Barbara Allen MA,LPC, CTP
Elk Grove Village
Summary
Licensed Professional Counselor with experience providing individual and group therapy to adults with substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, complex trauma, and serious mental illness. Experienced treating individuals with substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, PTSD, and personality disorders using evidence-based, trauma-informed interventions. Combines specialized training in trauma (CTP) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with an integrative therapeutic approach that incorporates creative, expressive art-based interventions to support trauma processing, emotional regulation, and client engagement. Passionate about building authentic therapeutic relationships that empower clients to achieve lasting recovery and meaningful change.
Overview
1
1
Certification
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Substance Use & Co-Occurring Counselor
Ecker Center for Behavioral Health
05.2025 - Current
- Provide individual therapy for adolescents and adults with substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, complex trauma, and serious mental illness.
- Maintain a caseload of up to 30 clients, providing comprehensive assessment, treatment planning, therapy, crisis intervention, and ongoing case management.
- Treat clients with a broad range of diagnoses, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, PTSD, personality disorders, ADHD, OCD, and co-occurring disorders.
- Facilitate two weekly 3-hour evidence-based treatment groups, including an Intensive Outpatient (IOP) group and a trauma-focused Seeking Safety group.
- Utilize evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), trauma-informed care, relapse prevention, mindfulness, and expressive arts-informed interventions.
- Complete biopsychosocial assessments, treatment plans, continued stay reviews (CSRs), discharge planning, and clinical documentation in accordance with agency and Illinois SUPR standards.
- Conduct crisis intervention, suicide risk assessments, safety planning, and referrals to higher levels of care as clinically indicated.
- Collaborate with psychiatrists, primary care providers, hospitals, residential treatment programs, specialty courts, probation officers, DCFS, schools, and community agencies to coordinate comprehensive client care.
- Participate in weekly clinical supervision, multidisciplinary treatment team meetings, and ongoing professional development.
SUD Student Intern
Ecker Center for Behavioral Health
07.2024 - 05.2025
- Provided individual and group counseling to adolescents and adults receiving outpatient substance use and co-occurring mental health treatment under clinical supervision.
- Conducted biopsychosocial assessments, treatment planning, case management, referrals, discharge planning, and clinical documentation.
- Co-facilitated psychoeducational and process groups focused on relapse prevention, trauma recovery, coping skills, emotional regulation, and recovery management.
- Developed clinical experience utilizing CBT, DBT-informed interventions, Motivational Interviewing, trauma-informed care, and expressive arts-informed interventions.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary treatment teams and participated in weekly clinical supervision and case consultation.
Crisis Engagement Specialist/Case Manager
Family Service Association
04.2023 - 01.2024
- Responded to behavioral health crisis calls and conducted crisis assessments to determine immediate safety needs and appropriate levels of care.
- Provided crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, and stabilization for individuals and families experiencing behavioral health emergencies.
- Connected clients with behavioral health, medical, housing, and community resources through coordinated case management and referrals.
- Collaborated with hospitals, law enforcement, and community providers to ensure continuity of care.
- Maintained accurate clinical documentation and participated in regular supervision and professional development.
Education
M.A. - Clinical Psychology – Counseling Practice
Roosevelt University
05.2025
B.F.A. - undefined
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
05.2020
Skills
- Clinical Populations: Adults with substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, serious mental illness, complex trauma, justice-involved clients involved with Specialty courts, probation and DCFS
- Therapeutic Modalities: CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, trauma-informed therapy, expressive arts-informed interventions, psychoeducation, relapse prevention, and mindfulness
- Clinical Services: Individual therapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, biopsychosocial assessments, treatment planning, risk assessment, case management, care coordination, and discharge planning
Certification
- Licensed Professional Counselor (Illinois), 2026
- Certified Trauma Professional (CTP), 2026
- C-DBT Trained, 2026
- IM-CANS Certified, 2026
- CPR & Narcan Certified, 2024
Awards & Honors
Graduate Assistantship – Roosevelt University (2022–2023), President’s Scholar – Oakton Community College (2021–2022), Undergraduate Student Leadership Award – School of the Art Institute of Chicago (2020)
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Polish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Substance Use & Co-Occurring Counselor
Ecker Center for Behavioral Health
05.2025 - Current
SUD Student Intern
Ecker Center for Behavioral Health
07.2024 - 05.2025
Crisis Engagement Specialist/Case Manager
Family Service Association
04.2023 - 01.2024
B.F.A. - undefined
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
M.A. - Clinical Psychology – Counseling Practice
Roosevelt University