Find a Top Psychiatrist Near Me in Joliet, IL – Book an Appointment Instantly

Let me help you find balance in your life: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in individual, couple and family therapy. I work with children, adolescents, teens and adults with mood disorders, substance use disorders, behavioral problems, emotional disturbance, impaired social functioning as well as abuse survivors (mental, physical, neglect, financial, medical, educational) and perpetrators.

In order to give the most to the people around us, personally and professionally, we must strive to operate at our best. I tailor my work with adults to fit their individual needs and have experience working with adults to improve their parenting skills, resolve relationship issues surrounding infidelity, family violence, substance abuse, military separation, anger issues, and mood disorders.

I work with young children, adolescents and teens to improve their relationships at home and at school, resulting in improved school functioning and less familial conflict.

You’ve taken the first step in searching for support. Let’s do this together!

As a licensed clinical social worker and therapist, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals cope with a variety of mental health challenges. With many years of experience in the field, I have developed a skill set that allows me to assist clients in achieving their goals and improving their sense of well-being. I have had the opportunity to work with clients from all walks of life. From individuals struggling with anxiety or depression to those dealing with relationship issues or trauma, I provide a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their emotions and work towards healing. I have a lot of experience working with children and adolescents which I really enjoy and have a soft spot for.

My approach to therapy uses a variety of techniques and modalities to individualize treatment to each client’s unique needs. Whether it’s supportive therapy, mindfulness-based therapy or other forms of psychotherapy, I work collaboratively with each client to develop a plan that will help achieve his or her goals and be their best self. In addition to my work as a therapist, I strive to continue my ongoing professional development by staying current with the latest research and best practices in the field. Helping others is something I am very passionate about and I wholeheartedly believe that every person has the potential to achieve great things.

I am an LCSW who has experience as a crisis counselor, mental health therapist, group therapist, and director of outpatient programs. I work holistically with clients to on achieve overall wellness each domain of wellness. I have experience working with a variety of different diagnoses. I have worked with clients across the life span.

I am dedicated to providing a customized approach that is considerate of a client’s circumstances. I help to build a client’s confidence and capacity for managing and mitigating their mental health. Together we create a plan based on the client’s priorities using a strengths-based approach. Clients learn new interventions and techniques and how to incorporate them into every day life.

I use S.M.A.R.T. Goals:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Timely.

During therapy, we will discuss progress toward goals as well as any areas where I can provide support to the client. Progress is progress, no matter how small or big!

I am an LCSW who has experience as a crisis counselor, mental health therapist, group therapist, and director of outpatient programs. I work holistically with clients to on achieve overall wellness each domain of wellness. I have experience working with a variety of different diagnoses. I have worked with clients across the life span.

I am dedicated to providing a customized approach that is considerate of a client’s circumstances. I help to build a client’s confidence and capacity for managing and mitigating their mental health. Together we create a plan based on the client’s priorities using a strengths-based approach. Clients learn new interventions and techniques and how to incorporate them into every day life.

I use S.M.A.R.T. Goals:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Timely.

During therapy, we will discuss progress toward goals as well as any areas where I can provide support to the client. Progress is progress, no matter how small or big!

Let me help you find balance in your life: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in individual, couple and family therapy. I work with children, adolescents, teens and adults with mood disorders, substance use disorders, behavioral problems, emotional disturbance, impaired social functioning as well as abuse survivors (mental, physical, neglect, financial, medical, educational) and perpetrators.

In order to give the most to the people around us, personally and professionally, we must strive to operate at our best. I tailor my work with adults to fit their individual needs and have experience working with adults to improve their parenting skills, resolve relationship issues surrounding infidelity, family violence, substance abuse, military separation, anger issues, and mood disorders.

I work with young children, adolescents and teens to improve their relationships at home and at school, resulting in improved school functioning and less familial conflict.

You’ve taken the first step in searching for support. Let’s do this together!

As a licensed clinical social worker and therapist, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals cope with a variety of mental health challenges. With many years of experience in the field, I have developed a skill set that allows me to assist clients in achieving their goals and improving their sense of well-being. I have had the opportunity to work with clients from all walks of life. From individuals struggling with anxiety or depression to those dealing with relationship issues or trauma, I provide a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their emotions and work towards healing. I have a lot of experience working with children and adolescents which I really enjoy and have a soft spot for.

My approach to therapy uses a variety of techniques and modalities to individualize treatment to each client’s unique needs. Whether it’s supportive therapy, mindfulness-based therapy or other forms of psychotherapy, I work collaboratively with each client to develop a plan that will help achieve his or her goals and be their best self. In addition to my work as a therapist, I strive to continue my ongoing professional development by staying current with the latest research and best practices in the field. Helping others is something I am very passionate about and I wholeheartedly believe that every person has the potential to achieve great things.

Dr. Amer Smajkic, MD, is a double board-certified Child, Adolescent, and General Psychiatrist with nearly three decades of clinical, academic, and research experience in Chicago. Originally from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, he graduated from medical school before arriving in Chicago in 1994 as a refugee of the Bosnian war. His early work as a therapist at Chicago Health Outreach focused on refugees, immigrants, and survivors of war, shaping his lifelong commitment to trauma-informed care. Dr. Smajkic developed strong academic ties with the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Illinois at Chicago, working under the mentorship of Dr. Stevan Weine and Professor Ivan Pavkovic. He participated in national and international research on genocide, ethnic cleansing, PTSD, mood disorders, and refugee mental health, publishing multiple papers and presenting widely. He later completed his general psychiatry training and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Rush University Medical Center. Throughout his career, Dr. Smajkic has held leadership roles, including Director of Child Psychiatry Consult-Liaison Services at Rush, Assistant Professor at Rush University, Chairman of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Advocate Christ Hospital, and Director of the Child and Adolescent Inpatient Unit at Riveredge Hospital. His clinical expertise includes ADHD, developmental and learning disorders, anxiety, depression, and trauma-related conditions. Dr. Smajkic is an active member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He is also a past president of the Bosnia-Herzegovinian American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is the owner and founder of Chicago Child Psychiatry Associates, providing specialized psychiatric care to children, teens, young adults, and adults through in-person and virtual services. In 2022–2025, he was recognized as one of Chicago’s top patient-rated psychiatrists.

Sarah Sims is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. In her practice, she integrates a combination of evidence-based psychopharmacologic management, psychotherapy, compassionate trauma informed care and various cognitive modalities to help you heal. She believes that high-quality psychiatric care is more than just treating mental illness. It is a patient centered journey through transitioning mental illness to into mental wellness. Specialty is child, adolescent & adult clients: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, addiction, eating disorders, schizophrenia, professionals in recovery, disease with underlying symptoms including fatigue, feeling inadequate, shame and guilt, sexual issues, self-defeating behavior; intimacy issues, dissociation, paranoia, emotional dysregulation. We believe your past can be used as a platform for growth. Integrating technology, we offer professional, trusted, and nonjudgmental care in office or by way of telehealth.