Find a therapist in Illinois — covered by insurance

I bring over a decade of professional experience to therapy along with my own life experiences, empathy, understanding, and hopefully a little humor along the way.

While my license is as a Marriage and Family Therapist, I strive to live my own life as authentically and intentionally as I can as a parent, family member, and friend; and I bring those same values into the therapy room.

I believe every person has a story worth telling and deserves to feel heard without judgment. It is truly an honor to witness the strength and resilience my clients possess, and I never take for granted the trust they place in me by allowing me to be part of their journey.

I earned my master’s degree in social work from George Williams College and hold licensure in both Illinois and Wisconsin. My clinical experience spans work with diverse populations, including teens and adults navigating a wide range of mental health challenges. I am trained in several evidence‐based therapeutic modalities—CBT, DBT, ACT, and EMDR—which allows me to tailor treatment to each person’s needs and support meaningful, sustainable change.

I provide individual therapy as well as family and couples work. I value helping people move through life’s stressors, strengthen their coping skills, and recognize the progress they make toward their goals.

If you have questions about the services and supports available to you, your family, or your loved ones, I’m here to help. I’d also be glad to share more about what I enjoy most in the therapeutic process and how we can work together to build a healthier, more grounded life.

DIRECT AND TO THE POINT as well as on target for help client to reach their counseling goals

I am a social worker and grief counselor, with over 6 years experience working with bereaved clients. I am also a director of mental health education for a grief focused non-profit, creating programs that educate on grief & loss awareness. While grief is my main focus, I hold a special place in my heart for all life transitions, including job/career changes, spiritual adjustments/abuse, and relationship losses.

I graduated with my MSW from Aurora University in 2017, and I’ve continued to deepen my clinical training ever since. I’m trained in a variety of evidence‐based therapeutic approaches—including Gottman, EMDR, ACT, Motivational interviewing, and harm reduction—which allows me to tailor therapy to each person’s needs and goals.

Clients often tell me they appreciate my calm, collaborative style. I value getting to know who you are, understanding what matters most to you, and creating a space where you can explore challenges without judgment. My work is grounded in curiosity, compassion, and the belief that people grow best when they feel safe, supported, and genuinely understood.

My approach to counseling begins with a simple conviction: you are more than a diagnosis, a set of symptoms, or a problem to be solved. You are a whole person living a real life—with relationships, responsibilities, experiences, hopes, beliefs, and circumstances that all matter.

I work primarily with adults and couples facing a wide range of concerns and seasons of life. My role is to come alongside you, helping you understand what you are experiencing, see yourself and your circumstances more clearly, and discern how you want to respond to the life before you.

Hi, I'm Dr. Olushola Bakare (she/her), and I'd love to work with you.

I know how exhausting it can feel to keep pushing through anxiety, depression, ADHD, or concerns around intimacy and sexuality — especially when you've already tried to "just push through it" and you're tired of being tired. If that's where you are, I want you to know there's a path forward, and I'd be honored to walk it with you.Regarding cancellations, please be advised that failing to cancel at least 24 hours in advance will result in an $80 fee. Furthermore, cancellations or rescheduling made within 3 hours of this 24-hour window (e.g., canceling or rescheduling at 11 AM for a 2:00 PM appointment the following day) provide insufficient time to offer the slot to other clients and may result in discharge from the practice. To ensure your appointment time remains available for others, I kindly request that you provide at least 36 hours' notice for any cancellations.

Follow-up appointments must be scheduled within seven days of the session. I do not communicate with clients while driving, and a cancellation fee will apply.

Additionally, if you reside in a state where I am not licensed, please refrain from booking an appointment, as this will result in a no-show charge. I am licensed in MN, ID, MA, FL, NJ, MD, DE, IL, DC, and CT. I will charge $1,000 and $ 200 every hour if subpoenaed.

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a background in nursing leadership and healthcare operations. After serving as a Chief Nursing Officer, I chose to transition into psychiatric care because I wanted to work more directly with individuals and families. I recently completed my PMHNP training and bring experience supporting people across the lifespan, from children through older adults. My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, and addiction.

I believe therapy is a safe space where clients feel heard and accepted for who they are. I approach clients with compassion, understanding, and without judgement. I recognize that everyone has unique experiences, needs, goals, and strengths. For me, building a genuine and trusting relationship is an important part of the therapeutic process. I want my clients to feel that they can be open and honest while knowing that I’m there to support them. I see therapy as a collaborative process, where we work together to identify goals, explore challenges, and find tools and strategies that can make life feel more manageable.

My passion is helping others with their self-discovery. I do this by providing a safe and comfortable environment where you can be heard without worrying about judgment. I have worked with diverse populations from ages 12 and older, helping them resolve challenges in their everyday life.

Are you someone who has spent much of your life being strong for everyone else—caring for others, holding things together, and continuing to move forward even when you feel overwhelmed? Maybe somewhere along the way, you’ve lost touch with yourself or found yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, past trauma, grief, relationship challenges, or your own sense of self-worth.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who works with adults and adolescents to better understand the experiences, emotions, and patterns that may be affecting their lives and relationships. I believe meaningful healing begins with greater self-awareness and understanding. My approach is warm, compassionate, trauma-informed, and collaborative, while also providing the support and gentle challenge needed for growth. Together, we can work toward healthier boundaries, stronger relationships, greater self-worth, and lasting change that helps you feel more grounded, confident, and connected to the life you want to create.