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Nancy Leon is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), as well as a Certified Anxiety-Informed Professional and a Certified Grief Professional. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Capella University and a master’s degree in Social Work from Aurora University. Nancy works with children, adolescents, and adults in individual, couples, and family therapy. Nancy is also fluent in Spanish.

Dr. Stephen Bryant, PsyD, LCPC, offers an integrative and deeply personalized approach to mental health care, drawing from evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness-based practices. He works collaboratively with clients to address mood disorders, trauma, stress, addiction, personality disorders, neurodevelopmental conditions, and interpersonal difficulties. Dr. Bryant is known for creating a thoughtful and nonjudgmental space where individuals feel understood, supported, and empowered to make lasting change. With a strong emphasis on relational health and emotional resilience, he helps clients navigate complex life transitions and improve their sense of self and connection to others. Patients choose Dr. Bryant for his clinical depth, compassionate presence, and commitment to holistic, individualized care.

Jessica Bette, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor at Relief Mental Health in St. Charles, Illinois, offering in-person and virtual therapy for individuals ages 15 to 55. She provides a warm, supportive space where patients can work through challenges, build resilience, and make meaningful changes. Jessica specializes in treating anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions. She uses trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), person-centered therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and narrative therapy. Her clinical background includes individual and group therapy, case management, and crisis intervention. She earned a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Illinois State University.

I graduated from Benedictine University with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. I then went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and also obtained my Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor certification (CADC). My theoretical training has been in Client Centered theory and I have also received specialized training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). In addition to being traditionally trained, I also incorporate a holistic, integrative approach toward psychotherapy which includes aspects of mindfulness and Eastern philosophy. I have experience working in inpatient/residential settings as well as individual counseling with both adolescent and adult populations.

Some of my areas of expertise include: anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma, dissociative disorders, and existential issues. It is my belief that every client has their own innate ability to heal themselves. My job as a clinician is to foster an environment which is conducive to develop greater clarity, connection, and insight into their problems, which can lead to resolution and transformation.

Clinical Therapist- Oakbrook Terrace 

Jane Ballis, LCPC, CADC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor at Suburban Behavioral Health Services, which has locations in Wheaton and Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. She appreciates working with people of varied ages and abilities as a therapist. Jane seeks to understand differences in various cultures, races, and religions and strives to be as knowledgeable as possible in treating people with diverse backgrounds.

Jane’s background includes many years of helping children, adolescents, and adults express themselves through various artistic mediums such as painting, drawing, photography, and multimedia. She completed her masters in clinical psychology at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Jane learned behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy and trained and worked under a clinical psychologist’s supervision for many years, learning psychodynamic theory, play, and family therapy while specializing in children, adolescents, adults, and families at an APA-approved training site. Jane has practiced in child welfare and substance abuse settings. Jane has worked with at-risk men who were involved in prostitution as well as many issues such as LGBTQ, homelessness, medical, and employment challenges.

Jane has completed her EMDR Level 1 training and obtained specialized training with Ana Gomez, an author and specialist in EMDR and dissociative disorders with children. EMDR is used to treat many issues, from mild to very complex, such as PTSD, trauma, anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive and generalized anxiety disorder, and excessive grief. Children and adolescents have alleviated their symptoms using EMDR, including depression caused by disturbing life experiences. Studies have shown that many crime victims, police officers, firefighters, and field workers were no longer disturbed by the aftereffects of violent assaults and/or the stressful nature of their work. Victims of sexual assault, natural and manmade disasters, accidents, surgeries and burn victims, family, marital and sexual dysfunction, and involvement were also assisted. Clients at all stages of chemical dependency, sexual deviation/addiction, and pathological gamblers have also been treated successfully, along with people with dissociative disorders.

Many people with performance anxiety or deficits in school, business, performing arts, and sports have benefited from EMDR as a tool to help enhance performance. People with somatic problems/somatoform disorders, including migraines, chronic pain, phantom limb pain, chronic eczema, gastrointestinal problems, CFS, psychogenic seizures, eating disorders, and negative body image, have attained relief from suffering with the help of EMDR.

Adults and adolescents have been successfully treated for diagnosed depression. Clients with acute trauma and a wide variety of PTSD and trauma-based personality issues experience substantial benefits from EMDR. There are many applications for EMDR, which has been used by many major treatment facilities, such as the armed forces.

Jane also has completed levels one and two of the Gottman Institute in couples therapy. This is a research-based couples therapy that has three phases. For nearly four decades, Dr. Gottman has conducted research on all facets of relationships, including parenting issues. At the Institute, in collaboration with Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman, he developed an approach that not only supports and repairs troubled marriages and committed relationships but strengthens happy ones. One goal of the research is to make the services accessible to the broadest reach of people across race, religion, class, culture, sexual orientation, and ethnicity. For more information, please visit the Gottman Institute. http://www.gottman.com/the-gottman-institute/

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Clinical Therapist—Oakbrook Terrace & Wheaton office's

Biljana Kasum, LCPC, is a skilled therapist at Suburban Behavioral Health Services, which has locations in Wheaton and Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. Her passion is connecting with people in helping relationships, recognizing that we all struggle with various things at some point in our lives. Her primary focus is the well-being of the people she works with as she continues to expand her multicultural approach to counseling.

Biljana’s background includes working with teens, adults, and mature adults struggling with mental health issues of substance abuse and co-morbid disorders, trauma, morbid obesity, and other mood and personality disorders. She spent several years in an inpatient unit helping women of various races, cultures, and backgrounds, including the homeless population. She provided individual and group counseling, including moral reconation therapy, movement therapy, and music therapy. She also spent several years working with people with eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and obsessive-compulsive disorders, and teens and adults with ADHD.

Biljana acquired her master’s degree in counseling from Walden University, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and received supervision from established LCPCs and clinical psychologists in Illinois. She completed her training residencies in Orlando, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia.

Biljana bases her approach to therapy on empathy, trust, and a strong therapeutic relationship. She is integrating different theoretical approaches based on the individual needs of her patients, with a special interest in acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive processing therapy for the treatment of trauma. She is LGBTQ+-affirming.

She is fluent in Serbian, Bosnian, and Croatian. 

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With five years of experience as a medical receptionist, I take pride in being the first point of contact for patients and creating a welcoming, supportive, and positive environment from the very beginning of their care journey. I understand that taking the first step toward improving mental health can feel overwhelming, and I strive to help make that process feel easier and more comfortable.

I believe administrative support plays an important role in the therapeutic experience. I am committed to ensuring that scheduling, intake, and communication are handled smoothly, efficiently, and with compassion.

I chose to be part of Suburban Behavioral Health Services because of its professionalism and genuine dedication to every patient who walks through the door.

“There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.” – John Green

 

Ketrina Premti, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor at Relief Mental Health in Oak Brook, Illinois, offering in-person and virtual therapy for adolescents (12+), young adults, and adults. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, mood disorders, stress, and life transitions, focusing on practical tools patients can use to improve daily functioning and wellbeing. Ketrina also has experience in health psychology and the mind–body connection, helping clients understand how stress, lifestyle, and physical wellbeing influence mental health. She supports patients in building awareness of their body’s signals, developing sustainable routines, and creating balance that supports long-term resilience. She uses an evidence-based, integrative approach informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based interventions.

Renee Perry-Portee is a therapist at Relief Mental Health in Orland Park, Ill., with 20 years of experience supporting individuals through life’s challenges. She offers in-person and virtual therapy for people ages 14 and older, using evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness, person-centered care, and motivational interviewing. Renee works with a wide range of diagnoses, including anxiety, depression, stress, family and peer conflict, life transitions, racial identity, and women’s issues. She is especially attuned to the needs of the Black community, individuals of Christian faith, and single mothers, providing inclusive, culturally informed care in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Known for her calm presence and ability to build trust, Renee helps clients feel grounded and empowered as they navigate difficult emotions or situations.

Kristian Bulliner, LCSW, is a therapist at Relief Mental Health in Orland Park, Ill., specializing in anxiety, depression, body image, stress-related concerns, and couples therapy. She helps clients identify their strengths, values, and goals to navigate life’s challenges and grow into the best version of themselves. Using evidence-based approaches like ACT, CBT, SFBT, and psychodynamic therapy, Kristian offers a supportive space for healing and self-discovery. Kristian also provides Spravato® Integration Therapy, helping patients process their Spravato® treatment experiences and translate insights into meaningful, lasting change.

For over three decades, Dr. Sarah Kelder has cultivated a distinguished practice as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, offering an exclusive sanctuary for profound personal transformation. She champions a holistic philosophy that honors the intricate connection of mind, body, and spirit, employing advanced, body-based modalities to facilitate deep, accelerated healing and liberation from distress. Dr. Kelder’s expertise is grounded in elite, somatic-focused training in methods including Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, and the Neuro-Affective Relational Model (NARM). This allows her to guide a discerning clientele toward not just the alleviation of suffering, but the rediscovery of innate joy, purpose, and a life of authentic meaning. Her practice is a dedicated partnership for those seeking to transcend past limitations and embody a future of vibrant well-being.

Stephanie Guerra, LSW is a therapist at Relief Mental Health in Chicago's West Loop, IL office. Stephanie provides virtual and in-person therapy to children and adults. She offers a genuine and non-judgmental environment where patients can explore life's challenges, build resilience, and develop practical strategies for meaningful change. Stephanie has experience helping patients manage anxiety, depression, substance use, life transitions, relational and family issues, and loss. She draws from a range of evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing, solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), and trauma-focused therapy. Stephanie also provides Spravato® Integration Therapy, helping patients process their Spravato® treatment experiences and translate insights into meaningful, lasting change.

Rebecca Balch, LPC, provides in-person and virtual therapy for adults at Relief Mental Health's Chicago West Loop clinic. She supports individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, self-esteem, sexual abuse, religious trauma, and more. Using approaches like CBT, ACT, and exposure and response prevention. Rebecca creates a safe, judgment-free space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions. She believes healing comes through self-discovery and is passionate about helping people who feel unseen. Her collaborative, flexible style meets each person where they are. Rebecca also provides Spravato® Integration Therapy, helping patients process their Spravato® treatment experiences and translate insights into meaningful, lasting change.

I’m a licensed clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience in assisting adults, adolescents, couples and families with life, work and relationship issues. While the decision to enter therapy occurs at a difficult time, once you realize that most issues are simpler than they first appear, the experience can be transformative. Although my primary training Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), everyone is unique and I borrow freely from humanistic, psychodynamic and family systems approaches. But regardless of individual modalities lasting change is a product of significant self-appraisal within the context of a supportive and compassionate relationship. D. A. Jopp & Associates has 8 years of experience working with hospital, corporate and law enforcement agencies providing front line staff with training focused on improving service towards persons with mental illness and disabilities through stigma reduction and scientifically based educational modules.

I have been working in the court system since 1993. I earned my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 1999 and was licensed as a psychologist in 2000. Regular training with the American Academy of Forensic Psychology helps keep my skills up to date. Evaluations I complete for the court include Child Custody and Psychological, Specific Forensic Psychological, Fitness to Stand Trial, and Criminal Responsibility. FOID reinstatement evaluations as well as those for DCFS are also completed by me. I complete evaluations in several county courts including Boone, DeKalb, Kane, Kendall, Lee, Ogle, Whiteside, and Winnebago. Pre-employment, fitness for duty, and promotional examinations are also completed for local police and fire departments. Fitness for duty evaluations are also completed for local companies. Braden Counseling Center opened in 2002 and has been providing services to individuals with different challenges with evidence-based treatments since that time.