Transgender Therapists in Illinois

I’m Nycole A. Cox, a Nurse Practitioner, who works with professionals who look successful on the outside but feel completely depleted on the inside. If you’re carrying constant responsibility, making high-stakes decisions, and pushing through exhaustion because “that’s just part of the job,” you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. My path into psychiatric care became personal after experiencing burnout myself in high-pressure healthcare environments. I know what it’s like to function at a high level while feeling mentally drained, emotionally detached, and physically exhausted—no matter how much sleep you get. That experience reshaped how I care for patients and who I care for. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Kent State University and my Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati. I bring 12 years of experience as a Registered Nurse and 7 years as a Nurse Practitioner.

Hi! မင်္ဂလာပါ! My name is Sandy and I am Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) providing counseling to teenagers (12+) and adults in Illinois. My past clinical experience includes working with adolescents and adults, and veterans, especially those with past trauma and/or those who struggle with anxiety and depression. I also am passionate about working with immigrants, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ community members and multicultural populations. I especially believe in providing support for these populations as they are often systematically underserved and overlooked in behavioral health and healthcare. My therapeutic approach is informed by social justice, empathy, cultural humility, and respect for diversity. I believe in creating a safe and inclusive space where clients can explore their experiences, process their trauma, and reclaim their sense of agency and resilience. Being an immigrant myself, I understand firsthand the challenges and difficulties of immigrating and navigating life in a new country while preserving one's cultural identity. Drawing from evidence-based modalities such as trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), humanistic therapy and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), I work collaboratively with clients to address the unique challenges they face, including acculturative stress, discrimination, and intergenerational trauma. My goal is to empower clients to heal from their past experiences, help end cycles of trauma and cultivate a sense of resilience in their lives. As a therapist, I enjoy creating a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, thoughts, and emotions without judgment or biases. I hope empower clients to heal from their past experiences and help them move closer towards their goals. If you're ready, feel free to reach out for a free 15-minute free consultation call.

Welcome! I am so happy you are here. I work specifically with people of color and those in the LGBTQ+ community who are seeking therapy for anxiety, stress and burnout, life transitions, self-esteem, and relationship difficulties.  Therapy can be a scary and daunting step. Taking the time to address your needs, big or small, shows strength and courage and I will be right by your side with empathy and compassion.  I believe that, when entering a space of vulnerability, it is important to feel safe and secure. As a therapist, my job is to provide you with a non-judgmental therapeutic environment to support you in your healing and growth. I am here to offer a collaborative approach to empower and foster change in your journey.

I have personally overcome a wide range of challenges, from growing up in a dysfunctional home and struggling with weight, stress, and depression to dropping out of high school, being a homeless teen mother, and losing a son to gun violence. I’ve navigated toxic friendships, abusive relationships, and survived a narcissistic marriage, all while raising a son in the LGBTQ community and often feeling like I didn’t belong or fit into the world around me. In addition to my extensive academic studies in nursing, psychiatry, metaphysical science, nutrition, and functional medicine, I am also a Certified Advanced Mastery Life Coach and Transformational Health Coach. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with thousands of individuals from all walks of life. Each has faced their own unique challenges, and through my coaching, I’ve helped them find balance in their mind, body, and spirit. Together, we’ve unlocked their potential to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives, build stronger relationships, and learn how to thrive—not just survive.

With an empathic and genuine ability to connect with others, I have worked extensively with Immigrants and refugees, the LGBTQ+ and other underrepresented communities of color. My aim is to meet the demand for culturally sensitive, person centered services where people can Identify and feel safe and comfortable on their healing journey. I have also worked with people experiencing homelessness, substance use and co-occuring mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and trauma.

Board-Certified Psychiatrist | Forensic Specialist | Psychotherapist With over 15 years of clinical psychiatry experience, including a decade in forensic psychiatry, I deliver comprehensive, patient-centered mental health care. Board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, I bring expertise in psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication management to my practice. Specializations: Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Medication Management Philosophy: Most psychiatric illnesses are treatable, and high-quality, consistent care can significantly improve symptoms and overall functioning

Working from a feminist theoretical perspective, I feel that your unique voice deserves to be believed, be heard, and be taken seriously. I believe in creating a trusted space in which you feel comfortable to work through your difficulties, without fear of judgment or discrimination. My area of specialty is addiction. I am a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). I am also able to treat addictive behaviors such as gambling or spending. I have experience working with both individuals and groups struggling with severe addictions. I am able to connect you with higher levels of care if you need more support in your recovery beyond the outpatient level. I also specialize in LGBTQ+ and women's issues, specifically with transgender folks. I have helped many clients begin their gender transitions, including hormone replacement therapy and gender-affirming surgeries. Beyond my areas of specialty, I am able to work with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, life transitions, relationship difficulties, trauma, personality disorders, and more. Let's see if we are a good fit! I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wayne State University in 2013, and my Master of Arts in Counseling from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2019. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I am also a National Certified Counselor (NCC), which is a board certification. I am fully licensed in Illinois as well (LCPC).

Nik Wicks (they/them) is a dedicated counselor who works with adolescents, young/emerging adults, and established adults. They specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ adolescents, particularly those who are neurodiverse and/or experiencing depression or anxiety. Overall, Nik views therapy as a process of guided and assisted change—like a road trip, where the client is behind the wheel and they are in the passenger seat, helping to pick a destination and give directions while letting the client drive the car. This collaborative approach makes the journey as meaningful as the destination. Nik has a strong interest in holistic and trauma-informed care. Utilizing an eclectic approach, they draw from a social constructivist and person-centered/strengths-based perspective. They frequently incorporate tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), as well as Art Therapy. They have completed TF-CBT training. Deciding to start the therapeutic journey is half the battle- so let me congratulate you on making it this far! If my way of working resonates with you, please don't hesitate to reach out.