Child • Teen • Young Adult • Adult Counseling | In-Person & Telehealth Across Illinois

Life can feel overwhelming at every stage—from helping a young child manage big emotions, to supporting a teenager through school and friendships, navigating the transition to college, adjusting to adulthood, or balancing work, relationships, and family responsibilities. Whatever brings you to counseling, you deserve a place where you feel genuinely heard, respected, and supported.

I believe counseling should be a collaborative journey built on trust, compassion, and authenticity. My goal is to create a warm, welcoming environment where you can explore life's challenges openly while developing practical tools and meaningful insights that lead to lasting change. Whether we meet in person or through telehealth, I strive to provide a space where you feel comfortable being yourself and confident that we are working together toward your goals.

Areas of Specialty

Riah enjoys working with children, adolescents, teens, young adults, adults, and older adults, providing counseling that is tailored to each individual's unique needs and stage of life.

Children (Ages 6+)

Helping children develop healthy emotional skills through age-appropriate, engaging therapy.

Anxiety and excessive worries
Emotional regulation
School-related concerns
Friendship difficulties
Self-esteem
Behavioral challenges
Family transitions
Building confidence
Coping with change

Teen Counseling

The teenage years can bring tremendous emotional growth along with increased stress. Riah enjoys helping adolescents navigate:

Anxiety
Depression
Academic stress
Social anxiety
Self-esteem
Peer relationships
Identity development
Family conflict
Emotional regulation
Life transitions
College preparation
Coping with change

Young Adults & College Students

One of Riah's greatest professional interests is helping young adults successfully navigate life's biggest transitions.

She has written educational articles on topics including:

Transitioning from high school to college
Managing anxiety during the college years
Building confidence as a young adult
Adjusting to college life
Transitioning from college into the workforce
Navigating early adulthood
Developing independence
Managing uncertainty during career transitions

She understands that these milestones often involve uncertainty, increased responsibility, loneliness, self-doubt, and anxiety. Her goal is to help clients build resilience while gaining practical tools that make these transitions more manageable and rewarding.

Adult Counseling

Adults often face competing responsibilities involving work, relationships, parenting, health, and personal growth. Riah provides compassionate support for:

Anxiety disorders
Depression
Stress management
Life transitions
Relationship concerns
Self-esteem
Personal growth
Emotional wellness
Work-related stress
Interpersonal challenges
Adjustment concerns

Conditions Commonly Treated

Anxiety Disorders
Depression
Self-Esteem Concerns
Stress Management
School Difficulties
College Adjustment
Career Transitions
Family Conflict
Relationship Issues
Social Anxiety
Emotional Regulation
Identity Development
Life Transitions
Personal Growth
Interpersonal Challenges

Riah's Counseling Philosophy

I believe every client has their own unique story, strengths, and goals. Because of this, therapy should never be "one-size-fits-all." My counseling style is collaborative, compassionate, and individualized, allowing us to find the approaches that work best for you.

I want clients to feel welcomed into a warm environment with a friendly smile while having conversations that lead to meaningful growth and practical changes that improve everyday life. Healing often begins when people feel safe enough to be honest with themselves and someone else.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

One evidence-based approach I frequently incorporate is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are deeply connected. Sometimes emotional distress develops because we've become stuck in patterns of thinking that no longer serve us well. Together, we'll identify these patterns, gently challenge them, and replace them with healthier, more balanced ways of thinking.

Therapy is an active process, and I enjoy making it practical and engaging. Depending on your goals, we may:

Keep thought journals
Practice coping strategies
Create visual reminders
Learn mindfulness skills
Rehearse healthier ways of thinking
Build confidence through real-life practice

Small changes practiced consistently often create meaningful improvements over time.

Psychodynamic Therapy

I also integrate psychodynamic therapy, exploring how past experiences, significant relationships, and longstanding emotional patterns continue to influence present thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Developing insight into these experiences often helps clients understand themselves more deeply while creating healthier relationships and lasting emotional growth.

Understanding the past isn't about staying stuck there—it's about using that knowledge to move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Person-Centered Counseling

Everything I do is grounded in a person-centered philosophy.

I believe every person's experiences, emotions, and perspectives deserve empathy and respect.

Many coping strategies that people carry today once helped them survive difficult circumstances. While those strategies may have been protective in the past, they may no longer support the life they want today.

Therapy offers an opportunity to honor those experiences while developing healthier ways of responding to life's challenges.

When asked about her counseling philosophy, Riah shared:

"It is important to recognize each client's strengths and experiences, even when they are struggling or hurting. I want people to feel understood while helping them discover new perspectives, build resilience, and move toward the goals that matter most to them."

Helping Clients Navigate Life's Biggest Transitions

Riah has developed a particular passion for helping clients navigate periods of significant change.

Whether that means:

Starting middle school
Entering high school
Preparing for college
Beginning college
Graduating college
Starting a new career
Entering adulthood
Adjusting to new family roles

she believes these moments often become opportunities for tremendous personal growth.

Her published educational articles explore many of these transitions and provide practical strategies for managing anxiety, uncertainty, confidence, and resilience throughout life's changing seasons.

Education & Professional Background

Riah Castillo earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Governors State University.

She is an Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor practicing under the clinical supervision of Tim Jenkins, LCPC, ensuring collaborative, evidence-based care while continuing her professional development.

Appointment Options

Riah offers flexible appointment options designed to meet your family's needs.

✔ In-person counseling

✔ Secure telehealth appointments

✔ Hybrid scheduling (combine office and virtual visits)

She welcomes children, adolescents, teens, college students, adults, older adults, and families throughout Illinois.

Schedule an Appointment

Whether you're seeking counseling for your child, your teenager, yourself, or another member of your family, Riah is committed to creating a compassionate, welcoming environment where healing, confidence, and growth can flourish.

She looks forward to partnering with you as you build healthier relationships, strengthen emotional resilience, navigate life's transitions, and move toward the future you envision.

Ready to get started?

Schedule your appointment today at CounselingAppointments.com or contact our office to learn more about available in-person and telehealth appointments throughout Illinois.

Riah Castillo, M.A.