Derek Miller, LCSW

Dr. Nicole Martinez received her Master's and Doctorate from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology and completed her pre-doctoral and post-doctoral fellowship at Gateway Foundation in Lake Villa, Illinois. She earned a double major in Psychology and Therapeutic Recreation at the University of St. Francis. Dr. Martinez has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in individual, family, and group treatment. Her therapeutic approach is integrative, combining Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy (CBT) with holistic methods, emphasizing Solution Focused Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Positive Psychology. She believes in the mind-body connection and that exploring various areas of an individual's functioning is essential for optimum physical and emotional health. Dr. Martinez emphasizes a collaborative therapist-client relationship, where both act as partners in designing treatment goals. She values identifying ineffective past modalities to avoid frustration and ensure personalized care. Recognizing that each person is unique, she adapts to the patient's evolving needs, ensuring they feel heard and supported for positive outcomes. Her areas of expertise include health psychology, complex trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, social anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, LGBTQIA populations, bereavement, forensics, substance abuse, couples work, MISA, co-occurring disorders, domestic violence, sex offenders, special needs populations, and chronic medical issues and rare diseases. She is skilled in the evaluation and assessment of these populations.

Jessica Vassallo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience in the area of mental health. She has worked with patients of various demographics including World Trade Center responders, college students, patients with severe and persistent mental illness, dually diagnosed patients, patients who have or have had cancer, and patients with impoverished backgrounds. She received her Master's Degree at Adelphi University in 2003, became certified that year and received her license in clinical social work in 2008. Jessica has been practicing in social work for 20 years, focusing on anxiety, depression, and PTSD. She uses an eclectic approach in therapy with a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness therapy, and supportive psychotherapy. She develops an individualized treatment plan for all patients to focus on their goals. She believes that the person is impacted by all the larger systems they are in (family, workplace, community, larger society) and is committed to providing a non-judgmental, warm, and empathetic space to help clients feel understood and comfortable exploring the roots of their issues.

Abigail Skinner, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with over five years of psychotherapy, behavioral health integration, and program leadership experience in medical and community-based settings. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from Touro College and completed Seminar in Field Instruction (SIFI) at Columbia University. Abigail has specialized training in LGBTQ+ mental healthcare through Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, post-graduate training in relational psychoanalysis from The Stephen Mitchell Institute of Relational Studies, and advanced certification as a Behavioral Health Integration Specialist.

Abigail’s style is thoughtful and relational, emphasizing curiosity, trust, and authenticity. She believes each person’s story matters and works collaboratively to understand patterns, relationships, and strengths that can foster lasting change. Patients can expect a warm, supportive environment that balances compassion with structure—helping individuals explore challenges, identify meaningful goals, build self-awareness, and develop skills that support long-term emotional well-being.

Abigail begins treatment by building a strong, collaborative therapeutic relationship grounded in respect and trust. During initial sessions, she takes time to understand each patient’s history, concerns, and goals, then develops a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique values and needs. She integrates evidence-based practices with a relational, trauma-informed approach, using behavioral health strategies, psychoeducation, and supportive interventions. Abigail emphasizes open communication, regular check-ins, and ongoing review of progress to ensure care remains adaptive, collaborative, and effective.

Cody Chua is a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience working in the mental health field. He has a passion for helping individuals, children, couples, and families by assisting them in finding their inner strengths and natural capabilities that aid in creating positive change and fostering healthy relationships. Cody completed school at the University of Houston's Graduate College of Social Work, in Houston, TX, while completing his practicum at Texas Children's Hospital Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic. Cody has 3 years of experience as a therapist in inpatient, outpatient, and virtual settings, offering individual, group, and family counseling to teens and adults. He specializes in working with clients with mood disorders, behavioral issues, grief and trauma, substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders. Cody tailors his treatment approach to each individual client, and has experience with various modalities, including mentalization based therapy, logotherapy, and cognitive based therapy. Outside the therapy room, Cody is passionate about cooking, travel, hiking, drawing, music, and theater. He enjoys spending time with his dog, and his family.

Helen Fitzpatrick, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from Loyola University–Chicago and has worked in diverse settings, including crisis centers, hospitals, senior services, and the VA. Helen has extensive experience with adults and children with disabilities, caregivers, and veterans, as well as those managing trauma, medical recovery, or ongoing health issues.

Helen believes that therapy should be a collaborative and supportive process. She takes time to truly listen and understand her clients’ experiences, helping them identify goals that feel meaningful and attainable. Helen creates a space where clients can speak freely—especially when it feels difficult to open up to family or friends—and she brings compassion, patience, and understanding to every session.

Helen begins by exploring what her clients would like to focus on and works together with them to develop realistic and personalized goals. She values open communication and mutual respect, adjusting her approach to meet each person’s unique needs and pace. Her process emphasizes healing, empowerment, and helping clients build confidence as they move toward greater emotional well-being.

Chelsea is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 7 years of experience in the field of mental health. Chelsea studied Sociology at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte North Carolina and obtained a master’s degree in social work at Norfolk State in Virginia. She has experience working with adolescents, adults, seniors, and families in various practice settings, such as psychiatric facilities, crisis stabilization/ substance abuse units, and outpatient agencies.

She specializes in working with individuals challenged with PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Self-defeating thoughts, Communication, Boundary setting, Coping Skills, Parenting, and Life transitions. Chelsea is passionate about providing holistic modalities of treatment to assist clients to manage mental health. She has experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered, Solution Focused, and Mindfulness Techniques, Person-Centered and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Chelsea's approach is empowering, direct, collaborative, and solution-focused, and she uses treatment modalities specific to the client's needs and goals. She believes in meeting clients where they are, advocating for clients’ needs, and creating a safe space for individual healing.

Chelsea is aware of the stigma created surrounding mental health in vulnerable communities. Chelsea believes that seeking therapy is a sign of strength and resiliency. Chelsea is honored to be able to support you on your journey toward healing and evolving.