supported, and able to speak freely. I tailor counseling to your goals and values, and I check in regularly to make sure our work stays aligned with what matters most to you.
We can help.
Individual Services
Includes various approaches such as walking-talk therapy, on-site therapy, custom self-care plan, check-ins, and more.
Couples Therapy
We assign a counselor to the couples so they can learn how their behaviors affect one another and then create a plan.
Family Counseling
There are times that we need to address issues as a family because if someone in our family is affected, everyone feels the stressor.