Maria A. Cruz, LCSW

The courage to heal begins within - Maria’s vision is to explore the root causes of emotional and psychological concerns through a holistic approach, centered on each individual’s core strengths and capacity for growth. She believes that with the right support, true transformation is possible. Grounded in the values of integrity, respect, and clinical excellence, Maria is dedicated to providing discreet, compassionate care, tailored to support meaningful steps toward healing, resilience, and lasting emotional well-being. Maria works collaboratively with adolescents, adults, families, and couples, offering a safe and supportive space to cultivate self-awareness and work toward meaningful goals. She is especially passionate about partnering with individuals who are open to growth and committed to embracing change. Through authentic connection and motivation, Maria provides empathy, actionable feedback, and measurable progress. She empowers her clients to build a strong foundation for long-term success, supporting not just recovery, but lasting transformation from the inside out. Maria brings extensive experience in supporting clients facing a wide range of concerns, including: • Depression • Anxiety • Trauma • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) • Grief & Loss • Family Conflict • Communication issues • Anger Management • Attachment Issues • Behavioral Issues • Codependency • Relationship Issues/Couples Counseling • Burnout • Coping Skills • Existential Crisis • Mindfulness Maria's therapeutic approach is integrative and thoughtfully tailored to individual needs, drawing from evidence-based modalities that include: • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) • Psychodynamic Therapy • Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) • Family Systems • Motivational Interviewing • Person-Centered • Trauma-Informed Therapy • Solution-Focused Therapy• Strength Based Therapy Licensing: • Illinois • Pennsylvania • Florida • California *Someone will respond to all inquiries within 24-48 business hours. *For emergencies, please do not email. Call 911 or visit your nearest Emergency Room.