Dr. Diana Hinojosa
Clinical Supervisor
Hello! I am a licensed bilingual clinical psychologist. I graduated from the University of Denver with a doctorate in clinical psychology in 2018 and also received my masters in clinical psychology at the University of Denver in 2015. I completed my undergraduate degree at DePaul University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology & Journalism. I have worked with a range of therapeutic interventions and have previous experience in integrated primary care, community mental health, & college counseling.
I believe that through empathy, vulnerability, challenges, and at times laughter we can all find deeper connection and meaning in our lives. My hope is that through our relationship and work together, we can help you find a healing path that feels right for you. Whether you are going through a challenging transition in your life, having difficulty feeling understood/ accepted, and/or are having issues in your relationships, etc, I am here to support you. My commitment to you is that I will try my best to create a space that feels accepting & inviting for you to be able to explore all your questions and goals. Starting this process can feel very intimidating so I commend your commitment to yourself and remind you that I am here to support you along the way.
I have worked on stressors affecting diverse communities (including: immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+ individuals, & issues affecting women). As such, I use a holistic/multicultural perspective and also remain flexible in the evidence-based interventions we may use in treatment. I am a fluent Spanish speaker and offer therapy in Spanish and English.
Dr. Matthew King
Clinical Supervisor
Hello! I am a licensed clinical psychologist and I graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) in 2019. Prior to that, I also completed my Bachelor's degree in psychology and Master's degree in counseling psychology at UIUC.
Choosing to pursue therapy can be a vulnerable choice and one that requires commitment and authenticity. As a gay man, I believe it is particularly important to find a space where you can be your authentic self – my goal is to create that space. I believe that therapy is a place to be vulnerable, learn about yourself, set goals, and develop skills. It is a space that is collaboratively constructed to feel heard, accepted, and adequately challenged in order to non-judgmentally explore whatever brings you to therapy. This includes ensuring that the space is inclusive of all genders, abilities, sexual orientations, racial/ethnic identities, and other salient cultural identities.
So why choose to work with me? As your therapist, I strive for the same qualities that I would seek in my own interpersonal relationships: openness, transparency, acceptance, and goal oriented. My hope is to help you access the skills, confidence, and compassion you already possess.
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Dr. Alex Mylonas
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Greetings! I am a licensed clinical psychologist and I graduated with a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Indianapolis in 2016. I completed my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Rutgers University in 2009 with a minor in east Asian studies. My clinical training took place in a variety of settings including college counseling, community mental health, medical centers, and Veteran’s Affairs hospitals.
Throughout my training I have been exposed to a number of therapeutic models and currently practice from a humanistic-existential perspective integrated with evidenced based practices. I see psychotherapy as an opportunity for clients to experience a relationship in which they can express themselves freely, without fear of judgment or stigma, in a space that encourages them to explore who they are and what gives their lives meaning. Engaging in that relationship means challenging ourselves to confront the things we fear, embracing our unique strengths and needs, and learning how to compassionately care for ourselves. In this therapeutic process, my aim is to support clients wherever possible with tools backed by psychological research, while also collaborating with them to learn more about the person they are trying to become and removing the obstacles in their way.
My hope is that through our work together you will learn more about who you wish to become and what path will take you there.
Natalia Borrero, LCPC
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Hello! I am a licensed clinical professional counselor and received my master of arts degree in Clinical Mental Health from Adler University. I completed my training at a practicum that emphasized social justice and inclusivity at the LGBTQ Mental Health and Inclusion Center. My undergraduate work was at Loyola University where I earned dual bachelor in arts and science in Psychology and Sociology, respectively. From 2011 to 2017, I worked at Between Friends, a nonprofit organization focused on eradicating the cycle of violence and building healthy relationships. As a Senior Prevention and Education Specialist, I facilitated a Teen Dating Violence Prevention Program to youth of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, and gained extensive experience supporting clients coping with unsafe and harmful relationships.
I believe therapy should create a safe space that is empathic, culturally sensitive and inclusive of diverse sexual and gender identities, expressions, and practices. I see my role as a collaborator that seeks to empower my clients to develop a greater understanding of themselves. As a bilingual/bi-cultural therapist, I also enjoy working with women and people of color surrounding issues including race/discrimination, family separation, and other immigration difficulties. I am a native Spanish-speaker and offer therapy in Spanish and in English.
My ideal client is someone who is looking to find authentic self-expression and new paths for growth.
Yvette Fruscione, LCPC
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Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Educational Psychology from Southern Illinois University. I have over 20 years experience working in the mental health field, and have specialized with persons who suffer from chronic difficulties and who are looking to achieve greater independence and quality of life.
Trying to figure out how to overcome daily challenges can be extremely difficult and emotionally overwhelming. My primary goal is to help you become aware of your potential and to overcome personal barriers that have prevented you to achieve your full potential. Together, we can work collaboratively to identify strategies and make changes in your life that will help you reach your personal goals.
My clinical style and approach often explores how our beliefs affect our feelings and behaviors and I believe we are all equipped with what we need to improve our lives, we just may not realize it at times. Throughout my clinical experience, I have utilized various treatment strategies aimed to help my clients reach their goals. Therapy is a journey that I would be committed to helping you learn to accept yourself and explore how past experiences led you to be the person you have become. Starting this journey is a courageous step forward that I would be invested to help you find the answers you are seeking.
Sam Bennett, LPC
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Hello there! I am a licensed professional counselor, and I graduated with a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health from Adler University. I completed my undergraduate studies with a Bachelor's Degree of Science and Humanities at Ball State University with a minor in Psychology of Human Development and an emphasis in Sociology. I am also LGBTQ+ Safe-Zone Trained.
Seeking therapy can be an intimidating experience, and making the decision to start can take courage. I strive to create a safe, empathetic, non-judgmental, relaxed and culturally sensitive environment for each client. I tailor therapy to each individual client in a holistic and inclusive way. This includes an inclusive space for all sexual, gender, and racial/ethnic identities.
Authenticity, compassion and connection are values that I strive to model in both my personal life and therapeutic practice. I currently practice from a Humanistic-Person-Centered perspective while integrating other evidence-based practices. I truly believe that you are the expert on your own life. Thus, you already have the answers within yourself, though they may be clouded at times. I view my role as a collaborator and guide, helping you understand yourself better, to become more compassionate towards yourself, and working to remove any obstacles that may be getting in the way of your overall well-being and happiness. I also see therapy as a space to empower and uncover a fuller and more authentic version of yourself, and to build healthy social connections, all of which are tailored to the unique individual that you are.
Michael Vargas, LSW
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Hello! I am a bicultural and bilingual licensed social worker and can provide services in Spanish. I graduated with a masters in clinical social work from the Jane Addams College of Social Work at UIC in 2018. I also completed my bachelors in social work and a minor in sociology from Northeastern Illinois University. My focus and experience consists of working with teens and adults through the modalities of CBT, DBT informed, Person-Centered Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy.
My focus and approach to therapy is rooted in a multicultural lense and will incorporate a holistic approach to supporting clients towards goals they wish to achieve. I have learned throughout my experience that many of these goals could be focusing on seeking ways to reduce stress, cope with concerns, and address hindrances to life satisfaction. My approach to your therapeutic journey is one that focuses on collaboration and creating a safe space for you to express yourself. I approach my role throughout this process as being empathic, compassionate, understanding, and humorous.
My hope is to support you, seek growth, and assist you in sifting through life's obstacles.
Anissa Garcia, LPC
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Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I am currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Counseling Education and Supervision from Adler University. I received a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Houston Baptist University. I completed my Bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin. Hook’em Horns!
Choosing to invest your time and energy into a therapeutic relationship can be overwhelming. We experience life events differently and in our own way. Therefore, it is important to process challenging events based on your needs and at your pace. You deserve to be met right where you are because you are the expert of your experience. I hope that through our work together I can assist you through presenting problems and provide a pathway to healing. My approach to therapy fosters empowerment, self-compassion, and growth. As a queer-identifying Chicana Therapist I am a strong advocate for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. I look forward to listening to your specific concerns without judgement and helping you to achieve optimal wellness.
“Our job is not to deny the our story but to defy the ending – to rise strong, recognize our story and rumble with the truth until we get to a place where we think, yes, this is what happened, and I will choose how the story ends.” --- Brené Brown
Dennis Haynes, LPC
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Hello! I am a licensed professional counselor with a Masters in Clinical Mental Health from Bradley University. I completed my undergraduate program at the University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I have worked in the mental health field for over ten years, and I have always had a passion for working with people.
Choosing to engage in the therapy process can be an overwhelming and even scary experience. My goal is to eliminate the negative perceptions of the counseling process and help my clients see therapy as a positive path to growth and development. I strive to make my sessions with clients a safe, warm environment where they can genuinely express themselves without judgement. My doors are open to clients of all gender, sexual orientation, and racial/ethnic identities, and as a member of the LGBT community I understand the importance of recognizing how our individual cultural experiences affect our mental health. My process is to work with you as a collaborator to help navigate through the many challenges our daily lives throw at us and improve your understanding of self. I believe growth and self discovery are so important in maximizing our potential and finding happiness within ourselves. If you are an individual who is looking for change and movement in your life, I would value the opportunity to use my knowledge and skills to help you implement that change.
Paul Kang
Clinical Intern
Hello! I am a counselor-in-training, and I am currently pursuing my masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adler University. I received a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology at UIUC in 2019.
Life is filled with many struggles and anxieties that can hinder us in various ways. I believe reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness but rather, a sign of strength. Embarking on a counseling journey can be terrifying and one that may require some courage. Therefore, I aim to create a safe space with compassion and empathy, so you can fully be who you are. Through our partnership in counseling, I hope to guide you in grasping a better understanding of who you are and in achieving your goals.
As a Korean American male, I know there are social barriers that discourage seeking out mental health services and that discourage other marginalized communities. Due to these barriers, I make every effort to foster an inclusive space for all genders, sexual orientations, race and ethnic backgrounds, abilities, and other cultural identities. As a counselor-in-training, I promote authenticity and relationship in the counseling space.
Administrative Staff
Dr. Louis V. Haynes
Executive Director
Hi there! I graduated with a doctorate in clinical psychology at Adler University in 2016 and a masters in counseling psychology from Adler University in 2010. I completed my undergraduate education at the University of Tampa and earned a bachelors degree in psychology and a minor in sociology. I have received advanced training in a variety of therapeutic models, including getting nationally certified as a Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. I am currently licensed as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist as well as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.
As the founder of Arcus Behavioral Health & Wellness, I am extremely passionate about changing and improving the way psychotherapy is globally perceived and understood. Therapy is not what you see on Dr. Phil or in TV shows. It is a safe, nonjudgmental, and non-critical place to learn and understand yourself, your personality, and how to remove some of the barriers that may be getting in the way of your overall happiness and connection with others. Furthermore, I believe therapy should not solely focus on problems but also help you learn how to enhance your life satisfaction and overall well-being. Those are some of the values that I work to embody in our agency culture and clinical team.
Jared Day, LCPC
Associate Director of Development and Administration
Hello all! My name is Jared Day and I am a graduate of the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I started my professional career working in various non-profit fields spanning from case management, individual, and group therapy before starting work with a Medicaid insurance company. Over my time there, I gained valuable experience working on a macro level of thinking and working with teams and the effectiveness of team based interventions on making a difference. A major part of my job was working with providers across the state of Illinois and how we can make a difference by working together. Most recently I worked with the School of Social Work for the last two years at the office of Medicaid innovation; assisting on the IMCANS project helping with teaching and curriculum building across the state of Illinois.
As a believer in the power of mental health services and collaboration, I am excited to be part of a team that expands services in the Chicagoland area and is looking to grow in our mission of serving historically under-represented communities. I hope to expand relationships with community partners for greater goals and greater good. Let's make this a healthier and stronger community together.
Tyler Riat
Development and Administrative Associate
Howdy, I’m Tyler (they/them), and I provide administrative support at Arcus! I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Oklahoma in 2020. During my education, I engaged in a diverse range of volunteering and work centered around community care and psychological research. I became interested in nonprofit work during my senior year, in which I collaborated with a team of students to support a local mental health nonprofit at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonprofits help to fill glaring gaps in our healthcare system, as they provide accessible services to underserved communities.
As a queer, gender-nonconforming person, I believe organizations like Arcus are vital to strengthening the health and wellness of vulnerable groups. While completing my undergraduate degree, I noticed the lack of focus in healthcare for LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, and working-class families. Furthermore, I was stricken by the systemic barriers presented to nonprivileged people when seeking support. I am honored and eager to assist our team while developing my understanding of these communities’ intricate needs. I hope to someday continue my education in the field of psychology and community-centered approaches to health. It is my driving passion to deliver compassionate, culturally sensitive support to my community.