Mental Health Therapy in Melrose Park

Find a Therapist Near YouBook Now

Therapists in Melrose Park

Maria Conforti

Melrose Park, Illinois - Clinical Social Worker
Online

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois. My experience spans 16 years as a social worker in a variety of settings including private practice, group homes, incarceration, community resources, non profits, high profile cases, and many more. In those settings, I have had the privilege of working with a variety of children and family issues, specialized in pediatric adhd, provided couples therapy for a variety of sexually oriented couples, assisted in divorce mediation with a concentration on child well being and direction of co-parenting agreements, lead extensive integration programming for at risk young men, and group counseling for affluent young women experiencing self esteem issues and many other issues involving human interactions in various environments. My clinical background includes professional training in dialectical behavior therapy which I received as part of an intensive training through my work as a DCFS contracted provider in a group home for high risk children. I use an eclectic style of therapeutic interventions including cognitive behavioral therapy to create a custom approach tailored for each client and their preferred styles. I pride myself in offering a judgement free zone, keeping in mind that I'm not going necessarily sugar coat what needs to be worked through. I use compassion and a tender approach knowing we are ALL just doing our best and at the same time, need to do better (based on the assumption that's what we are here for). I truly understand what it is like to feel isolated by friends and family and offer a unique perspective that helps each client figure out what's really at the root of things. I use psychoanalysis when it's appropriate to help understand the mechanics of how childhood experiences affect adult situations. I like to focus on solutions that make sense. Once we have identified the issues in the past, I prefer not to stay there but rather, make peace, offer forgiveness where needed and help my clients get on with their lives as they would like to live them. Often figuring out what we want is the most difficult part, but I like to think I can help guide my clients to a point of self satisfaction. I believe in collaboration. If I put in 100 % and my clients do the same, I have full faith in a positive outcome. My professional goal is to render myself obsolete by encouraging the skills and offering the tools needed to live a therapeutic life, not a life in therapy. The ideal client for me is going to be ready for change and willing to do the work. They will be open minded and willing to hear truths that are not necessarily easy to take but will lead to the outcome they are looking for. I am not for everyone, but for those clients that find my style helpful, I am confident will feel helped in the end. I have nothing but respect for anyone who is brave enough to take up the arduous task of self improvement and I do my best to gently stretch my clients out of their comfort zone. So anyone wanting to work with me should be aware that this is a critical part of the process and while I believe therapy to be a healing art, I must admit, it doesn't always feel as comfortable as we wish it could be. Having said that, I work hard to offer sincere compassion to the people I work with and do so with genuine respect for their right to self determination at every turn.

Learn More
Book Now

Free Mental Health Resources in Illinois

IDHS Crisis/Emergency: Mental Health Partners/Providers offers an easily searchable directory of crisis hotlines and emergency services across the state. Recently expanded under the SAMHSA Crisis Services Initiative, the program connects Illinoians in need of crisis care to services within their town, city, and county.. Cities throughout the state offer around the clock crisis hotlines as well as online services to support youth and adults in need.
Illinois Warm Line is a telephone support service for individuals or their loved ones experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. Their support specialists are available Monday through Friday and provide peer support and mentoring.
Safe 2 Help Illinois is a state-wide program for students needing a safe and confidential way to reach out during a crisis. The program enables youth to safely share information that could prevent suicides, bullying, school violence or other threats to school safety. Their 24/7 program can be accessed via a free app, text/phone and online at their website.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students BIPOC LGBTQ Depression Anxiety Grief
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Illinois serves state residents by providing information and education on mental health. They’re also dedicated to improving the lives of people with mental health disorders and their loved ones through advocacy, support and access to resources.
Brave Space Alliance is an LGBTQ+ focused center on the South side of Chicago. Their culturally competent services include behavioral health, HIV/STD testing and counseling, temporary residential support, a community pantry and a dignity suite that promotes inclusivity and support for people on the entire spectrum of gender expression. Though all clients are welcome, they're an organization especially focused on serving Black and trans persons.
Provide Services for
BIPOC LGBTQ Men Women
C4 Chicago is an organization that provides evidence-based and trauma-informed mental health services for residents of Chicago and surrounding areas. This includes crisis services, mental health counseling and support, medical services including integrated care partnerships, substance use and recovery services and health education for people of all ages.
The Center on Halsted provides support and services for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Their programs range from behavioral health to HIV/STI resources and care coordination. For youth, they offer social, recreational, cultural and educational programs that support community and promote identity affirmation. They accept Medicaid and grant funding and offer services on a sliding scale.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students BIPOC LGBTQ Men Women Seniors
The Road Home Program, in partnership with Rush Health System in the Chicago area, assists active service members, veterans and their families, including reservists and members of the National Guard. Their services are designed for persons experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma and related conditions. They provide individual, group and family counseling including intensive outpatient programs, family therapy, and wellness and support groups. Services are offered at no cost and irrespective of discharge status.
Provide Services for
Men Women Veterans Disability First Responders Depression ADHD PTSD Anxiety Grief Substance Abuse
The Chicago Department of Public Health provides a free directory of mental and behavioral health care providers across Chicago.. The Department of Public Health provides support for Chicagoans who are experiencing emotional or psychological distress. Their mental health centers, located throughout metro Chicago, offer psychosocial rehabilitation, medication management services and child and adolescent programs, including specialized support for trauma survivors.
The Aurora Vet Center offers free mental health care in a nonmedical setting for active service members, veterans and their families experiencing PTSD, depression, military sexual trauma and readjustment difficulties. Their counseling services include individual, group and family therapy as well as referral services for those with substance use disorder.
Provide Services for
Men Women Veterans Disability Depression ADHD PTSD Anxiety Grief Substance Abuse
Lovell Federal VA Healthcare provides comprehensive mental health care for veterans and their families. Their outpatient mental health care includes substance use disorder treatment and services for individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and other common mental health conditions.
Provide Services for
Men Women Veterans Disability Depression ADHD PTSD Anxiety Grief Substance Abuse
The Service Provider Identification and Exploration Resource (SPIDER) is a free online program that helps residents of Illinois identify local social services. This includes help with housing, food, education, employment, caregiving, mental health services and addiction recovery support. Searches can be customized by various criteria, including service type, distance, and client population.
The Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center (BHWC) maintains a robust online clearinghouse of resources for persons seeking mental and behavioral health services in Illinois. This online resource also provides specialized information for mental health care providers, including job match services and peer support specialist training programs.
The University of Illinois offers mental health and self-care resources for students and employees in need. This includes access to crisis services, online apps and tools to improve mental health, access to employee assistance programs and other programs that promote overall wellness. They also provide information on mental health services and insurance benefits for mental health care.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students BIPOC LGBTQ Men Women
The Champaign Urbana Public Health District offers information and resources that assist community members in locating and accessing mental health services for young adults. They have seven counseling centers that help young people experiencing mental health difficulties as well as a 24 hour crisis line for those in immediate need. They accept Medicaid and offer financial assistance and sliding scale payment options.
Starting Therapy Is Easy with BetterHelp

Find A Therapist By City

Book a Therapist Online

Book a Therapist Online - Get Started Now