Our Team

I received my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in child and adolescent counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I am currently a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois. I have been intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) by Behavioral Tech, LLC. I continue to attend and present workshops and seminars on substance abuse, self-harming behaviors, child/adolescent development, DBT and stress management. For over the past 20 years I have worked in a variety of behavioral health settings including in-patient, intensive out-patient, and out-patient facilities providing individual, group, and family therapy. I worked for and have been affiliated with such organizations as Ascension (Provena) Mercy Center, Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, and Ascension (formerly Resurrection) Behavioral Health-Addiction Services. I have owned and operated The Chicago Integrative Center for Psychology (CICP) for the past 17 years. I am also the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of The Family Recovery Centers, PLLC (FRC). FRC is a fully licensed and Joint Commission accredited Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for adolescents and young adults in Lake Bluff, Hoffman Estates, St. Charles and Plano, IL. In working with clients and their families for more than two decades, I discovered several techniques to address resistance and opposition towards change. I used an eclectic approach utilizing DBT, ACT, Person-Centered, and Play Therapy, to identify and focus on maladaptive coping skills and gear therapy toward the development of new healthy and effective ways of dealing with life issues. I am delighted to now use my experience and knowledge to oversee and supervise the bright clinicians of CICP.

Bradley Pechter, MD is a psychiatrist with over 25 years of clinical experience. He has attended school at Stanford University, Northwestern Medical School, and the Universities of Illinois and Colorado. He has been board-certified in adult, child & adolescent and addiction psychiatry over the course of his career. Dr. Pechter has also been on the faculty at Northwestern, Rush and the University of Illinois. He has been in private practice for the past 10 years and has a special interest in Child, Adolescent and Young Adult Psychiatry. Dr. Pechter understands the importance of collaboration with referring providers. His goal is to treat each case with compassion and empathy while utilizing his extensive experience and knowledge. He treats a wide range of psychiatric illnesses and does provide psychotherapy and medication management, understanding medication is not the only option. We are excited to welcome Dr. Pechter to the CICP Team. He is now taking appointments in our Skokie location or via telehealth.

Michael Ficaro is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in the state of Illinois. Michael has been in the mental health field for eight years and has experience working with both adolescents and adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Michael has worked with patients with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, substance use disorders, spectrum disorders, personality disorders, and behavioral disorders. He completed his Bachelor of Science from DePaul University and received both a Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Rush University. Michael uses a collaborative, patient-centered model of care to address biological, psychological, and social factors that impact clients’ health. He understands that every client is unique and he strives to deliver holistic, individually-tailored treatment options to achieve the best health outcomes. Michael believes that being an effective Psychiatric Me​ntal Health Nurse Practitioner means promoting hope, instilling empowerment and self-reliance, and helping individuals with mental illness overcome obstacles and setbacks to achieve the life they want to live. We are excited to welcome Michael to the CICP Team. He is now taking appointments in our Lake Bluff location or via telehealth.

Dina is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with over 8 years of clinical experience including psychiatric, neurology and critical care inpatient and outpatient. She attended Lake Forest College for her BA, Chamberlain College of Nursing for her BSN and North Park University for her MSN. She is currently completing her PMHNP certification. Dina is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to adolescents and adults. She possesses strong clinical skills and has a natural ability to build rapport with patients and families. She follows evidence-based guidelines blended with clinical experience and personal observation. At The Chicago Integrative Center for Psychology, Dina provides psychiatric evaluations, treatment options and medication management. With personalized care plans, Dina works with her patients to treat some of the more common conditions including, but not limited to: ADHD, Anxiety disorders, Bipolar, Depression, PTSD and OCD. It’s Dina’s privilege to guide you along your mental health journey.

Dana Slowinski is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and holds a Master’s degree from the University of Chicago. Alongside her work at CICP, Dana is a Founding Partner and Owner of The Family Recovery Centers (FRC), which has three locations in Lake Bluff, St. Charles and Hoffman Estates, IL. Dana is intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Historically, Dana has worked in both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health settings where she helped clients struggling with anxiety, depression, self-injury and substance use. She has specialized training in couples therapy and extensive experience helping clients through parenting and family issues. Prior to her work in the behavioral health arena Dana worked in a juvenile detention center where she implemented a social skills training program for youth offenders. She also has experience as a domestic violence/rape crisis 24 hour hotline volunteer and Victims Rights advocate through the judicial system. Dana has presented workshops and trainings on multiple topics to educators, clinicians and the community, including “DBT skills training for Adolescents”. She has served on the Board of Directors of Linking Efforts Against Drugs (LEAD), which is a non-profit organization dedicated to impacting the character, development and behavior of youth, families and communities. Dana has also served in the role of chairman of LEAD's Clinical Advisory Committee. Dana is actively involved in the community and incorporates this passion into her work at both CICP and FRC.

Danielle Baran is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in child and adolescent assessment and therapy for children as young as 3 and into their early 20s. Danielle received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Northern Illinois University in 2011, and has a MS in Developmental Psychology from the University of Georgia. She has trained and worked in a wide variety of settings, including academic medical centers, outpatient centers, assessment centers, outpatient training programs, and schools. Danielle has a special interest in co-occurring disorders and diagnostic complexity. Fellowship: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine/Kennedy Krieger Institute Internship: Florida State University Multidisciplinary Evaluation and Consulting Center PhD: Northern Illinois University, Clinical Psychology MS: University of Georgia, Life-Span Developmental Psychology BA: Loyola University Chicago, Philosoph

I have a strong passion and desire to help others reach their greatest potential. Personal traumas and daily stressors can impede a healthy sense of well-being. Using a strengths perspective, I believe that I can help guide my clients to achieve a sense of empowerment. Within this framework, I can meet the clients where they are in their personal journey, and help guide them on the path to wellness. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Social Work, both from Loyola University in Chicago. I have a history of working with children/adolescents and their families in an inpatient and outpatient setting. In addition to this, I have worked with individuals struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Self-Harm, Eating Disorders, Relational/Marital Conflict, and Trauma. Not every approach is right for every individual, so we will work closely together to formulate a plan that feels right. I will help my patients create healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships so they can ultimately see themselves as peaceful, complete, whole and safe.

After receiving my educational specialist degree from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2016, I have been working in diverse school settings, including therapeutic, all over the Chicagoland area. As a school psychologist, my primary role is identifying and working with children and adolescents that struggle with school success due to an academic and/or social emotional disability. This multi-tiered process includes collaborating with school staff and families, diagnostic testing and therapy with interventions. I am well versed in several test batteries used to help diagnose academic, social-emotional and functional disabilities. I’m also working on my doctorate in School Psychology to improve my skills, as well as the opportunity to work on achieving my LCP and eventually my LCPC. Working in multiple school settings has given me the opportunity to work with a diverse population of students from various racial, cultural, sexual and gender identities suffering from a variety of academic and social emotional disabilities. My primary experience has been working with teens and young adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, body dysmorphia due to gender identity and executive functioning deficits, including ADHD. Currently, my primary role will be completing the diagnostic testing to help determine where a child struggles. This may be helpful information a professional can use to help make a diagnosis, as well as information required in order for a child to receive accommodations and support services at school.

John has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2014 with a primary focus on working with clients who have experienced grief or loss through the death of a loved one. Additionally, John has treated clients for their anxiety, depression and trauma which may or may not be grief related. Substance use disorders have also been a part of John’s training and practice. The clinical philosophies and treatment approaches that inform John’s work with clients include attachment theory, Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT), exposure therapy and mindfulness. John has a master’s degree in both Sociology (University of Illinois, Chicago) and Social Work (Loyola University, Chicago) and has received training in Prolonged Grief Treatment at the Center for Prolonged Grief at Columbia University School of Social Work in New York. The dramatic changes that life brings each of us at some point can be overwhelming and stressful. John’s therapeutic goal is to assist clients during their adjustment to life’s challenges by helping them to validate and accept their thoughts and feelings, and to guide them in learning to cope and work toward new ways to think and feel about their experiences. Ultimately, clients will be able to practice healthy habits leading to better coping and feelings of self-determination.

I received my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and my Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University. My therapeutic approach is centered in unconditional positive regard. To meet each client's unique needs, I integrate evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy. I view therapy as a partnership where we work together to design a personalized program tailored to achieve each client's individual goals. I am experienced in crisis management, including conducting risk evaluations and handling clients in crisis situations, as well as coordinating urgent care interventions. During my time at the UIUC Counseling Center I developed the ability to handle acute mental health situations, including suicidal ideation and self-injurious behavior to ensure that clients receive the care they need. In addition to crisis management, I am skilled in trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and treatment planning. I am passionate about creating a therapeutic environment where clients feel safe, supported, and empowered to explore their challenges and build resilience. My approach is holistic, addressing a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and complex trauma. I also incorporate mindfulness techniques and relaxation strategies into my practice, helping clients develop practical tools to manage anxiety and stress. By teaching mindfulness skills, I empower clients to stay grounded in the present moment and reduce the impact of negative thoughts on their overall well-being. Before my career in mental health, I worked in telecommunications project management, where I developed strong skills in conflict resolution, problem-solving, and negotiation. These experiences have given me a unique perspective on therapy, allowing me to approach mental health challenges with practical solutions and a focus on collaborative problem-solving. I am deeply committed to continuous learning and professional development, staying current with the latest research and therapeutic techniques to provide the highest standard of care. My goal is to ensure that every client I work with feels understood, supported, and empowered throughout their therapeutic journey, fostering personal growth and well-being in a compassionate, client-centered environment.

Liah earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Illinois State University and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. Liah has previously worked in inpatient settings, offering individual crisis stabilization services, as well as group and family counseling sessions. Additionally, Liah has worked as an outpatient clinician and community social worker. Through this experience, Liah has worked with clients with a range of concerns including, depression, anxiety, grief, personality disorders, and trauma symptoms. Presently, Liah works with children, adolescents, adults & families. Liah believes therapy should take a collaborative approach and should be tailored to meet the precise needs of each individual. Liah’s goal is to offer a safe environment where the client feels supported and respected. She primarily utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and strengths-based perspective.

Lisa Mayer Levy has been practicing individual, group, and family therapy with adolescents, young adults, and adults for 22 years. Her objective is to help people feel better about themselves and each other. She teaches healthy coping skills, which are major assets to dealing with a majority of life issues. She specializes in ADHD, substance abuse, anxiety, and depression. Lisa assists in educating her clients about their diagnosis, helps develop healthy cognitive patterns and teaches healthy coping skills. She also assists her clients in developing behavioral and cognitive strategies to reduce anxiety and depression. ADHD clients are assisted in creating structured, routine, consequences, and rewards. Clients struggling with chemical dependence are assisted in beginning their recovery program. After receiving her MSW from Loyola University, Lisa spent one year of her post-graduate training with The Institute for Juvenile Research Family Systems Program. She is affiliated with the National Association of Social Workers, and attends seminars for ADHD, anxiety, chemical dependence, and depression. She has also consulted with therapeutic day schools, provides group therapy, and lectures both teachers and students on various topics involving her specialties.

I have my Doctorate in Social Work with over 10 years of experience working with children, teens, adults and seniors as a social worker supporting and guiding clients. My professional life includes the knowledge of the scientific study on the process of aging, a commitment to serving the needs of all populations in the field of social work, and developing treatment plans that are sensitive and realistic to the many demands of clients. I understand the "real life challenges" of trauma, divorce, parenting, and financial hardship. I have studied many modalities to bring healing to those in need. I am a life-long learner inspired by the abundance of opportunities available to broaden and enrich the lives of the populations I serve. My areas of specialty include Coping Skills, Emotional Disturbance, Family Conflict, Parenting, Relationship Issues-Couple/Marriage Counseling, School Issues, Self Esteem, Stress, Gambling Addiction, Anger Management, Grief and Loss, Domestic Violence, and Trauma.

I received my Master’s degree in Art Therapy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I hold Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC) credentials in the state of Illinois. My clinical expertise revolves around family therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), marriage counseling, individual therapy & parent coaching. I also offer art therapy. I have over 14 years of intensive outpatient and private practice experience. I believe healing is holistic. I strive to guide individuals and couples to uncover the root of what brought them into therapy, and how to discover unopened doors toward their inherent value, wisdom and strength. Changing emotionally, mentally, and/or spiritually is a challenging task, and there are so many skills and opportunities for growth if there is willingness to do the work. I incorporate various styles of treatment such as DBT, CBT, Gottman theory, person centered therapy, solution focused therapy, & trauma informed treatment to help guide clients on their journey. I work with adolescents, adults, parents, families, and partnerships. My specialties include relational/marital conflict, emotion regulation (self care), self-esteem, family conflict, attachment/personality disorders, substance abuse, self-injury, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, and eating disorders. I also teach yoga classes publicly and privately throughout the Chicago-land area.

Pamela Doane has been a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) for over 25 years and obtained her master’s degree in counseling psychology from DePaul University. Pamela has obtained certifications in many fields of therapeutic psychology ranging from anxiety, depression disorders, OCD, adjustment disorders, family of origin issues and life transitions. Pamela has worked in private practice as well as for nonprofit community service programs providing counseling for all age groups to include family, adolescent, children, and couples counseling. Additionally, Pamela has extensive training in suicide prevention and after care having volunteered for the National Suicide Resource & Prevention Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Pamela is a senior citizen who has faced the challenges of the aging process in a technological world as well as the many issues associated with life losses and life/family adjustments. While she continues to work part-time with children and adolescents in a nonprofit agency, she now embraces the challenge of working with seniors in our community. The depression rates for this age group have been increasing at a tremendous rate since the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic and suicide rates reached an all-time high in August of 2023 for people aged 61 and over. Pamela would like to continue her work at CICP to improve overall function, emotional health and well-being, happiness, and the art of finding purpose in life by extending counseling services to seniors in our community. Pamela utilizes an eclectic approach to counseling utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), positive psychology and solution focused therapy to address the unique emotional needs of her clients, regardless of age group. She is dedicated to empowering clients to live their best lives and to learn coping skills and strategies to manage daily stressors and uncertainty in these challenging times. It is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting and positive change in each of our lives.

I received my Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago with specializations in Mental Health and Group Work. I am currently a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC) in the state of Illinois. I have been intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and use it throughout my practice. My clinical expertise has been formed through my work with adolescents, young adults, adults, and families struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, self-injury, and addictions. I have worked as a primary counselor for intensive outpatient treatment at Family Recovery Centers as well as in outpatient DUI treatment at Counseling Center of Illinois. I strive to guide individuals, couples, and families through their therapeutic experience by offering a collaborative approach that focuses on fully utilizing the strengths and abilities of the client. I believe that clients come into the therapy room with a wealth of knowledge regarding what will help them reach a life worth living. I see my role as a helper to motivate, challenge, enhance insight, and provide accountability along that journey. I work with adolescents, young adults, adults, parents, couples, and families. My specialties include substance abuse, emotion regulation, crisis management, transition to adulthood, self-esteem, family conflict, attachment/personality disorders, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, self-injury, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, severe mental illness, and trauma. I also currently facilitate an adolescent DBT Skills Group at Family Recovery Centers for clients who are looking to build their knowledge of coping skills for managing daily life.

I earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University Chicago. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and am certified in EMDR. I work with all ages; young children through aging seniors and welcome clients of all backgrounds and lifestyles. My approach is collaborative and goal-driven, seeking to empower clients to create opportunities and choice in their lives. I incorporate cognitive-based techniques, mindfulness and wellness, alongside trauma-informed care to facilitate change and help clients overcome obstacles and crises. I am passionate about personal growth; coaching clients through life transitions including end of life. I specialize in Personality Disorders, and work with individuals, couples and families on Relationship Issues, Parenting, School Issues, ADHD and Executive Functioning, Anxiety, Depression, Grief, PTSD, Bi-Polar Disorder, OCD, Phobias, Eating Disorders, Identity Issues, Alcohol and Substance Abuse and Self-Harm Behaviors.

I graduated from Concordia University Chicago, where I received a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am currently a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). I have had previous experience working in settings such as intensive inpatient, crisis accommodation, transitional housing, and career counseling. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults, as well as their families. I have been trained to work with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and both sleep and chronic pain concerns. I believe that everyone has a different experience in life, and as such that not every type of treatment will work with every person. I feel that counseling approaches have to be adjusted to fit the needs of every individual, and my goal is to help clients reach their goals and live a healthier life.

I graduated from Northern Illinois University with a B.S, in education as well as an M.S. in counseling and am licensed as an LCPC in Illinois. I have been in the field for over 20 years specializing in work with children, adolescents, young adults, families, and adults. I am also trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I have worked in many different levels of care including inpatient, outpatient, and residential care. I have worked with the with the following areas over the years including: anxiety, ADD/ADHD, depression, behavior issues, social skills, grief and loss, sexual identity, trauma, abuse, as well as severe mental health issues, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Oppositional defiant disorder, and many others. I have also worked with domestic violence victims helping them to become survivors and thrivers. Day, afternoon and evening hours are available. I am also available to provide discounts and sliding scale fees for those with financial needs.

My therapeutic focus includes treatment of Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Obsessive Compulsive disorder, as well as more common issues dealing with emotional regulation, resilience, and anger management. I specialize in the treatment of shock and trauma and its relationship to depression, anxiety, addiction, and other unwanted emotions and behaviors. I use a unique blend of evidence based treatment, Somatic Experiencing, (release of shock and trauma from the subconscious and physical body) and Hypnotherapy, into the therapeutic process in order to help release and heal emotional wounds. I have earned post -graduate degrees in the following fields of study: A Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapy, and a Master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology, (better understood as the psychology of the soul.) I love to work with individuals, adolescents, couples and families to restore healthy family dynamics. By uncovering and reversing faulty negative self-judgments, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of the authentic self. My goal to enhance the self-regulatory skills needed to live a full and purposeful life. In recent years I have worked at Highland Park Hospital's Adolescent Psychiatric In-Patient unit and The Child and Adolescent Family Recovery Center's Intensive Outpatient Program, as well as being in private practice for the last 10 years.