Meet Our Providers
Dr. Keisha Downey, EdD, LMFT
My style of therapy is shaped from my education, self awareness, and life experiences...all which have allowed me the opportunity to work with various people of different cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, lifestyles, and ethnicities. I have learned that in order to truly meet my client's needs, I have to meet him or her where they are, listen empathetically, and view their world as they see it. More importantly, I provide an accepting and non-judgmental environment so that my clients can express their inner thoughts regardless of what those inner thoughts may be. If you are ready to change and move forward in your life, I am here to help you.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I work in the State of Illinois and the State of California. I received my Doctorate in Counseling Psychology and my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have years of experience helping my clients properly cope with severe life challenges that stem from depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, substance abuse, parent-child relationships, crisis intervention, just to name a few. My experience also extends to working with athletes, actors, musicians, and victims of trauma as well as conducting women, parenting, adolescent, and drug groups.
I am a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, an ambassador for the Office on Women's Health-US Department of Health and Human Services, and an expert panelist for mental health discussions in Los Angeles and Chicago, to include BET Genius Talks, "Being" on BET, a variety of radio shows, such as iHeartRadio-WGCI, and other media outlets. I can also be seen working on VH1's television reality series, Basketball Wives LA, Black Ink Crew Chicago, and also Couples Therapy. I currently work between the Beverly Hills office in the State of California and also the Chicago office in the State of Illinois.
Locations: Beverly Hills CA, Chicago IL, and Telehealth
Janet Costello, LCPC, CADC, NCC
Life can have many challenges and even more now that we are all living with the uncertainty of this world. I know reaching out for emotional support can be difficult. My clients say once they make the decision to seek assistance, their life begins to change. As a therapist, my philosophy is working collaboratively with my clients, building a trusting therapeutic relationship, and empowering clients with my support. Active listening is key to assisting my clients to achieve their goals to live a happier and more fulfilling life.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified School Counselor, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider, Prepare/Enrich facilitator, and have a Master's degree in School Leadership. I assure my clients with my guidance and their dedication; they can live a more gratifying life while dealing with their daily challenges.
I work with adolescents and adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, substance abuse (CADC), family dynamics challenges, relationship issues (Prepare/Enrich facilitator), school avoidance (certified school counselor), self-harm, self-esteem, and daily life struggles.
Location: Telehealth in the State of Illinois
Irene Merring, PsyD
“One defines oneself by reinvention. To be yourself. To cut yourself out of stone."- Henry Rollins. So many of us struggle to find our place in this world and to live in our truth. We want to be seen, but we fear rejection. We want to use our voice, but we are afraid of judgment. If you are feeling this way, I can help.
I earned my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University. I bring a creative, punk rock, radical sense of self-acceptance to treatment. I believe in giving a voice to those who have been marginalized and do my best to advocate for the populations I am passionate about. I enjoy working with musicians and creatives, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and BIPOC LGBTQ+. I provide affirmative care to my clients and believe in being a lifelong learner in all I do. I am a professional musician, singer, and songwriter, allowing me to think outside the box in my work. I believe in social justice and take the specific struggles of client populations regarding culture, ethnicity, social status, and race into consideration.
Treatment with me will be customized to fit each client’s specific needs. For couples, I utilize Imago and Gottman’s theories. There is no issue too big or small for us to tackle together. Work with me is a safe space to explore your most authentic self. Together, we will strengthen your well-being, balance your mental health, and find meaning and purpose. All while exploring the unknown and reaching your goals.
Location: Telehealth in the State of California
Linda Burke, LMFT
My goal as a therapist is to assist you in achieving your personal best. I provide a safe, comforting, non-judgmental environment to explore issues that may be contributing to a reduction in your sense of self-worth, confidence and positive approach to life. Coping with expected and unexpected obstacles in relationships, careers, parenting and life transitions are challenging.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and completed my Masters at Pepperdine University. I have over twenty five years experience providing therapy to individuals, couples and families and worked in Superior Court to reduce conflict between parents and mediate mutually agreed upon parenting plans for their children. My clients come from diverse socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. My experience includes working with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, marital counseling, parenting, career difficulties grief/loss, crisis intervention and life transitions.
Therapy provides insights into our interactions, increases understanding of the connection between our thoughts and behaviors and develops productive ways of communicating our feelings and coping with stressors. I look forward to meeting with you to begin the process of letting your special uniqueness, purpose and goals come to fruition.
Location: Telehealth in the State of California
Dean Rody, LCSW
Anyone who has experienced trauma or severe life stressors can tell you that the impact of those events can make life feel like it is unraveling. My passion in life is to help people who are going through trauma, stress, anxiety and depression find hope. I help clients, including adolescents, adults and families, identify their own strengths from within so that they can discover a healthy perception of themselves, improve relationships, and find a sense of being complete and at peace. Choosing to seek therapy is a difficult but important decision. You deserve to have a safe, warm and caring environment in which to explore the concerns that are confronting you and rediscover your own center and sense of purpose. No single approach to therapy is right for everyone.
I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Narrative Therapy. I will work with you to identify the right approach that meets your needs and allows for the best opportunity to thrive.
My educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Goshen College in Indiana and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of North Dakota. I have over 20 years of combined experience in the field of Social Work and working as a therapist.
Location: Telehealth in the State of California
LaToya Lewis, MA, LPC
Life can be really challenging and stressful. Most of us have families, jobs and multiple things that we are juggling at once. I believe that focusing on self-care is extremely important. Self-care can look so different for everyone. It can be fun but it also should entail taking a deeper look at ourselves and not just indulging in the fun parts. Self-care is gaining awareness of who you are, speaking your truth, and focusing on maintaining overall wellness.
I believe that in recognizing unhealthy behaviors, patterns, generational cycles and learning ways to break those unhealthy practices can lead to overall health and wellness. I take a special interest in relationships and how they can affect clients in both good and bad ways. Also I take an interest in stress management, physical, sexual and emotional abuse.
I bring unique experience from a diverse background in the legal field, residential work, and crisis intervention. I also bring my passion, drive, creativity, and my willingness to learn new ways to assist clients to find their way back to a higher level of functioning.
Check out LaToya's podcast, Live, Learn & Love, at https://anchor.fm/latoya471
Location: Chicago and Telehealth in the State of Illinois
Marili Arellano, LMFT, LPCC
My name is Marili and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor based in California, I focus on fostering meaningful connections for adults and couples. My passion lies in empowering others to embark on their journey towards self-empowerment and growth. I would describe myself as naturally inquisitive and welcoming. When I was younger, I often found myself asking others a lot of questions and taking interest in their lives. This eventually led to my love for therapy and helping others gain insight into their lives.
I offer fully telehealth sessions in the state of California. I work with adults and couples of all ages. My style of therapy is client-centered and humanistic. I often educate, integrate strength-based methods, and draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques as needed to support you in reaching your goals. I am also an EMDR trained therapists and can help you work through past trauma and current triggers. Additionally, I am Gottman Couples Therapy Level 1 Trained which I utilize in my work with couples.
Specializing in therapy for therapists, I offer support for professional and personal growth. With experience in easing anxiety and empowering individuals to reclaim peace of mind, I also specialize in addressing issues of self-worth, relational distress, and enhancing communication skills. Whether navigating difficult relationships or resolving conflicts, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space for you to freely express your thoughts and feelings.
Searching for help and finding the right therapist can be difficult. I approach therapy with a commitment to challenging you while meeting you where you are in your journey. If you are ready to make a change, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Location: Beverly Hills and Telehealth in the State of California
Diamond D. Howard, BSW, MSW, LCSW
“All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today.” - Chinese Proverb
Every garden begins with a tiny seed. Quite the wonder that, that tiny seed will become a sunflower, delicious kale greens, or even my favorite, a sweet grapefruit. For the seed becoming takes watering, weeding, and caring. Through careful tending, a seed can manifest into something delightful, something sustainable, something nourishing. I'm excited to support you in identifying, planting, and tending to the seeds in the most precious garden you will ever know, you.
My therapeutic approach is one that is individualized and creative. I intend to provide tools to enhance your journey and bring resolution to past experiences while exploring stages of healing, balance, and self-discovery. I journey alongside clients to create a safe and non-judgmental space where they can freely express and process where they are. Through a trauma- informed, client- centered, and strength-based therapeutic lens, I bring skill, training, and practical help to the space. My aim as a clinician is to assist each of my clients visualize and go after the best that life has to offer.
Some of my areas of focus are anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief/loss, trauma, interpersonal issues, esteem building, stress, and emotional regulation. I work with clients across the age span and have expert experience with adolescents and young adults. I welcome individuals, families, and groups.
As we tend to our deeper self and thoughts, our most creative life unfolds allowing a clear vision into the person we were created to be. If you’re ready to move forward and perfect the garden of you, I am here to help you.
Location: Chicago and Telehealth in the State of Illinois
Latoya Godley, MA, LSW,
Behavioral Health Clinician
“Life is not about waiting on the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain” - Vivian Greene
Storms are often the inevitable stressors of life. Traumatic events or difficult transitions tend to influence our thoughts, which can lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety, fear, anger and low self-esteem. Whether it’s dealing with a loss, tragedy, relationship conflict, or overall highs/lows that this world may bring, we all deserve a place to decompress and process our feelings.
My therapeutic style is collaborative, warm, and relational. I offer a safe, non-judgmental environment filled with unconditional positive regard, acceptance, empathy, and support.
For years, I’ve worked with children, adolescents, and adults providing individual, family and group therapy, substance abuse treatment, as well as crisis intervention. I possess a diverse set of clinical skills and utilize treatment modalities that allow me to tailor clients’ therapy to their unique personalities, challenges, strengths and life experiences.
If you’re ready to embark on a new journey in life, establish goals, and master coping skills needed to feel empowered to be your best self, I’m here to help!
Location: Chicago and Telehealth in the State of Illinois
Dr. Karesha Gayles, PsyD
“Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.” – Forrest Gump
My educational and professional background have afforded me the experience of working with a vast array of clientele and has allowed me to recognize the importance of flexibility and adaptability as a therapist. From working with forensic populations such as those in prisons, juvenile halls, and psychiatric facilities, to now working in private practice, I have found great fulfillment within both areas of practice. My mission is to provide guidance towards one’s individual needs while providing a safe, caring, and warm space.
I am currently a Registered Clinical Forensic Psychologist with the State of California. I received my doctorate in Clinical Forensic Psychology, and both my Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Public Administration with a Criminal Justice concentration. I have worked in mental health since 2005, and as a therapist since 2012. My clients come from diverse socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. I currently work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
My belief is that there is no cookie cutter way to provide therapy, but with my guidance and your commitment to the process, together we can create an effective plan of treatment to meet your needs.
Location: Telehealth in the State of California