Dr. Kelly Behrends
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Practice Owner and President
After a prolific career in the mental health field working in a variety of clinical and management roles, Dr. Behrends founded Libertyville Counseling Group with the objective to develop a group practice dedicated to providing comprehensive and high-quality mental health services and support to our community. Dr. Behrends received a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Diagnostic Assessment and Empirically Supported Therapy Models as well as a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology, both from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She also earned a Master of Arts Degree in Human Development Counseling with an emphasis on Client-Centered Therapy from the University of Illinois-Springfield. Over the course of her career, Dr. Behrends has provided services to all ages in a wide range of clinical settings (out-patient, partial hospital, in-patient, residential and emergency/crisis intervention programs) as well as college-level and primary school settings. Her specific areas of clinical expertise include the Diagnostic Assessment and treatment of Childhood Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, Depression, Anxiety/Panic Disorders, Other Mood Dysregulation Disorders, Relationship Conflicts, Major Life Transitions, and Parenting/Blended Family Concerns. Her administrative and management experiences include her roles as the Clinical Program Manager of a Chicagoland Group Home for Teens, the Intake Manager of a Partial Hospital and Intensive Out-Patient Program, and as President and Clinic Director of her first Independent Private Practice established in 2007 as well as Libertyville Counseling Group established in 2016. Dr. Behrends believes all clients should receive a thorough, personalized assessment, a thoughtful and individualized treatment plan, and a proven, effective approach to care in a safe, empathetic, non-judgmental environment that will allow them to heal and overcome life’s obstacles with their own unique perspective and personality strengths they have yet to discover.
“I am privileged to work with this team of highly skilled, competent, and dedicated therapists, who daily go above and beyond in their work for their patients. I have full confidence we will do our best for you.” -Dr. Behrends
Dr. Daniella Wiegand, PsyD
Clinical Program Supervisor
Libertyville
Dr. Wiegand is a seasoned clinical psychologist with many years of experience treating patients in various medical settings including cardiac rehabs, occupational medical settings, and the ICU as well as inpatient hospitals and outpatient clinics. She earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at Northwestern University in 1990 and a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology with a Health Psychology emphasis from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in 1999. Dr. Wiegand has been providing individual, family, and marital therapy in a private practice setting since 2003. Her approach to psychotherapy is to provide a safe and empathic environment in which a collaborative relationship leads to Invaluable change and growth. Dr. Wiegand employs an integrative treatment modality that includes cognitive-behavioral and solution focused paradigm. Areas of expertise and treatment include Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, Chronic Pain, Mood Disorders, Grief/Loss, OCD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Relationship Issues.
Lola Ciccone, LCPC
Clinical Program Supervisor
Grayslake/Prairie Crossing
Lola joined Libertyville Counseling Group promptly after completing her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University in 2022. With a double major in Pre-Medicine and Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, as well as intensive training for her Master’s Degree, Lola has gained diverse experiences working with all ages in mental health clinics, medical practices, as well as therapeutic schools and private practices. With a natural warmth and welcoming nature, she strives to create a collaborative, holistic therapeutic experience, using an Adlerian and Person-Centered orientation where individuals feel safe and comfortable to seek change, growth, and healing at their own pace. She often utilizes evidence-based therapeutic methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Her areas of expertise include Anxiety, Depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, other mood concerns, relationship problems, life-transitions, and managing life stress. Lola’s overall goal in her work as a therapist is to empower individuals to embrace their healing as they embark on new change and life experiences.
Kaitlin Lavris, LCSW
Clinical Social Worker Supervisor
Kaitlin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience working in the mental health field. She received her Master of Social Work degree from the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois, Chicago in 2012. Kaitlin specializes in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and other Anxiety-related disorders. Other areas of practice include Depression, Perfectionism, Body-Focused repetitive behaviors (i.e. hair pulling and skin picking), Hoarding, and Life Transitions. With a warm, lighthearted and collaborative approach, Kaitlin utilizes a variety of evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness to help her clients reclaim a sense of control in their lives. She has received extensive training and consultation in ERP for treating OCD through the Cognitive Behavior Institute and is a member of the International OCD Foundation. Kaitlin aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for patients to explore their emotions, embrace uncertainty, and discover their unique power to make meaningful changes in their lives.
Colleen Dunn, LCPC, NCC
Intake Manager
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
After several years in the mental health field advocating for children, families, and marginalized populations in the foster care system, Colleen joined Libertyville Counseling Group in 2021 as the Intake Manager and Clinical Psychotherapist, working with all ages with a variety of clinical concerns. A graduate of Concordia’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, Colleen approaches her work from the Wellness Model, which aims to balance the mind, body and spirit. With a warm, lighthearted approach that utilizes humor and encourages fun, Colleen invites clients to engage in a positive therapeutic experience easing the apprehension and vulnerability of the therapy process. The first goal strives to establish a strong therapeutic alliance, as the therapeutic relationship is viewed as the best predictor of change. Through the course of therapy, Colleen works from a constructivist lens, to empower her clients to build skills and learn how they have the strength to write their own narrative. When working with children and their families, she utilizes creative interventions to facilitate a comfortable environment. Colleen integrates evidence-based interventions and trauma informed models in her practice including, but not limited to, CBT, DBT, ACT, Mindfulness, Motivational interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy to best fit the individual’s needs and clinical concerns. Her areas of expertise include Anxiety, Depression, Trauma (PTSD, C-PTSD, Complex Childhood Trauma), Bipolar Disorder and other mood issues, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), relationship problems, identity development (including gender/sexual orientation), women’s issues, childhood/parenting concerns and general life stresses. Growth is a direction, not a destination. Colleen is here to give you some wind in your sails and help you to chart the course, but to also help you see that you are the captain of your own ship!
Dr. Mark Zissman
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Zissman is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 12 years of clinical experience. He earned both his Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from Adler University in 2010 and 2013, respectively. Dr. Zissman has experience providing services to children, adolescents, adults, and families presenting with a wide range of presenting problems and mental health concerns, including mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, trauma, grief and loss, low self-esteem, addiction, and family/interpersonal challenges. Dr. Zissman is also certified in alcohol and other drug counseling, and has previously served as the Clinical Director of multiple drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers in the Chicagoland area. As a clinician, he is passionate about helping individuals find their own unique motivations for wellness and personal growth, and he utilizes an integrative clinical approach consisting of numerous evidence-based practices, including motivational interviewing, CBT, ACT, and DBT. Interpersonally, Dr. Zissman is client-centered and strives to create safe, encouraging, and collaborative therapeutic relationships. His personal and professional experience, coupled with his intuitive approach, help make Dr. Zissman a skilled, easygoing, and compassionate psychologist.
Carla Laury, LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Carla is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a passion for helping individuals grow and overcome challenging circumstances in life. She is a 2015 graduate from Trinity International University with a Master or Arts degree in Mental Health Counseling. As a bilingual therapist, she provides individual, family, group, and couple’s counseling in both English and Spanish. Carla works with clients of all ages and holds a specific area of expertise in issues of adolescence and young adulthood. Carla’s clinical areas of interest include anxiety, depression, trauma, self-worth, parenting, relationship issues, and life transitions. She strives to bring a genuine and understanding presence to her work with clients. Carla balances a therapeutic approach of light humor with deep self-exploration, increased self-awareness with practical ways for coping, and self-improvement with self-acceptance. She utilizes evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Psychodynamic, Gottman method (for couples), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Carla’s primary goal is to help her clients navigate the twists and turns of mental health struggles, empowering them to reach their therapy goals and live a better life.
Lindsay Treptow, LCSW
Clinical Psychotherapist
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Aurora University (2017), Lindsay has many years of experience in working with children, adolescents, young adults and families across a diverse range of life experiences. She launched her career in working with at-risk youth and families including foster care and early childhood intervention. As an out-patient therapist, Lindsay enjoys working with clients ranging in age from 5 to 65, with a particular passion for helping children, teens, and young adults with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship concerns and issues of life transitions. She also has experience in working with the LGBTQI+ community and providing support for issues specific to this population. Lindsay’s approach is client-centered, which strives to create a safe, empathetic, and collaborative space where clients can explore their emotions, develop coping skills, and work toward personal growth and healing. Lindsay utilizes a combination of techniques, including Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to tailor interventions that are both compassionate and effective. Within the context of a safe, empathetic space and working at a pace most comfortable for her clients, Lindsay is committed to empowering her clients to live fuller, more meaningful lives.
Caitlyn Hansen, LPC, NCC
Child, Adolescent and Family Therapist
Caitlyn received a Masters of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in June of 2023. Her impressive experience with both group and individual therapy in Child and Adolescent Intensive Out-patient and In-patient hospital programs has afforded her a strong clinical foundation from which to build her therapeutic repertoire. Her insight into complex trauma and a variety of acute clinical problems including ADHD, depression, anxiety, parenting concerns, and behavioral problems in children informs her multi-theoretical approach utilizing a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as well as existential and humanistic approaches. Caitlyn’s perspective of therapy involves collaboration between herself and her clients, as well as her clients’ families and surrounding supports. Her ultimate goal is to provide a safe environment and fully understand and assist her clients on their therapeutic journey to reach their goals of healing and living a better life.
Matthew Fleming, LSW
Clinical Psychotherapist
Matt graduated from the University of Chicago with a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW), which emphasized the direct, clinical care of individuals with a broad range of mental health concerns across all age groups and demographics. With his diverse experience, Matt brings a collaborative, person-centered, and culturally humble approach to therapy, prioritizing the unique needs of each client. Utilizing evidence-based therapeutic methods such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Psychodynamic Theory, Matt specializes in addressing anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief and loss, and relationship concerns in children, adolescents, adults and couples. He believes that the foundation of effective therapy lies in building a strong therapeutic relationship and fostering a safe and comfortable space where clients can genuinely express themselves. Committed to authenticity and the healing power of laughter, Matt creates an environment where clients feel supported to be their true selves while navigating their path toward healing and growth.
Danielle Bent, LSW
Clinical Psychotherapist
Danielle received her Master’s of Social Work (MSW) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Over the course of her career, Danielle has worked with a diverse range of populations and clinical approaches, including trauma informed care, adolescent/young adult mental health, eating disorders and concerns specific to the LGBTQIA+ community. In her private practice work, Danielle enjoys working with couples, families, and individuals ranging from the age of 14 through the lifespan. Her areas of clinical specialty include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bereavement/loss/grief, relationship issues, life transitions, and gender/sexuality exploration. Danielle tailors her clinical approach to fit the needs of her clients, using modalities such as CBT, Trauma Focused CBT, DBT, and Psychodynamic theory. Her therapeutic style can be described as eclectic, warm and relational. Danielle truly believes that laughter is the best medicine and healing happens in connection. She strives to make the therapy room a place where clients can be unapologetically themselves and feel heard and respected as they navigate life’s challenges.
Joy Helfers, LPC, NCC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Joy is a Licensed Professional Counselor who brings a warm, empathetic, and welcoming presence to her work. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Cumberlands in 2025 and works with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. Her approach is person-centered and integrative, drawing from psychodynamic therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support clients in navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, shame, and self-criticism. Joy has also received specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and thoughtfully incorporates trauma-informed techniques into her work. Joy is passionate about creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, supported, and understood. She works collaboratively with clients to deepen self-awareness, strengthen self-compassion, and move through life’s challenges with greater clarity and confidence. Her areas of focus include life transitions, stress management, women’s issues, parenting challenges, grief and loss, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Joy believes that the relationship we cultivate with ourselves is central to overall well-being and feels honored to walk alongside her clients as they move toward healing, growth, and lasting change.
Shanda Blancett
Office Manager
Shanda is the Office Manager at Libertyville Counseling Group. She brings 20+ years of management experience to the practice. Her studies focused on Health Information Technology and she has been working in the medical field since graduating. Shanda strives for excellence in customer service as well as being able and available to resolve any client issues that may arise.